How To Degrease Kitchen Cabinets

Last updated on January 3rd, 2025

Grease-stained kitchen cabinets can quickly dull the sparkle of your kitchen. It’s easy to ignore them while scrubbing countertops and floors, but those sticky surfaces are a magnet for dust and grime, slowly accumulating layer by layer. Fear not!

With the right cleaning hacks and a bit of elbow grease, you can restore the luster of your cabinets in no time. Whether they’re wood, laminate, or glass-front, we’ll guide you through the best ways to degrease your cabinets and keep them looking fabulous.

1. Know Your Cabinet Material – It Matters!

Before diving into your degreasing mission, it’s crucial to understand the type of material your cabinets are made of. Each material has different needs and tolerances for cleaning agents. Misusing a cleaner could cause more harm than good, leading to dull finishes or damage.

–Wood Cabinets: Beautiful and timeless, wood cabinets need special care. Harsh chemicals can strip their protective sealant. Always check the manufacturer’s guide or use mild cleaning solutions like a mixture of warm water and dish soap.

–Painted Cabinets: These surfaces can be sensitive to excess moisture. It’s best to apply the cleaner to a cloth first, wringing out excess moisture before wiping. This prevents paint from peeling or warping.

–Laminate Cabinets: Laminate is quite forgiving. Most non-abrasive cleaners work well, but avoid anything harsh that might scratch the surface.

–Glass-front Cabinets: Often set in a wooden or laminate frame, glass-front cabinets need a dual approach. Use a gentle glass cleaner for the panels, and a suitable cleaner for the frame material.

2. Arm Yourself with the Right Tools and Cleaners

The key to effective cleaning lies in using the right tools and cleaning agents. Here’s a quick checklist:

–Microfiber Cloths: Perfect for trapping dust and grease without scratching surfaces.

–Non-Scratch Abrasive Sponges: Great for tougher grime without causing damage.

–Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from strong cleaning agents.

–Degreasing Agents: From heavy-duty ammonia-based cleaners to gentle dish soaps, choose based on your cabinet material.

3. Get Your Hands Dirty: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

With tools and cleaners in hand, it’s time to tackle that grease. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

–Start with Cabinet Door Fronts: Apply your chosen degreaser to a microfiber cloth. Work from the top down, wiping the fronts in a circular motion to lift grease.

–Move to the Door Edges: Open the cabinet doors and continue cleaning the top, sides, and bottom edges. This area is often neglected but tends to accumulate grime.

–Clean the Cabinet Frame: With doors still open, wipe down the frames. Apply more degreaser as needed to remove all residue.

–Don’t Forget the Inside: While the exterior gets most of the attention, the interior, especially on glass-front cabinets, can also accumulate grease. Clean the inner panels thoroughly.

4. Choosing the Right Degreaser for the Job

Not all degreasers are created equal. Depending on your cabinets and your personal preferences, here’s how to pick the best one:

–Ammonia-Based Degreasers: Mix equal parts ammonia and water for a potent grease-fighting solution. Use in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your skin.

–Citrus Oil Degreasers: These are popular for their natural scent and effective cleaning. However, always check the ingredients to ensure they are safe for your cabinet material.

–Dish Soap: A gentler option, perfect for regular maintenance. Choose a grease-cutting formula like Dawn for best results, and consider pairing it with a non-scratch sponge for tougher spots.

5. Keep Grease at Bay – Pro Tips for Maintenance

Now that your cabinets are sparkling clean, let’s keep them that way with some proactive tips:

–Cook with Lids and Splatter Shields: Reduce the spread of grease by covering pots and pans while cooking.

–Use Your Range Hood: Always turn on the range hood when cooking to capture airborne grease particles.

–Wipe Down Regularly: After each cooking session, wipe down cabinets with a mild cleaner to prevent grease from building up.

–Line Cabinet Tops: For upper cabinets, consider lining the tops with wax paper. This collects grease and dust, making cleaning a breeze—just replace the paper regularly.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Grease Game

Degreasing your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge, tools, and routine, you can maintain that fresh, clean look in your kitchen. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to less scrubbing and more sparkling! So, why not start today? And if you need more handy tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out other posts on the Homebliss blog. Keep your kitchen fabulous and grease-free!

Feel ready to tackle your kitchen cabinets? Share your cleaning victories with us, and be sure to explore more home care guides on our blog!