Kitchen cabinets are a prime target for grease splashes and sticky hands, leading to dull and grimy-looking cabinetry. You can remove most kitchen grease with gentle supplies you already have. For thick layers of old grease, you may need a special kitchen degreasing spray.
What to Consider Before Degreasing
Before degreasing your cabinets, consider the material. Almost any product works on laminate cabinetry, but take caution with solid wood and painted cabinets.
Most degreasers are highly alkaline, which is what helps them break down oily residue. Unfortunately, the alkalinity can also remove the sealant and stain. When degreasing wood cabinetry, use the mildest cleaning solution first and then move to a manufacturer-recommended degreaser if needed.
Painted cabinets – whether painted laminate or wood – also need delicate care. Using excess moisture or abrasive products can lead to knicks and peeling paint. Take extreme caution if you have a matte paint sheen on your cabinets – matte or flat finishes don’t hold up well to cleanings.
The Best Degreasers for Your Kitchen Cabinets
The best gentle degreaser for kitchen cabinets is a mixture of dish soap and water. Dishsoap is PH neutral, making it safe for all surface types, and has the power to dislodge grease and grime.
For severe build-up, use a high-powered degreaser. Check for manufacturer recommendations and do a spot test in an inconspicuous place before use. Most kitchen degreasers are formulated to remove burnt-on food and grease from stove tops, ovens, and non-porous surfaces but can strip sealant and paint from cabinets.
Some popular degreasers include Easy-Off Kitchen Degreaser, Krud Kutter Kitchen Degreaser, and Zep Heavy Duty Citrus Cleaner.
How to Degrease Your Kitchen Cabinets – Step-by-Step
To degrease your kitchen cabinets, you’ll need Dawn dish soap, a small bucket or basin, warm water, and a microfiber cloth.
Step 1- Mix Water and Dishsoap
Add warm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap to your bucket. Use your hand or a cooking utensil to swirl the mixture.
Step 2: Dampen Your Microfiber Cloth and Wipe the Cabinet
Wet your microfiber cloth with the solution and squeeze out excess moisture. Wipe the cabinet from top to bottom. Then, open the cabinet and wipe the back of the door and around the frame.
Step 3: Move on to a Higher Powered Degreaser if Needed
Switch to a degreaser spray if the dish soap and water mixture doesn’t work. Before using it on the front of your cabinets, spray it in an inconspicuous spot (like the side of a back cabinet) and wipe it with a white cloth to see if it removes any paint or stain. If not, you can use it to clean the rest of your cabinetry.
Spray a light mist on your cabinet doors and wipe from top to bottom. To clean stubborn grease, spray the area, allow the cleaner to sit for a couple of minutes, and then wipe away.
Prevent Future Grease Build-Up
Keep your cabinets in good shape by wiping them off regularly. Anytime grease splatters or you notice spots on your cabinet doors, take a second to wipe the area with a damp paper towel. Then, aim to clean your cabinets with a gentle cleaner once per month.
