Cleaning Experts Say This Is the Best Way to Remove Grease From Cabinets

Most people are diligent about wiping down the stovetop and the kitchen counters, but what about the cabinets? Like other surfaces in the kitchen, the cabinets (particularly the handles or knobs) can attract grime and dust. We tapped experts from the Home Care & Cleaning Lab for tips on how to clean greasy kitchen cabinets.

The good news: You probably already have the things you need to clean the grease off your cabinets. Using dish soap and water is generally a safe option, and there are many grease-cutting all-purpose cleaners you can use for this task. However, you’ll want to make sure the cleaning products you use won’t damage the finish of your cabinet. Cleaners with vinegar or ammonia can dull or damage finished wood. Anything abrasive is also a no-go when it comes to cleaning cabinets, as these products can leave scratches and degrade the finish.

Below, cleaning experts explain how often to clean cabinets and offer tips on the best products and methods to get them looking sparkling. If you’re looking for more advice on keeping your kitchen tidy, read up on how to clean grease off a kitchen backsplash and the things in your kitchen that hold more germs than you realize.

How often to clean kitchen cabinets

• Daily: Wipe spills and splatters with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Cleaning as you cook will make the need for a deeper clean less frequent.
• Weekly: For a quick touch-up, wipe the outside of the cabinets once per week using a cabinet cleaner and microfiber cloth.
• One to two times per year: For a deeper clean, empty cabinets completely and clean both the inside and outside of every cabinet, paying attention to grooves and trim where grime may hide.

How to regularly clean cabinets

Whether your cabinets are finished wood, laminate or painted wood, these simple steps will keep your kitchen looking clean and bright.

1. Apply a safe, but grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water to a cloth. Ensure the cloth is damp, but not overly wet.
2. Wipe both sides of the cabinet door, paying special attention to knobs and drawer pulls where you’ll likely find greasy fingerprints.
3. For stuck-on grime (likely for cabinets above the stove), wrap a delicate scrub pad in a cloth and wipe clean.
4. Use a damp cloth to rinse the cabinet doors until there’s no soap or cleaner residue.
5. Buff dry with a microfiber cloth. If you’re using a cabinet cream for finished wood cabinets, buff afterward but also, read label directions.

RELATED: The Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts

How to deep clean cabinets

You should regularly wipe cabinet doors and knobs. Don’t neglect the inside of kitchen cabinets and drawers as they can accumulate crumbs, dust and stains. Once or twice a year, a deep clean is in order.

1. Starting from the upper cabinets and working your way down, begin emptying each cabinet and drawer. Tip: You can go one-by-one or empty a few at a time, but avoid emptying them all at once.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mild all-purpose cleaner or dish soap mixed with warm water. Wipe down the inside of the cabinet, including any shelving and the back of the cabinet door.
3. Optional: If you have glass-front cabinets, wipe down glass with a microfiber cloth and a top-tested glass cleaner.
4. Don’t forget to clean any hardware, grooves or trim where dust and grease can build-up. If your cloth can’t reach small crevices, use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the area.
5. Rinse and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.