How to Remove Grease Buildup from Kitchen Cabinets

Gunk is the inevitable result of cooking, a sticky mixture of airborne oils and dust that eventually turns into a hard, amber-colored shell on your cabinetry. Ignoring it doesn't just make your kitchen look dingy; it attracts more dirt and can eventually degrade the finish of your wood or laminate cabinets if left to sit for years. Restoring your cabinets requires a gentle touch because harsh abrasives can scratch the surface or strip the sealant. Done well, this process clears away years of buildup without damaging the wood grain. You are looking for a clean, matte finish that feels smooth to the touch, not sticky or uneven.

Protect Your Workspace First. Remove all items from the cabinet interiors and clear the countertops below your workspace. Lay down old towels or drop cloths to catch any drips or cleaning solution run-off.
Brew Your Degreaser. Fill a spray bottle or bucket with warm water and two tablespoons of high-quality grease-cutting dish soap. If the grease is severe, add one tablespoon of white vinegar to the mix.
Let Chemistry Do the Work. Lightly mist the cabinet doors with your cleaning solution, starting from the bottom and working your way up to prevent drips from leaving permanent streaks. Let the solution sit on the surface for two to three minutes to soften the hardened grease.
Attack the Buildup Gently. Using a soft-bristle scrub brush or a non-scratch nylon sponge, gently scrub the cabinet surface in circular motions. Focus extra attention on the cabinet pulls and the edges where grease tends to accumulate.
Lift, Don't Spread. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened grease and soap residue. Rinse your cloth frequently in fresh water to ensure you are lifting the grime rather than just spreading it around.
Banish Every Drop of Water. Immediately go over every surface with a dry, lint-free cloth to ensure no moisture remains on the wood. Open a nearby window or run a fan to speed up the air-drying process.