How to Clean Sticky Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets

How to Clean That Annoying Sticky Grease Off Your Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where families gather to cook and share meals. However, with all the cooking and food preparation in the kitchen, it’s no surprise that kitchen cabinets can quickly become coated in sticky grease. Over time, this buildup can make your cabinets look unsightly and create a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Fortunately, there are effective methods and techniques to clean sticky grease off kitchen cabinets, restoring their appearance and hygiene. This article will explore various methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you tackle this common kitchen cleaning challenge.

First, Gather Your Supplies

Gathering the necessary supplies before cleaning your kitchen cabinets is essential. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Warm water
• Dish soap or a mild detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A microfiber cloth or sponge
• A bucket or large bowl
• A soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush
• A clean, dry cloth or paper towels
• Optional: Commercial cabinet degreaser

Once these items are ready, you can proceed with the cleaning process.

Remove Items and Protect Surroundings

Remove any items from the cabinet surfaces to clean your kitchen cabinets thoroughly. This will make the cleaning process more accessible and ensure you don’t accidentally damage or stain any kitchenware. Additionally, you should take precautions to protect the surrounding areas of your kitchen. Grease and cleaning solutions can sometimes splatter, so consider placing towels or plastic sheets on the countertop and floor to catch any drips or spills.

Test a Small Area

Before applying any cleaning solution to your kitchen cabinet surface, it’s wise to test a small, inconspicuous area first. This will help ensure your cleaning method doesn’t damage or discolor your cabinet’s finish. To do this, dampen a corner of your microfiber cloth or sponge with your chosen cleaning solution (we’ll discuss these solutions later), and gently scrub a small portion of the cabinet.

After a few minutes, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth and check for any adverse effects. If there are no issues, you can clean the entire cabinet.

Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Use several effective cleaning solutions to remove sticky grease from kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the most commonly used options:

• Dish Soap and Warm Water: A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap or a gentle detergent is a safe and effective way to clean kitchen cabinets. The soap will help break down the grease, while the warm water provides a gentle cleaning action.
• White Vinegar and Water: White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner with degreasing properties. Mix white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle for an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
• Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift grease and grime from cabinet surfaces. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
• Commercial Cabinet Degreaser: Many cabinet degreasers are available if you prefer a commercial product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.

Ultimately, choose the cleaning solution that best suits your preferences and the grease buildup on your cabinets.

Start Cleaning

Once you’ve chosen your preferred cleaning solution and tested a small area, it’s time to clean the entire cabinet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively remove sticky grease:

• Step 1: Dip your microfiber cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution. Make sure it’s damp but not dripping.
• Step 2: Gently scrub the greasy areas of the cabinet using small circular motions. Pay extra attention to the areas with the most significant grease buildup.
• Step 3: Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub more effectively for stubborn, caked-on grease. Be gentle to avoid scratching the cabinet’s finish.
• Step 4: Once thoroughly scrubbing the cabinet, allow the cleaning solution to sit on the surface for a few minutes. This will give it time to break down the grease.
• Step 5: After letting the solution sit, use a clean, damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution and grease residue. You may need to rinse and wring out the cloth or sponge several times during this process.
• Step 6: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to dry the cabinet’s surface thoroughly. Moisture can damage wood and paint finishes, so it’s crucial to ensure the cabinets are completely dry.

In some cases, especially if the grease buildup is extensive, you may need to repeat the cleaning process to achieve the desired results. Follow the steps outlined above until the cabinets are clean and grease-free.

How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets?

The frequency with which you should clean your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including your cooking habits, the amount of grease and grime that accumulates, and your personal preferences for cleanliness. Here are some general guidelines: 

1. Regular Maintenance: It’s a good practice to regularly perform light cleaning and maintenance on your cabinets, ideally weekly or bi-weekly. This routine maintenance includes wiping cabinet surfaces with a damp cloth to remove surface dust, food splatters, and minor spills. This helps prevent the accumulation of sticky residue and makes deep cleaning less daunting.
2. High-Use Areas: Cabinets near your stove or oven, where grease and cooking splatters are more likely to occur, may require more frequent cleaning. Pay extra attention to these cabinets and clean them as needed, whether once a week or more, depending on your cooking habits.
3.  Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning your kitchen cabinets, including removing sticky grease and grime, should be done on a less frequent basis, such as every few months or as needed. This more thorough cleaning process involves cleaning solutions and techniques to address built-up grease and dirt.
4. Seasonal Cleaning: Some people prefer deep kitchen cleaning seasonally, such as in the spring and fall, as part of their more extensive home cleaning routine. This can help maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of your kitchen.
5. Special Events: If you’re hosting a special event, holiday gathering, or a party where you anticipate heavy kitchen use, it’s a good idea to give your cabinets a thorough cleaning beforehand to ensure they look their best for your guests.

Pay attention to signs of grease buildup, such as cabinets feeling sticky to the touch or developing a dull appearance.  By following these guidelines and taking preventive measures to minimize grease buildup in the first place, you can keep your kitchen cabinets looking clean and well-maintained. Doing so will make your kitchen more inviting for family gatherings and meal preparation and a healthier environment for your culinary adventures.

If your kitchen cabinets need a deep cleaning and you simply don’t have time, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Contact Clean Nation Company

Call Clean Nation Company at (509) 217-4729 to learn more about our services, request a free quote, or book a cleaning. We are dedicated to providing high-quality cleaning services in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding area.  We look forward to helping you keep your home looking and feeling its best.