Kitchen cabinets get touched and used all day, but they don’t always get cleaned as often as the counters or stovetop. Over time, cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and handles can collect a layer of grease that makes them look dull and feel sticky.

Cooking is usually behind most of that buildup. Steam and heat can carry tiny grease particles through the kitchen, where they settle on nearby surfaces. Add fingerprints, dust, and everyday kitchen mess, and that thin layer can turn into stubborn grime that gets harder to wipe away.

You don’t need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners to deal with it, though. A few basic household supplies can help loosen the grease and get your cabinets looking clean again. Before using any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden spot first, especially if your cabinets have a delicate finish or are made from natural wood.

Method 1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Dish soap is a great place to start because it’s made to cut through grease and oily residue. For everyday cabinet buildup, warm water and a little dish soap may be all you need.

Baking soda can also be useful for spots that need a little extra scrubbing. Mix a small amount with the soapy water to make a light paste, but avoid pressing too hard, as rough scrubbing can damage some cabinet finishes.

What You’ll Need

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Soap
Baking soda
Sponge or soft cloth
Warm water

Step 1

Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the mixture, wring it out well, and wipe down the greasy areas of the cabinets.

Spend a little extra time around handles, drawer pulls, corners, and door edges. Those spots tend to collect more grease and fingerprints than the middle of the cabinet door.

Step 2

For stubborn spots, sprinkle a little baking soda onto the damp cloth or mix it with a small amount of soapy water. Gently work it over the buildup without using too much pressure.

Once the grease has loosened, wipe the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap and baking soda. Finish with a dry, soft towel so moisture doesn’t sit on the surface.

Method 2: White Vinegar

White vinegar is another household staple that can help with greasy cabinet surfaces. It can cut through some grease and grime, making it useful for cabinets with a light to moderate buildup.

Vinegar is acidic, though, so it’s a good idea to check your cabinet manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. It may not be suitable for every type of finish, painted surface, or natural wood.

What You’ll Need

White vinegar
Spray bottle
Sponge or cloth
Warm water

Step 1

Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle. Lightly mist the greasy areas rather than soaking the cabinet surface.

If you’re concerned about the finish, spray the vinegar onto a cloth instead and wipe a small area first. This gives you more control over how much moisture reaches the cabinet.

Step 2

Let the vinegar sit for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen the grime. You don’t need to let it sit for a long time or allow the surface to dry completely.

Step 3

Wipe the cabinet with a damp cloth, paying attention to any areas where the sticky residue remains. Once the grease is gone, use a clean cloth to remove leftover moisture and vinegar.

Method 3: Murphy’s Oil Soap

For finished wood cabinets, Murphy’s Oil Soap is another option for dealing with everyday dirt and greasy buildup. It has been used as a wood cleaner for many years and is commonly used on finished wood surfaces.

Before using it on your cabinets, check the product directions and your cabinet manufacturer’s care instructions. Wood finishes can vary, and using too much cleaner or water can leave the surface looking cloudy or cause damage.

What You’ll Need

Murphy’s Oil Soap
Warm water
Sponge or soft cloth

Step 1

Mix about one-third cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water, following the product’s dilution directions. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and wring it out well before wiping the cabinets.

Work in small sections instead of soaking the entire cabinet at once. Pay close attention to the areas around handles, corners, and cabinet edges where grease tends to build up.

Step 2

After wiping away the grime, go over the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaner. Follow with a soft, dry towel to remove moisture.

For really greasy cabinets, you may need to repeat the cleaning process rather than trying to scrub everything away in one pass. Several gentle cleanings are usually easier on the finish than aggressive scrubbing.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Greasy cabinet buildup is much easier to deal with if you catch it before it becomes a thick, sticky layer. Wiping cabinet doors and handles down every so often can keep grease from building up and save you from a bigger cleaning job later.

Also, be careful with abrasive sponges and harsh cleaners. A product that works well on a stovetop may be too rough for a cabinet finish. When you’re unsure, test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot and work with the gentlest option that gets the job done.