The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but heavy cooking inevitably leads to food splatters and aerosolized grease, leaving a sticky, grime-laden residue on your cabinetry. If you are struggling with how to clean kitchen cabinets of grease stains effectively, we provide advice based on rigorous testing by cleaning science professionals.
According to Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, the solution is not dependent on the material—whether your cabinets are finished wood, laminate, painted wood, or glass—but on the technique and frequency of cleaning. We detail everything you need to know, from the ideal cleaning schedule to the specific products required.
Optimizing Your Cabinet Cleaning Schedule
Consistency is paramount to preventing heavy grease buildup that becomes difficult to remove later. Follow this professional frequency guide:
- Daily: Immediately wipe away spills and splatters with a damp cloth as they occur during cooking. This proactive approach significantly reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning.
- Weekly: Conduct a quick exterior wipe-down of all cabinets, particularly focusing on the areas nearest the stovetop and garbage can, using a cabinet-safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- One to Two Times Per Year: Perform a thorough deep clean. This involves completely emptying the cabinets to clean both the inside and outside of every door and drawer, paying attention to hardware, decorative grooves, and trim where grime can accumulate unseen.
Step-by-Step Guide for Regular Cabinet Cleaning
These simple steps are effective for maintaining all common cabinet surfaces, including finished wood, laminate, and painted wood:
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Apply a safe, grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner or a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water to a clean cloth. Ensure the cloth is damp but never saturated or overly wet.
- Wipe Surfaces: Wipe down both the front and back of the cabinet doors. Give special attention to the handles, knobs, and drawer pulls, as these areas accumulate the most greasy fingerprints.
- Treat Stubborn Grime: For tough, stuck-on grease, especially on upper cabinets near the range, gently scrub the area. Use a delicate non-scratch scrub pad wrapped in a cloth for added protection, and wipe clean.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use a separate, clean, damp cloth to rinse all surfaces. It is crucial to remove all soap or cleaner residue, as remaining film can attract new dirt and damage the finish over time.
- Buff Dry: Immediately buff the cleaned areas dry with a microfiber cloth. If using a specific cabinet cream or polish (for finished wood), apply and buff according to the label directions after drying.
Procedure for Annual Deep Cleaning
The deep clean addresses the less-visible areas and requires a methodical approach:
- Empty Systematically: Start with the upper cabinets and work downward, emptying one or a few sections at a time. Never empty all cabinets simultaneously to avoid clutter and confusion.
- Clean the Interiors: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mild all-purpose cleaner or a dish soap and warm water mixture. Wipe down the entire interior, including the shelving, sides, and the back of the cabinet door.
- Address Grooves and Hardware: Don't overlook the fine details. Use a small brush or toothbrush with cleaning solution to gently scrub any grooves, trim, or hinges where dust, crumbs, and grease can build up.
- Glass Fronts (Optional): If you have glass-front cabinets, wipe the glass with a quality, top-tested glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth after the main cabinet surface is dry.
- Final Rinse and Dry: Rinse all interior and exterior surfaces with a clean, damp cloth and buff dry immediately to prevent moisture damage and streaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Greasy Cabinets
Why is dish soap and water often recommended for kitchen grease?
Dish soap (liquid dish detergent) is specifically formulated to break down and emulsify grease and oil on contact, making it a highly effective and safe degreaser for many kitchen surfaces, including most cabinet finishes. It is gentle enough not to strip wood finish or paint when used correctly in a diluted form.
Can I use abrasive cleaners or steel wool on my cabinets?
No. Abrasive cleaners, scouring powders, and steel wool can permanently scratch or dull the finish of most cabinet materials, especially finished wood or laminate. Always use a non-scratch scrub pad, and only for deeply stuck-on grime, ensuring it is wrapped in a soft cloth for added protection.
Is it really necessary to buff the cabinets dry after rinsing?
Yes, buffing dry is a critical step, especially for wood and painted cabinets. Allowing water or cleaning residue to air-dry can leave behind streaks, water spots, or residue that attracts dust. For wood, excess moisture can also cause warping or damage to the finish over time.