How to Clean Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets (Heavy-Duty and Natural Options)

Learn how to clean grease off kitchen cabinets using powerful store-bought degreasers and simple DIY recipes. Perfect for wood, laminate, and painted finishes.

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How to Clean Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets Quickly and Safely

Are you curious about how to clean grease off kitchen cabinets quickly and safely?

Moreover, you’ll discover the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets alongside a simple natural cleaner for kitchen grease, whether your surfaces are wood, laminate, or painted.

Plus, we’ll cover maintenance tips to keep grease at bay and preserve your finish for the long haul.

Amber brown spray bottle beside a neatly rolled gray microfiber rag and a small potted plant on a white countertop, with white cabinets softly out of focus.

Cleaning Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets: Identify Your Cabinet Type

  • Wood Cabinets: To clean grease off kitchen cabinets made of wood, start with a mild solution—Murphy Oil Soap in warm water—to avoid stripping the finish.
  • Laminate or Painted Cabinets: If you need to clean grease off kitchen cabinets with laminate or painted fronts, stronger degreasers are safe, but always use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
  • High-Gloss Cabinets: When you clean grease off kitchen cabinets with a high-gloss finish, avoid abrasives; stick to gentle vinegar-based sprays followed by immediate drying.
Close-up of a glossy white cabinet door reflecting soft light, accented by a brushed-nickel handle and a bowl of lemons in the blurred background.

Best Degreasers for Kitchen Cabinets (Top Picks)

When it comes to the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets, nothing beats a product that cuts through heavy layers without damaging your surfaces. These top picks have been tried and tested:

  • Krud Kutter: A go-to if you want the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets without strong fumes.
  • Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser: This citrus-powered spray ranks among the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets near cooktops.
  • Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser: For kitchens with the thickest buildup, one of the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets in high-traffic areas.
  • Safe Wood-Specific Option: Top-rated wood cabinet degreasers that won’t strip or dull natural finishes.

Natural Cleaner for Kitchen Grease: DIY Amber Spray

A gentle natural cleaner for kitchen grease can be made with just a few pantry staples. This amber spray is our favorite natural cleaner for kitchen grease because it’s eco-friendly, economical, and effective.

🍋 DIY Amber Spray Cleaner (Vinegar-Based)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon gentle dish soap or castile soap
  • Instructions:
    1. Combine ingredients in an amber spray bottle.
    2. Shake gently.
    3. Spray areas coated with grease and let sit for 3–5 minutes.
    4. Wipe away with a damp microfiber cloth, then dry immediately.

When you use this natural cleaner for kitchen grease on wood cabinets, always follow up with a conditioning polish to protect the finish. For more details see AllRecipes’ degreasing guide.

Amber brown spray bottle next to a bowl of white vinegar, fresh lemon slices, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme on a rustic wooden surface.

How to Clean Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step Method

  1. Prep the Area: Lay down towels or newspaper to catch drips before you clean grease off kitchen cabinets.
  2. Apply Cleaner: Spray your chosen solution—store-bought or DIY—on each cabinet door.
  3. Scrub Gently: Use a damp microfiber rag to scrub away buildup.
  4. Rinse & Repeat: If the grease is stubborn, respray and let the cleaner sit a bit longer.
  5. Dry Immediately: Always dry cabinets right after cleaning to avoid water spots or streaks.

Ramona’s Tip:
“My favorite way to clean grease off kitchen cabinets is with a bucket of warm water and Murphy Oil Soap. I dip a microfiber rag in the mixture, wring it out, then wipe down the cabinets—before finishing with a dry cloth for that polished look.”

Maintenance & Prevention: Keep Grease from Coming Back

  • Wipe cabinets weekly with a mild solution to prevent heavy buildup.
  • Turn on your range hood every time you cook to stop grease from settling.
  • Use these quick cleaning tips to handle spills before they dry.
  • Dry all cabinet surfaces immediately after any cleaning or splashes.
  • For lingering odors, see our guide on removing cooking odors.
Bright kitchen countertop scene with an amber brown spray bottle, a neatly folded beige microfiber cloth, and a steaming white mug, set against softly blurred white cabinets and neutral subway tile backsplash.

FAQs: Cleaning Grease Off Kitchen Cabinets

What are the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets?

The best degreasers for kitchen cabinets include Krud Kutter, Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser, and Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus—all tested to remove tough oil buildup without harming finishes.

Which natural cleaner for kitchen grease works best?

A simple amber spray made with equal parts warm water and vinegar plus a drop of dish soap is our favorite natural cleaner for kitchen grease—safe on laminate and painted finishes.

What’s the easiest way to clean grease off kitchen cabinets?

For quick touch-ups, a damp microfiber cloth dipped in Murphy Oil Soap clears most grease. For deep cleaning, use a spray degreaser or vinegar solution.

Can I clean grease off kitchen cabinets with vinegar alone?

You can, but on real wood it’s best to follow with an oil-based conditioner to protect the finish.

How often should I deep clean my kitchen cabinets?

Aim to clean grease off kitchen cabinets thoroughly every 1–2 months, with light wipe-downs weekly.

Conclusion: Keep Your Cabinets Looking Like New

By following these tips on how to clean grease off kitchen cabinets—whether you choose one of the best degreasers for kitchen cabinets or my go-to natural cleaner for kitchen grease—you’ll enjoy spotless, shining cabinets that stand up to daily cooking. Plus, regular maintenance will help you avoid heavy buildup, saving time and elbow grease in the long run.

This post was last edited on April 27, 2025.

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