I finally got the grease off my kitchen cabinets—here’s what worked.
I’ve been working my way through fixes around my new place, and as I was swapping my microwave grease traps for fresh ones, I discovered something alarming: A fine sheen of old grease splatter was coating my upper cabinets. Gross! But my heart really leapt into my throat when I realized the stubborn layer of compacted grease winking at me could go up in flames at any time.
Greasy kitchen cabinets don’t look like much of a threat, but that sticky layer of old cooking oil is a serious fire risk, particularly with a gas stovetop. Plus, that old oil can smell, attract pests, and slowly warp or degrade the wood. Fortunately, I went deep down an internet rabbit hole until I found foolproof ways to clean grease off kitchen cabinets, so you and I can cook a little more peacefully. See my picks for grease-free cabinets below, all for less than $25.
Best Cleaners for Greasy Kitchen Cabinets at Amazon
- Flame-Proof Degreasing: Krud Kutter Original Cleaner Degreaser Spray$8 (was $10)
- For Rich, Wood-Safe Shine: Murphy Oil Soap$12 (was $15)
- Clean, Shine and Protect: Weiman Wood and Cabinet Cleaner, Pack of 2$22
- Preventative Measures: BergKoch 13-Inch Splatter Screen$10
Dawn Powerwash Free and Clear Dish Spray
$5 at Amazon
If your buildup isn’t too heavy, you might be able to clear it with dish soap. Squeeze or spray a few drops into a gallon of warm water, and apply it to the affected areas of your kitchen. The internet taught me about the “three-towel” system: use one microfiber cloth to apply the soapy solution, one dipped in clean water to remove it and a third to dry and buff your cabinets. While multiple towels might seem excessive, I find it faster than wringing out the same cloth between uses and love the non-abrasive towels for scratch-free cleaning.
Krud Kutter Original Cleaner Degreaser Spray
$10 $8 at Amazon
If dish soap isn’t cutting it, try this shopper-loved degreaser spray. I love it for this application because it’s water-based and flame-resistant, so I feel comfortable using it near my stovetop. Spray your cabinets liberally with the Krud Kutter and let it sit for a few minutes to start breaking down the grease. Wipe it clean with a damp microfiber sponge or towel.
Murphy Oil Soap
$15 $12 at Amazon
Some cabinet materials need special care, and Murphy Oil Soap is gentle on wood surfaces. It takes a couple of extra steps compared to a spray-on degreaser. Add a capful or two of Murphy Oil Soap to a gallon bucket of warm water, apply it with a cloth to your cabinets, wait a couple of minutes and then use a damp rag to wipe it off. I love that Murphy’s leaves a rich, lustrous shine without any residue—try it on wood floors, too.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
$8 at Amazon
If the layer of grease coating your cabinets proves extra stubborn, try a paste of two parts baking soda to one part vegetable oil. The oil might make you raise an eyebrow—I was certainly skeptical before trying it—but like dissolves like. A lipophilic substance might be just the trick for dissolving old grease.
Weiman Wood and Cabinet Cleaner, Pack of 2
$22 at Amazon
This cleaning, shining and protecting spray might feel like gilding the lily. But I trust Weiman’s products to provide a layer of protection between surfaces and future stains, fingerprints and messes. If you’d like to extend how long you go between cleans, give this spray a try.
BergKoch 13-Inch Splatter Screen
$10 at Amazon
Really, the easiest way to solve grease buildup is to prevent it. Eliminate as much airborne grease as you can when cooking by using a splatter screen or making sure your range hood is turned on. Swap out your microwave filters at least once a year or when you start to notice stubborn buildup, and wipe your cabinets regularly to avoid future cake-on grease.
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