How to Clean Sticky Grease off Kitchen Cabinets

How to Clean Sticky Grease off Kitchen Cabinets

Sticky greasy kitchen cabinets can be annoying, but in a busy happy home, they can’t be helped. Grease that accumulates on kitchen cupboards is often caused by cooking or greasy hands.  Removing sticky grease from a kitchen cabinet requires a little elbow grease, but can be easily achieved with natural cleaning products. From white vinegar to baking soda and lemon, grease can be removed without the need for chemicals. If you have some sticky grease stains and are unsure how to how to clean kitchen cabinets, don’t worry. We have rounded up the 4 easiest methods for cleaning kitchen cabinets.

How to Remove Sticky Grease from Gloss Kitchen Cabinets

To effectively remove sticky grease from gloss kitchen cabinets:

1. Start by mixing a solution of warm water and a mild dish soap.
2. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the greasy areas, applying light pressure to avoid damaging the cabinet finish.
3. For tougher grease stains, add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to the soapy solution. These natural ingredients help break down the grease and provide additional cleaning power.
4. After cleaning, wipe the gloss kitchen cupboards with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

This method not only eliminates sticky grease but also leaves your gloss kitchen cabinets looking clean and refreshed. For more tips on how to clean kitchen cupboard doors, read our blog How To Clean Kitchen Cupboard Doors here. 

Removing Thick Grease from Wood Kitchen Cupboards

Removing thick grease from wood kitchen cupboards requires a careful approach to avoid damaging the wood finish.

1. Begin by creating a mixture of warm water and a gentle dish soap.
2. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the soapy solution and gently scrub the greasy areas, applying moderate pressure to the wooden kitchen cabinets.
3. For tougher grease build-up, mix baking soda with water to create a paste and spread it over the affected areas. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. The baking soda helps break down the grease without harming the wood.
4. Ensure you wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth, and finish by buffing the wood with a dry, soft cloth to restore its natural shine. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the wood surface.

Wood cupboards will require a little extra attention after cleaning. Removing the grease from wood cabinets will also remove the moisture and protection, so it important to replace this. Consider using protection products containing beeswax as this will stop the wood drying out and repel kitchen grease. This method effectively tackles thick sticky grease on wood kitchen cupboards while preserving the integrity of the wood.

Which Kitchen Cupboards Get the Greasiest?

Kitchen cupboards located near the hob or cooking area tend to accumulate the most grease. This is because cooking can release airborne grease particles that settle on surfaces, including the cabinets. Cupboards directly above the stove or next to it are particularly prone to greasy build-up due to the proximity to cooking. Additionally, cupboards near other high-heat cooking appliances, like deep fryers or grills, may also attract more grease. The type of cooking and the frequency with which it’s done can influence how quickly and heavily kitchen cupboards accumulate grease. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent excessive build-up and keep the kitchen environment clean and hygienic.

How to prevent kitchen cabinet grease

Regular cleaning is required to prevent kitchen cabinet grease building up. Here are our top tips on how to keep kitchen cupboard grease to a minimum.

• Use Ventilation – Ensure your kitchen has proper ventilation. A good cooker hood or extractor fan can help remove airborne grease particles, reducing the amount that settles on cabinets.
• Cook with Lids – When cooking, especially frying use lids on pans to contain splatters and reduce the release of grease.
• Regular Cleaning – Develop a routine for cleaning your kitchen cupboards. Wipe them down regularly with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap to prevent grease from accumulating.
• Install Cabinet Liners – Consider using cabinet liners to create a barrier between the cabinet surface and potential grease. These liners are easier to clean and can be replaced if necessary.
• Use Grease Guards – Install grease guards or splatter screens around your cooking area to minimise the spread of grease during cooking.
• Adjust Cooking Techniques – Modify cooking techniques to reduce splattering. For example, consider using a lower heat setting or using a larger pan to contain the cooking process.
• Store Oily Items Properly – Keep oily or greasy items in sealed containers to prevent leaks or spills that can contribute to cabinet grease.
• Clean Appliances Regularly – Regularly clean cooking appliances, especially those with vents and filters such as extractor fans. This helps maintain their efficiency in capturing grease.
• Use Grease-Resistant Paint – If you’re renovating or painting your kitchen, consider using a grease-resistant or easy-to-clean paint on cabinet surfaces.
• Wipe Spills Immediately – Attend to spills and splatters promptly. The longer grease sits on kitchen cabinets, the more difficult it is to clean.

