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The Best Kitchen Cabinet Degreasers for a Sparkling Clean Kitchen

Over time, kitchen cabinets accumulate sticky layers of oil and grease from cooking. While a regular cleaning helps, those baked-on stains require a powerful degreaser to completely remove. Keep reading as we break down the best degreasers for tackling greasy kitchen cabinets and restoring a sparkling shine.

Greasy cabinets aren't just unsightly — they're unhygienic. Grease residue provides the perfect home for germs and bacteria. It also contaminates food preparation areas and utensils stored in the cabinets. For health and safety, it's important to fully eliminate grease.

best kitchen cabinet degreaser

Choosing the Most Effective Cabinet Degreaser

With so many options on the market, how do you pick the best degreaser for your kitchen cabinets? Here are the main types of degreasers and key factors to consider:

Types of Degreasers

Citrus or solvent-based store-bought degreasers use natural citrus oils or powerful solvents to cut through grease. Look for ones specially formulated for kitchen degreasing. DIY options like baking soda scrub or diluted vinegar work well too.

You can find degreasers in convenient ready-to-use sprays, scrubs with abrasives, and disposable wipes. Sprays are quick and easy for large areas. Scrubs help lift tough stains. Wipes are great for small touch-ups.

Choosing the Right Degreaser

The most important factor is the degreaser's ability to power through baked-on oil and grease. Check that it's safe for your cabinet materials too.

Consider the toxicity and fumes. Many chemical degreasers contain harsh ingredients and require gloves and ventilation. Natural options are safer for you and the environment.

Also think about ease of use. Is it a ready-to-use spray or will you have to mix a DIY solution? How much rubbing and scrubbing is required?

Recommended Degreasers

Here are our top recommendations for tackling greasy kitchen cabinets:

How to Degrease Kitchen Cabinets

Now let's look at the process for effectively degreasing cabinets from start to finish:

Prep Your Cabinets

Before degreasing, remove everything from your cabinets. Clear countertops and cover appliances. Dust cabinet exteriors so the degreaser can penetrate.

Always test your cleaner on a small inconspicuous spot first. Check for any damage or discoloration after a few minutes.

Apply Degreaser and Scrub

Spray or wipe the degreaser liberally over cabinet surfaces. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so it can soak into the grease. Then use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to gently scrub.

Focus on stained areas but cover cabinets systematically. Scrub using circular motions. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.

For stubborn grease, create a baking soda paste. The grit will help lift grime as you scrub.

Rinse and Dry

Once scrubbed, rinse cabinets thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue. Be sure to get into cracks and corners.

Dry with a clean lint-free cloth. Allow cabinets to fully air dry before replacing contents. Avoid letting water pool or sit too long to prevent possible damage.

You can finish with an optional buffing using a microfiber cloth once completely dry. This removes any last water spots and leaves cabinets gleaming.

Maintaining Freshly Degreased Cabinets

To keep kitchen cabinets looking pristine after degreasing, implement these maintenance tips:

Prevent Grease Buildup

The key is keeping grease from accumulating in the first place. Immediately wipe up cooking splatters before they congeal. Ventilate with a range hood.

Clean cabinets regularly using a mild detergent. This prevents heavy staining between deep cleaning.

Schedule Deep Degreasing

How often you need to degrease depends on cooking frequency. Signs it's time include visible oil layers, sticky surfaces, and increased kitchen grime.

For moderate use, degrease every 2-3 months. High-use kitchens may need it monthly.

Spot Clean Grease

For minor grease spots between deep cleans, use targeted spot cleaning. Degreasing wipes are perfect for quick touch ups.

You can also mix a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Spray spots, let sit briefly, then wipe away.

FAQs

Can I use homemade degreaser on wood cabinets?

Yes, homemade solutions like baking soda scrub, diluted vinegar spray, or citrus-based cleaners are safe for finished wood. Avoid over-wetting and test first.

What should I wear when using strong degreasing chemicals?

Wear gloves to protect skin. Use goggles to shield eyes. Ventilate the area. Check label for any other precautions like masks.

How do you get grease off cabinets without damaging them?

Use a mild abrasive like baking soda and gentle scrubbing. Avoid harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly. Dry immediately after to prevent water damage.

What is the most effective kitchen cabinet degreaser?

Store-bought citrus degreasers work extremely well to dissolve thick grease fast. Products made specifically for kitchen degreasing are best.

Top choices are citrus sprays, baking soda scrub, and undiluted white vinegar. All cut through stubborn grease without damaging cabinets when used properly.