In the south, the home of fried food, grease buildup commonly plagues kitchens. While it's easy to remember to wipe down greasy counters and stoves, we often overlook cabinets.
Grease on cabinets is noticeable and makes the cleanest of kitchens look dirty. When cleaning your kitchen, it’s important to focus on cabinets and other overlooked kitchen surfaces. Cleaning these areas in your kitchen can make all the difference.
Cleaning grease off kitchen cabinets is by no means a difficult chore. This guide will share the safest and most effective ways to degrease your kitchen cabinets with home remedies.
Degreasing Supplies You’ll Need
Here are some basic supplies for cleaning kitchen cabinets:
Microfiber towel (clean & dry)
Bucket or Spray Bottle
Sponge
Rubber Gloves
Stepstool (optional)
Kitchen Degreasing Solution (subject to cabinet material)
Clean Inside of Cabinets First
For the best results, focus on cleaning the inside of your cabinets first. Start by taking everything out of your cabinets so that nothing gets wet or dirty in the cleaning process. Remove any loose dirt or crumbs in the cabinet doors and floors with a hand broom. For the hard-to-reach areas, use one of the crevice tools on a vacuum cleaner.
For any grease, create a solution out of water and white vinegar (equal parts) to wipe down the cabinets inside. For those harsh stains, mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply to any of those tough spots. After cleaning, wipe down with a damp cloth with water and dry thoroughly.
How to Clean Grease off Kitchen Cabinets Based on Material
Be aware of your kitchen cabinet’s material. This will dictate what degreasers will be the most effective and safest to use. There are a number of cabinet types, but the most common are wood, paint, laminate, and glass.
Wood Cabinets
Wood kitchen cabinets have different finishes, some more protective than others. Before cleaning, do a patch test by applying the degreaser solution on a small, hidden part of the wood. This will ensure that the degreaser won’t damage your cabinets.
Follow these steps to degrease wood cabinets:
Pour equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For extra strength, include one to two teaspoons of liquid dish detergent.
Spray the solution onto the cabinet doors, allowing it to sit for a couple minutes
Wipe the cabinets with a microfiber towel
Use a clean, damp cloth with water to wipe cabinets down.
Dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Note: For wood furniture, too much water or harsh cleaners can cause damage and dullness. Make sure the cabinets are completely dry after cleaning.
Painted Wood Cabinets
Painted cabinets require a more gentle cleaning. Avoid using strong kitchen cabinet cleaners on painted wood cabinets to prevent stripping the paint.
Follow these steps for degreasing painted cabinets:
Fill a bucket up with a couple cups of warm water and a squeeze of mild dish soap.
Dip a sponge or microfiber towel into the soapy water and wring it out.
Gently scrub the cabinets in a circular motion. Dip sponge/towel back in bucket and wring out occasionally.
Use a clean, damp cloth with water to wipe cabinets down.
Dry cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Laminate Cabinets
Laminate kitchen cabinets are the most durable and resistant to stains and moisture. However, this material is susceptible to scratches, so try to avoid any strong cleaners or harsh sponges.
Follow these steps for degreasing laminate cabinets:
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few squeezes of mild dish soap
Wipe the cabinets with the warm, soapy water using a microfiber cloth or sponge.
For stubborn grease, mix white vinegar with water to create a solution and spray on greasy areas.
Damp a clean cloth with water and wipe down cabinets
Dry cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Glass Front Cabinets
Glass kitchen cabinets typically have glass surrounded by laminate, painted wood, or wood material for added durability and style. Because of this, you may have to clean this cabinet with two different solutions.
Follow these steps for degreasing glass cabinets:
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of wild, grease-fighting dish soap.
Dip a microfiber towel into the soapy water and wring it out well.
Gently wipe the glass cabinets to remove the grease.
For stubborn grease, you can use an ammonia glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution.
Dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth to prevent streaking.
Kitchen Cabinet Maintenance
The easiest way to avoid cabinet grease buildup is daily and weekly maintenance!
Here are some general cabinet maintenance tips:
Clean the cabinet doors near the stove daily. Use a wet cloth and cleaner to remove grease and fingerprints. This can be as easy as wiping cabinets with a damp microfiber cloth and some all-purpose cleaner.
Implement the cabinet cleaning techniques above into your weekly kitchen cleaning.
Clean up spills immediately to prevent buildup and permanent damage to surfaces.
Kitchen cabinets are not the only areas that get grease buildup. Pay attention to other greasy surfaces like hoods, backsplashes, and vents.
Consistent upkeep of major appliances such as cabinets involves regularly cleaning and maintenance to prevent wear and tear. This includes cleaning surfaces daily, fixing any loose hinges or handles, and addressing any signs of damage immediately.
By taking care of your cabinets on a regular basis, you can prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Interested in learning more tips on keeping a clean kitchen? View our blog for all the Kitchen Cleaning Hacks you can ask for!
Are you struggling to find the time and energy to maintain a clean kitchen and household? Consider Assure Cleaning Services!
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