Greasy Cabinets? Learn My Method to Restore Them to Sparkling

If you cringe every time you look at your kitchen cabinets, you're not alone. Over time, grease from cooking inevitably splatters and leaves behind a grimy film that makes cabinet surfaces look dull and dirty. Not only are greasy cabinets an eyesore, but they also attract more dust and dirt, provide a breeding ground for germs, and can even lead to permanent staining or damage if left untreated.

If you want your cabinets looking fresh and clean again, don't resort to replacing them just yet. With the right cleaning solutions and a little elbow grease, you can dissolve that greasy buildup and restore the like-new shine. Here, I'll walk through my proven process for removing every trace of grease and restoring a gleaming finish.

Why Grease Builds Up on Cabinets and Why It's a Problem

How Grease Gets There

Grease accumulation happens gradually over time. Day-to-day cooking results in little spatters landing on cabinet surfaces near the stove and range. Frying foods generates tiny grease droplets that fly through the air and stick to any surface they land on. The more you cook, the more these tiny amounts of oil build up.

Opening cabinets during cooking also allows steam and cooking fumes to condense and leave an oily film. Infrequent cleaning gives the grease time to solidify, turn gummy, and attract more dirt and dust.

Issues Caused by Grease

Aside from just being unsightly, grease stains on your cabinets cause a few problems:

• Greasy residue attracts dirt, dust, and grime, making cabinets appear even dirtier over time.
• Oils provide a breeding ground for bacteria and germs to grow.
• Grease soaks deeper into cabinet finishes over time, leading to permanent staining or damage.
• Thick grease buildup looks extremely unappealing on nice kitchen cabinetry.

Regular cleaning keeps grease from accumulating and prevents these issues from occurring. But many homeowners wait until grease is clearly visible before taking action. At that point, removing grease takes more heavy-duty cleaners and scrubbing.

Assessing the Level of Grease Buildup

Before choosing a cleaning method, assess how much grease has built up on your cabinets. This determines what type of degreaser and level of scrubbing is needed.

Light Grease

Light grease buildup includes recent splatters from cooking or a thin, almost unnoticeable film. Often a basic all-purpose cleaner is enough to cut through and remove light grease.

Medium Grease

Medium grease buildup means clearly visible slick spots and noticeable shiny residue across surfaces. Targeted grease-cutting cleaners, scrubbing, and some elbow grease will be needed to remove medium levels of grease.

Heavy Grease

With heavy grease buildup, you'll see thick gummy deposits, especially along the tops of cabinets. Heavy greasy layers need heavy-duty degreasing solutions. Scouring with baking soda or mild abrasives may be necessary, along with potential light sanding afterwards if stains persist.

Must-Have Cleaning Supplies for Removing Grease

Having the right grease-cutting cleaners and tools on hand is essential for removing every trace of oil from your cabinets. Here are the must-have items to assemble:

Dish Soap

An inexpensive bottle of dish soap like Dawn is highly effective at breaking down grease due to the surfactants (or surface-active-agents) in the formula. Dilute a couple squirts in warm water in a spray bottle to make an easy cabinet degreaser. The soap molecules surround and dissolve oily residue.

Baking Soda

Non-toxic baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to scour away grease. Mix it with just enough warm water to form a spreadable paste. The grittiness of the baking soda helps lift off sticky oil buildup as you scrub.

White Vinegar

The acetic acid in undiluted white vinegar cuts right through grease and oil. Pour some into a spray bottle and spritz directly onto greasy cabinet areas, let it sit briefly, then wipe away.

Scrub Brushes and Sponges

Having an assortment of scrub brushes, toothbrushes, and sponges allows you to apply elbow grease to get grease off. Scrubbing helps agitate and dissolve grease so it can be rinsed away. The bristles also help reach into cracks and crevices.

Microfiber Cloths

Lint-free microfiber cloths are perfect for buffing and polishing cabinets after cleaning. They easily pick up dissolved grease residue without leaving behind lint or scratching the finish.

TSP Substitute Cleaner

Most TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaners were reformulated after TSP was banned for consumer use. But TSP substitutes, like Dirtex, still contain phosphates that cut through tough grease and grime. Rinse cabinets thoroughly after use.

Step-by-Step Process for Removing Grease

Once you've assessed the grease situation and gathered your supplies, follow these steps to thoroughly clean cabinets:

Prepare the Workspace

Start by taking cabinet doors off the frames so you can access all sides. Remove drawers as well. Have your cleaning supplies ready - a spray bottle of degreasing solution, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, etc. Spread out plastic sheets or towels to protect surrounding surfaces from drips.

Clean Greasy Cabinet Frames

With doors detached, spray a grease-cutting cleaner onto cabinet frames and let it soak in briefly. For light grease, dish soap and water works well. For heavy buildup, use undiluted vinegar or a TSP substitute cleaner. Scrub with a brush, getting into corners. Rinse thoroughly with a clean, wet microfiber cloth to remove all cleaner residue.

Clean Doors and Drawer Fronts

Clean doors and drawer fronts separately from cabinet frames so grime doesn’t transfer. Dish soap and warm water is ideal for light grease. For heavier buildup, spray on some vinegar and let it sit, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Baking soda paste also works wonders to dissolve thick, caked-on grease.

Stubborn Grease Removal

For stubborn grease that won’t budge, let baking soda paste or vinegar sit longer before scrubbing and rinsing. Try scrubbing with a mild abrasive pad. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia that could damage finishes. Thorough rinsing is key to remove all residues.

Finish and Prevent Future Buildup

Once cabinets are cleaned, polish them with a dry microfiber cloth. Implement a regular gentle cleaning routine with dish soap and water to prevent heavy grease accumulation in the future. Also use cabinet ventilation hoods, range vents, or open windows when cooking greasy foods.

FAQs: Common Grease Cleaning Questions Answered

What is the easiest DIY grease cleaner?

The easiest homemade grease cleaner is a solution of warm water, a couple tablespoons of dish soap, and a splash of vinegar. The soap cuts grease, while the vinegar helps dissolve oil and removes any soap film. Spray it on and wipe clean with a cloth.

How do you get old grease stains off wood cabinets?

For tough, set-in grease stains on wood, make a poultice with baking soda and just enough water to form a thick paste. Spread it on the stains, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub with a damp cloth. The baking soda’s grittiness helps lift even old stains.

What mistakes should I avoid when cleaning greasy cabinets?

Don’t use harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach or acidic cleaners that could damage wood or laminate cabinet finishes. Avoid excessive water and letting any moisture seep into cabinet joints or edges. Wipe any drips promptly. Also, don’t apply too much pressure when scrubbing, and take doors off to clean both sides.

How can I restore my cabinets so they look like new?

Once grease is removed, finish by polishing cabinets with a microfiber cloth. Use olive oil or a cabinet conditioning cream to nourish wood and restore its glow. For laminate cabinets, apply a protectant sealant to help resist future stains and grease. Replace old hardware for an updated look.

To prevent heavy grease accumulation, wipe down cabinet surfaces near the stove weekly with a mild soap and water solution. Clean doors, frames and interiors every 1-2 months. Mop under cabinets regularly too. Frequent light cleaning prevents having to deep clean for grease.

With the right techniques and products, it is possible to remove every trace of grease from your kitchen cabinets. Gradually restoring them to a clean, shiny state takes some work, but the results are worth it. Your newly sparkling cabinets will look miles better and become a source of pride in your kitchen again.