After every cooking session, if you don’t clean your kitchen cabinets immediately, grease and oil stains can accumulate quickly, making it harder to remove them over time. The longer these stains sit, the more stubborn they become. To clean your cabinets efficiently without spending too much effort, you can try the following methods.

Using Dish Soap and Warm Water

Start by removing all items from your cabinets, ensuring that the interior space is completely clear. Then, use warm water to soften the stubborn stains. Softening the grime beforehand makes wiping it off much easier. Next, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution and gently scrub the cabinet surfaces.

If your cabinets are made of wood, make sure to test the dish soap solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish or paint. This method is effective for routine cleaning and helps maintain the cabinets’ appearance without requiring excessive scrubbing. For an even better result, you can repeat the process once or twice to ensure all residues are removed.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is another excellent ingredient for removing grease from cabinets. First, moisten the cabinet surface with warm water to help soften the stains. Then, create a paste by mixing 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water. Apply this paste evenly to greasy spots using a soft cloth or brush, focusing especially on areas with heavy buildup.

After scrubbing, wipe the surface with clean water to remove both the baking soda mixture and the loosened grease. Finally, dry the cabinets with a clean cloth. To enhance the cleaning power, you can add a small amount of vinegar to the baking soda mixture. However, if you use vinegar, test it on a small hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t harm the cabinet surface.

Using Vinegar and Dish Soap

Another highly effective method involves vinegar combined with dish soap. Begin by moistening the cabinet surface with warm water to make the grease easier to tackle. Then, prepare a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap in the appropriate ratio—typically 1:1 or 2:1, depending on how stubborn the stains are.

Apply this mixture directly to the grease spots and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and break down the grime. Using a soft brush or cloth, gently scrub the affected areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the mixture and grease. Finish by wiping the cabinets dry with a clean cloth. The result is a clean, shiny surface that looks almost as good as new.

Using Borax

Borax can also be mixed with dish soap, vinegar, and water to tackle extremely tough grease stains on cabinets. However, this method is not recommended for everyday use due to safety concerns. Borax is a strong chemical that can cause serious harm if not handled properly and may even pose a fire risk in certain conditions. Always prioritize safer, natural alternatives whenever possible.