Kitchen cabinet doors accumulate cooking grease over time — especially the doors above the stove and those nearest to the cooking area. The grease combines with dust to form a sticky, yellowish film that attracts more grime. Regular cleaning prevents the film from becoming thick and difficult to remove.
Standard Clean (All Cabinet Types)
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water
- Dampen a microfibre cloth in the solution — wring it out so it's damp, not dripping
- Wipe each cabinet door from top to bottom
- Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue
- Dry with a clean dry cloth — leaving water on wood cabinets causes swelling and finish damage
Stubborn Grease (Baking Soda Paste)
For thick, sticky grease that soap and water won't cut:
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of dish soap to form a thick paste
- Apply to the greasy area with a cloth and let sit 5 minutes
- Scrub gently with the cloth in circular motions — the mild abrasion of baking soda lifts grease without scratching most cabinet finishes
- Wipe off and rinse clean with a damp cloth
- Dry immediately
Surface-Specific Notes
- Painted cabinets: Avoid abrasive scrubbers — they scratch and dull the paint. Use only soft cloths and mild cleaners.
- Wood cabinets: Never soak or leave moisture on the surface. Clean quickly and dry immediately. For finished wood, avoid vinegar — it dulls lacquer and polyurethane finishes over time.
- Laminate cabinets: Most resilient surface. Can handle baking soda paste and mild degreasers. Avoid steel wool.
- Cabinet hardware: Wipe handles and knobs with a cloth dampened in dish soap solution; they carry significant hand grease transfer.
How Often
- Wipe down cabinet doors monthly as part of kitchen cleaning
- Deep degrease with baking soda paste every 3–6 months, or whenever a sticky film develops
- The cabinets directly above and beside the stove will need attention more frequently than those on the far side of the kitchen