This post may contain affiliate links.

Keeping a kitchen clean can feel like a constant task, especially when you cook often. One area that tends to get overlooked, however, is the kitchen cabinets. Even though they’re used every day, cabinet doors and drawers don’t always get the same attention as countertops or sinks.

Over time, grease from cooking can slowly build up on cabinet surfaces. Steam from boiling pots and pans carries tiny grease particles into the air, which eventually settle on nearby cabinets. When that grease mixes with dust, fingerprints, and everyday kitchen messes, it can leave cabinets looking dull, sticky, and harder to clean.

The good news is that removing greasy buildup from kitchen cabinets doesn’t require harsh chemicals or complicated tools. In many cases, the easiest way to clean sticky grease is by using simple household items you probably already have at home.

Below are a few easy methods to cut through grease and restore your kitchen cabinets to a clean, refreshed look.

woman cleaning kitchen cabinet — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

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

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.

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.