Finally, regularly wash your hands when cooking. This will prevent the grease transferring from your hands onto the cabinet doors. By incorporating these practices into your kitchen maintenance routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of grease build-up on your kitchen cupboards, keeping them clean and hygienic.

How to Remove Grease from Kitchen Cupboard with White Vinegar and Hot Water

White vinegar is a natural cleaning product with excellent degreasing properties, due to its acidity. White vinegar is also very effective in cleaning other kitchen appliances, see our guide on microwave cleaning here.

What You Will Need:

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Clean spray bottle
• Soft cloth
• Dishwashing liquid (for tough grease stains)

How to Remove Very Greasy Grease with White Vinegar

1. Using the spray bottle, measure a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water.
2. Spray the solution directly onto the kitchen cupboards and leave for a couple of minutes.
3. Wet the cloth in warm water, then thoroughly rinse the cloth as too much water could damage a wood cabinet.
4. Wipe over the cupboards with the damp cloth to remove grease stains.
5. Stubborn stains, such as marmite or chocolate spread may need a little extra TLC. Create a paste of vinegar and salt. Then scrub the stains with an old toothbrush and wipe clean.

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets and Remove Sticky Grease with Dishwashing Liquid

Washing up liquid is very effective in cutting through grease and grime on dishes, so it makes the perfect cabinet degreaser.

What You Will Need:

• Dishwashing soap
• Warm water
• Cleaning sponge
• Soft dry cloth

How to Remove Thick Grease with Dish Soap

1. Add a few drops of your favourite dish washing soap, into a bowl of warm water.
2. Dip the cleaning sponge into the water and give it a good squeeze.
3. Begin to scrub the cabinet back and forth with a soft sponge, following the grain on wood cabinets.
4. If you face a stubborn grease stain, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the sponge, and wipe over again. Rinse the sponge and repeat until all the grease stains are removed.
5. Wipe the kitchen cabinets down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining grease or soap residue.

Remove Cabinet Grease with Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner

Like white vinegar, citrus oil is a natural degreaser. Many multipurpose cleaners contain citrus oil, so have a look in your cleaning cupboard or treat yourself to a new product from the supermarket.

What You Will Need:

• Citrus multipurpose cleaner
• Soft cloth x 2
• Warm water

How to Remove Grease with Citrus Multipurpose Cleaner

1. Spray the cleaner directly onto the kitchen cabinets, leaving it to sit for a couple of minutes.
2. Use a soft dampened cloth to gently remove the grease from the cupboards.
3. Remove any remaining grime with a clean damp cloth and then thoroughly dry.

Cleaning Kitchen Cupboards with Baking Soda and Lemon

Baking soda and lemon are the heroes of natural cleaning products. For stubborn thick layers of grease in the kitchen, this duo can be used to make the cabinets look as good as new.

You Will Need:

• Soft sponge
• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Spray bottle

How to Remove Grease Stains with Baking Soda

1. Create a cleaning solution with 1-part baking soda, 2 parts warm water and the lemon juice.
2. Add the solution to a spray bottle and spray the liquid onto the kitchen cabinets.
3. Leave for 2-3 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work its magic.
4. Use the soft sponge to gently scrub the grease away. Rinse sponge and repeat as necessary.
5. Use a clean cloth to buff the cabinets dry and enjoy!

Now your kitchen cabinets are sparkling clean, it’s time to turn your attention to other areas of the kitchen. Your local, mobile Ovenclean specialist can restore a range of appliances including Oven cleaning, Hob cleaning, Extractor hood cleaning, BBQ cleaning and Aga cleaning.