If your kitchen cabinets feel sticky or tacky to the touch or have that telltale greasy film, they probably need a thorough clean – and you can do it with household items.
If your kitchen cupboards are feeling a bit sticky or have that unmistakable greasy film, it’s likely they’re in need of a good clean. The build-up of cooking oils, steam, and everyday splashes can lead to a layer of grime over time.
But fear not, you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing to restore them to their former glory. With just a few items you probably already have at home, you can tackle stubborn grease on your cabinets.
Experts have revealed three items that can spruce up your kitchen cabinets.
Washing up liquid
Aminah Vieira, head of marketing and innovation at InspireClean, swears by washing up liquid for tackling grease and grime, reports the Express.
“I absolutely recommend it for degreasing kitchen cabinets, as it cuts through the grease easily and won’t cause damage,” she shared with Real Simple. “It’s easy to use, and you’re likely to always have it on hand, so it’s ideal when you need to give the kitchen a quick once-over.”
Mixing dish soap with warm water and applying it to a greasy surface breaks down the grime, allowing you to simply wipe it away. Warm water aids this process even more as heat softens the grease, making it easier to lift off.
White vinegar
Another common household item that could be hiding in your cupboard is white vinegar. According to Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, white vinegar is a fantastic option as it’s gentle on cabinets.
“We never want to put harsh chemicals on our cabinets because they can easily leave marks,” he warned.
To spruce up your cabinets, mix equal parts vinegar and water and give them a good wipe down with a cloth.
The acid in vinegar acts by breaking down the fatty molecules in grease and grime. Plus, it helps neutralise any nasty smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh and spotless.
Baking soda
Another trick to tackle greasy kitchen cabinets is using baking soda.
“Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste,” advised Alicia Sokolowski, CEO of AspenClean. “Apply it to the greasy spots, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and wipe clean with warm water.”
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and a natural deodoriser, making it perfect for cleaning sticky cabinet doors and handles.
When you blend baking soda with a bit of water (or vinegar for extra cleaning power), it forms a paste that breaks down stubborn grime, softens dried-on splatters, and absorbs lingering odours.