Banish Grease Stains from Kitchen Cabinets in 3 Easy Steps
If you spend any time cooking in the kitchen, chances are grease spills and splatters have left your cabinets looking worse for wear. That sticky film covering your cabinet doors and frames not only looks unsightly, but it also traps dirt and grime. Getting rid of grease on kitchen cabinets may seem daunting, but with a few simple cleaning solutions and techniques, you can erase tough grease stains and restore your cabinets' shine.
No need for dangerously harsh chemicals - just dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and a little elbow grease. Read on to learn how to thoroughly clean cabinets of all materials and prevent future grease buildup.
Step 1: Remove Surface Grease
Start by tackling any loose grease sitting on the surface of cabinets. This initial clean will get rid of the top layer of grime so you can move onto tougher set-in stains.
Mix a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid like Dawn with warm water in a bowl. Using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, wipe down cabinet surfaces to lift grease. Pay special attention to areas around the stove, countertops and handles where grease accumulates. For laminate cabinets, scrub gently along seams where grease tends to settle.
Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water to eliminate greasy residue. Change rinse water frequently to prevent grease from resettling. Reapply the soapy solution and scrub again if needed until cabinets are free of surface grease.
Tips for Removing Surface Grease
- Try a degreasing dish soap like Dawn for best results
- Change rinse water frequently so grease isn't redeposited
- Focus on areas near stove and countertops where grease accumulates
- For laminate cabinets, pay special attention to seams where grease collects
Step 2: Treat Set-In Grease
Once surface grease is gone, it's time to tackle the set-in grease that's seeped into cabinet crevices and etched onto surfaces over time. This requires a slightly more heavy-duty solution.
Make a natural degreasing paste by mixing 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap. The baking soda works as a gentle abrasive while the vinegar dissolves greasy grime. Apply the paste onto soiled areas using a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
Let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the ingredients time to break down the grease. Then scrub to release the grime - a little elbow grease goes a long way here! Rinse thoroughly with clean water once all grease is removed.
Tips for Removing Set-In Grease
- Spot test homemade cleaner first on inconspicuous spot
- For wood cabinets, limit moisture to avoid damage
- Use old toothbrush to scrub crevices and etched areas
Step 3: Polish and Protect
With grease stains banished, finish by polishing cabinets to restore their luster. Use a microfiber cloth and a small amount of glass cleaner to buff surfaces. This removes any leftover cleaning product residues while making cabinets gleam.
Lastly, apply a protectant to repel future grease. Beeswax wood conditioner works well for wooden cabinet frames, while laminate polishes formulated for kitchen use seal seams on laminate cabinetry. For stainless steel cabinets and appliances, stainless steel polishes add protection from fingerprints and smudges.
Tips for Polishing and Protecting Cabinets
- Use soft cloth and minimal pressure when polishing
- Test protectants first on inconspicuous spot
- Re-apply protectants seasonally or as needed
With this simple 3-step process, you can erase tough grease stains and give your kitchen cabinets a much-needed refresh. The best part is it uses common household staples - no need for harsh chemical cleaners that can degrade cabinet finishes. A little time and elbow grease gives you results that shine.
Keeping cabinets grease-free moving forward prevents future buildup and keeps your kitchen looking its best. Just be sure to wipe spills quickly, wash cabinets routinely, and re-apply protectants so grease doesn't have a chance to accumulate again. With consistent care, your cabinets will look like new for years to come.