Greasy-looking kitchen? Here’s how to clean kitchen cabinets  

We all have that one cupboard. You know the one, covered in sticky little fingerprints thanks to your kids and their constant snack attacks. It is messy and a bit gross, but also a reminder of how much life happens right there in the kitchen. And while you would not swap the snack attacks for the world, you probably could do without the greasy smudges they leave behind. The good news is that knowing how to clean kitchen cabinets properly with the right tools, a bit of warmth and some patience means you can get them back to their best without the fuss.

Whether you are spring cleaning or just can’t ignore those greasy patches any longer, here are our no-judgement cleaning tips for kitchen cabinets, including how to clean greasy kitchen cabinets, using practical steps and good old-fashioned care. 

How to clean kitchen cabinets step-by-step 

Before we tackle how to remove grease from kitchen cabinets, let’s start with the basics. Empty out each cupboard you would like cleaned – yes, even remove the half-used soy sauce and the mysterious spices at the back. And remember, if you spot a trail of sticky fingerprints from little snack raids along the way, that is just proof your kitchen gets plenty of love.  

Clearing everything out not only gives you full access to wipe everything down properly but also allows you to take stock of what you actually use. A win-win. Use a strong sheet of Plenty kitchen roll to sweep away loose crumbs, dust and spills. It is tough, absorbent and perfect for those little clean-up jobs, especially when the kids forget the handle exists and grab the door instead. 

Then, prepare your cleaning solution. If you’re on the lookout for cleaning tips for kitchen cabinets with general dirt and grime, warm water with a splash of dish soap usually does the trick. If your cabinets are painted or laminated, this gentle blend keeps things looking good without ruffling any surfaces. 

The trick is to make this part of your monthly routine so that strange-looking orange stain on the cupboard above the stove, or the sticky hand prints around it, do not have time to settle. 

Cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets made simple  

If you have months of cooking build-up, you may need a stronger approach to clean grease off cabinets, the reigning villain of the kitchen. It creeps onto cabinet doors, lurks around handles and corners, and clings on for dear life. Add in sticky fingerprints from little hands, and it’s no wonder the doors feel permanently tacky. 

But no need to fret! If you’re wondering what gets grease off kitchen cabinets, here are two tried-and-tested methods that work on even the stickiest surfaces:  

Method one: white vinegar  

Dealing with stubborn grease stains? White vinegar’s acidity effectively breaks down grease and oil, making it a natural choice for cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets. 

Here’s the best way to remove grease from kitchen cabinets using white vinegar: 

• Create a degreasing solution with equal parts white vinegar and water
• Put the solution into a spray bottle and dampen a sheet of kitchen towel with the solution, because one sheet of Plenty is strong even when wet!
• Apply the vinegar-soaked kitchen towel to the kitchen cabinet and wipe in circular motions.

Use a dry sheet of kitchen towel to give the cabinet a final wipe-down before letting it air dry. You might even notice the last of those sticky little fingerprints disappearing. And you will be surprised how much brighter and fresher your kitchen looks after tackling just this one job, at least until the next snack run! 

 

Method two: baking soda 

Another method you could try to remove grease from kitchen cabinets is using baking soda. It’s gentle, natural, and surprisingly effective. 

Here’s how to do it: 

• Mix equal parts baking soda with warm water
• Once it forms a paste, apply it directly to your kitchen cabinet
• Let the paste sit for a couple of minutes to allow it to work its degreasing magic 
• Gently scrub the paste into the surface using a soft brush or an old toothbrush
• Finish with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly with a sheet of Plenty for a streak-free finish. 

This method is especially kind to wood or older cabinet doors. These are the ones that need a little extra gentleness, not tough love, a bit like the way you treat the kids when they are raiding the cupboards yet again. 

Cleaning tips for kitchen cabinets: maintenance 

Once you’ve gone to the effort of learning how to clean kitchen cabinets, a little regular TLC keeps the shine alive. It’s way easier to nurture the good stuff than to wrestle with a full-blown greasy drama later. 

Here’s how to stay on top of it: 

• Wipe down cabinet doors weekly, especially those near the cooker.
• Catch grease early - the longer it sits, the harder it sticks.
• Keep a roll of Plenty handy for quick clean-ups.
• Use your extractor fan when frying or roasting.
• Cook with lids on pots and pans to reduce splatter.
• Use cabinet liners to protect from future messes. 

It is also a good idea to give your cabinets a quick once-over after cooking something particularly greasy, like a family stir-fry on a Friday night. A simple wipe with a damp sheet of Plenty kitchen roll is enough to stop grime in its tracks before it settles in with the collection of sticky handprints already dotted around. 

We know that messes happen. Cooking is messy, life is busy, and no one has a spotless kitchen all the time. Whether you are figuring out how to clean greasy kitchen cabinets or just doing a general wipe-down, with a little bit of care, patience and the right tools, even the greasiest cupboards do not stand a chance.  

And remember, clean kitchen cabinets do not just look nice, they feel nice. They make your whole space feel fresher, calmer and more inviting. So, take it one cupboard at a time and smile when little hands add a few more prints, because they are part of the story your kitchen tells. 

Once your cabinets are gleaming, why not take the next step and explore our comprehensive kitchen cleaning plan?