Cooking can leave grease stains on our kitchen cabinets, especially those made of wood. But don’t worry, cleaning them up can be simple and safe.
You may have wondered how to remove grease from kitchen cabinets without damaging the wood. Let’s find out!
Tools to Clean Greasy Stains
Before diving into the task itself, it’s important to have the right tools at hand:
A soft microfiber cloth or sponge
Warm water
Mild dish soap (For example, Murphy Oil Soap or Castile Soap)
White vinegar
Baking soda
Lemon
Warm Water & Dish Soap Solution
Keeping your wood kitchen cabinets clean doesn’t have to be a tough job. You can start with something as simple as warm water and dish soap.
Mix a squirt of soap into a bucket of water. This gentle solution is non-abrasive, meaning that it is perfect for cutting through grease and everyday dirt without harming the cabinet surface.
Just grab a soft cloth or sponge, dip it into the soapy water, and lightly wipe away any greasy areas. It’s important to use a soft touch to avoid damaging your cabinets.
After cleaning, wipe down the surface of the cabinets with clean water to remove any lingering dish soap.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda is a natural cleaning product can be used to clean greasy kitchen cabinets. It can break down the grease without damaging the wooden surface.
Paste: First, mix the baking soda with a little water until you have a thick paste. This mixture is gentle yet effective. Take a small amount of paste and spread it over the greasy area.
Wait It Out: Now, patience is key. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to work its magic. During this time, the baking soda will start to break down the grease. After a few minutes, grab a soft sponge.
Scrub: Gently scrub the area where you applied the paste. You’ll notice that the grease starts to lift away without much effort. This is because baking soda is a natural abrasive that’s strong on dirt but soft on surfaces.
Rinse: Once you’ve scrubbed the spot, it’s time to rinse. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the residue. You’ll see the grease come off with it. After you’ve removed all the paste, take a dry cloth and wipe the area until it’s completely dry.
White Vinegar: An Acidic Cleaner
By mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, you create an effective grease-cutting spray. The acidity in the vinegar works wonders in breaking down the grease, making the wood cabinets easier to clean.
Spray the solution directly onto the surfaces of your cabinets. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This waiting period gives the vinegar time to work its magic.
Next, take a damp cloth and wipe down the greasy residues. The grease will come off much easier than with water alone.
Vinegar & Salt Paste For Stubborn Stains
For those stubborn grease spots that just won’t budge, you can step up your game. Create a paste using vinegar and salt. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to remove the grease and grime without harming your cabinets.
Apply a small amount of the paste to an old toothbrush. Gently scrub the tough spots in a circular motion. Once you’ve loosened the grease, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
When cleaning with vinegar, always ventilate the area well. Although it’s a natural cleaner, the smell can be quite strong.
Lemon Freshness
Lemons are packed with citric acid, which is a natural disinfectant that can clean greasy cabinets effectively.
Grab a spray bottle. Combine baking soda with warm water to dissolve the soda and create a homemade cleaning solution. Then, squeeze in the lemon juice, which will break down grease and provide a pleasant, clean aroma.
Application: Quick and Effective
A few spritzes on the surfaces will do—there’s no need to drench them. The cleaning mixture needs a bit of time to work its magic, so let it sit for a few minutes. This waiting period allows the lemon juice to cut through the grease.
Scrubbing Away the Grime
Now, grab a sponge. Gently scrub where you’ve sprayed the cleaner. You’ll notice that the grease starts to lift away without the need for harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing.
Rinse and Shine
After you’ve scrubbed the cabinets, it’s important to remove any leftover cleaner. Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any baking soda or lemon residue. This step is crucial to prevent any potential stickiness or film from forming on your cabinets.
Drying: The Final Touch
Drying is just as important as the cleaning itself. Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe down the cabinets until they’re completely dry. This will not prevent stains and give your cabinets that desired shine.
Keeping Sticky Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets
Keeping a clean kitchen is essential in the cooking process. Preventing grease in the first place is the best way to ensure your kitchen cabinets look clean.
Use Kitchen Fans or Open Windows
When you’re cooking, lots of steam and grease can escape into the air. To stop this, turn on your kitchen fan or open a window. This will help pull the grease particles in the air out of your kitchen so it doesn’t stick to your cabinets.
Cover Your Pans
Use a lid or a splatter screen over your pans to keep those little grease droplets from jumping onto your cabinets while cooking.
Regular Wiping with Soapy Water
To avoid grease build-up, wipe them down regularly with soapy water. A gentle dish soap mixed with warm water works well.
Use Liners or Grease Guards
Inside your cabinets, you can protect shelves with liners or grease guards. These are special sheets that catch any drips or spills.
Clean Spills Right Away
If something spills or splatters, clean it up as soon as you can. The longer grease sits, the harder it is to get off.
Wash Your Greasy Hands Often While Cooking
Our hands can get pretty greasy when we’re making food. Make sure to wash them often, especially before touching cabinet handles or doors.
Clean Away!
Cleaning sticky grease off kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a chore or a worry. With the right tools and the natural cleaners mentioned above, you can keep your wooden cabinets looking as good as new.
Remember to clean gently and regularly, and your kitchen will always be a place where happy meals and clean cabinets live together.
