Kitchen cabinets are one of the most used surfaces in any home, yet they’re often overlooked during regular cleaning. While countertops, sinks, and stovetops usually get the most attention, cabinet doors and handles quietly collect buildup over time.
Cooking is usually the main cause. Steam from boiling pots and pans carries tiny grease particles into the air, and those particles settle on nearby surfaces. Layer by layer, that grease mixes with dust, fingerprints, and everyday residue until cabinets start to feel sticky and look dull.
The good part is that cleaning off greasy buildup doesn’t call for strong chemicals or complicated tools. In many cases, the easiest way to handle sticky grease is with simple household items already sitting in your kitchen.
Method 1 – Dish Soap and Baking Soda
Dish soap is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove grease from kitchen cabinets. Since it’s designed to break down oils on dishes, it works just as well on greasy cabinet surfaces.
What You’ll Need
- Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Soap
- Baking Soda
- Sponge / Cloth
- Water
Step 1 – Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the cabinet surfaces. Focus on areas where grease tends to collect, such as around cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and door edges.
Step 2 – Once the grease begins to loosen, wipe the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove the soapy residue. Dry the surface with a soft towel.
Method 2 — White Vinegar
White vinegar is another simple and effective way to remove sticky grease from kitchen cabinets. Its natural acidity helps break down grease and grime without leaving residue behind.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Sponge or cloth
- Warm water
Step 1
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly spray the cabinet’s greasy areas.
Step 2
Allow the vinegar to sit on the surface for about 5 to 10 minutes to loosen the grease.
Step 3
Wipe the cabinets clean with a damp cloth, removing any remaining grease or residue.
Related: 18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Method 3 — Murphy’s Oil Soap
For wooden kitchen cabinets, Murphy’s Oil Soap is a popular cleaner that helps remove grease while also protecting the wood finish. It has been used for decades and works especially well on cabinets that have built up a noticeable layer of grime.
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 into a bowl of warm water. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and gently scrub the cabinet surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas around handles and edges where grease and fingerprints tend to accumulate.
Step 2
Once the grease has been removed, wipe the cabinets with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining soap. Dry the surface with a soft towel.
Related: We Tried Murphy’s Oil Soap in Ways You Might Not Expect — And It Works Beyond Wood Floors
