Cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets can seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right products and techniques, you can get them looking brand new again. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean greasy metal painted kitchen cabinets.
Why Grease Builds Up on Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Grease, oil and dirt accumulate on painted kitchen cabinets over time from cooking splatters and simply from everyday use. This leaves cabinets feeling sticky and looking dull and dirty.
Grease clings to the smooth surface of painted cabinets and can be difficult to remove with just regular cleaning. Over time, layers upon layers of grease build up, becoming baked on and stubborn.
Metal cabinets in particular tend to show grease and dirt more noticeably. The shinier surface allows grime to stand out prominently.
Regular cleaning helps prevent excessive build up. But occasionally, more intensive cleaning is required to break through accumulated grease and restore the cabinets to their original appearance.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets requires having the right supplies on hand. Here is what you’ll need:
- Dish soap – A degreasing dish soap helps cut through grease. Dawn is a popular choice.
- Baking soda – Acts as a gentle abrasive to help lift grease off.
- White vinegar – Helps dissolve grease and cuts through grime.
- Spray bottle – For dispensing cleaning solution on cabinets.
- Microfiber cloths – For washing cabinets without leaving lint or scratches.
- Nylon scrub brush – For tougher buildup, a brush helps scrub off baked-on grease.
- Rubber gloves – Protects your hands from harsh cleaning solutions.
- Eye protection – Stops cleaning products from irritating eyes.
Steps to Clean Greasy Kitchen Cabinets
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean greasy metal painted kitchen cabinets:
1. Remove Cabinet Contents
First, empty out the cabinets of all food, dishes, shelves and other items. This allows you to access all cabinet surfaces for cleaning.
Place removed items on the counter or temporarily on the floor to keep them out of the way.
2. Mix Grease-Cutting Cleaning Solution
Combine the following in a spray bottle:
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
- 1⁄4 cup dish soap
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
Shake vigorously to fully dissolve the ingredients and mix the solution. The dish soap, baking soda and vinegar all help to cut through grease.
3. Spray Cabinets and Let Sit
Spray the cleaning solution liberally all over the exterior cabinet surfaces – doors, fronts, sides and top. Ensure you coat any visibly greasy areas.
Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the ingredients time to start breaking down the grease.
4. Scrub Cabinets
Scrub the exterior of the cabinets using a microfiber cloth or nylon scrub brush. Apply light pressure and wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
Focus on scrubbing greasy areas vigorously to lift off the grime. The baking soda provides gentle abrasion to help remove baked-on gunk.
5. Rinse Cabinets
Use a clean microfiber cloth dampened with fresh water to wipe down the cabinets. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
Take care not to leave any solution sitting on the cabinets, as vinegar could damage the finish over time.
6. Repeat as Needed
Check if any visible grease remains. For stubborn spots, repeat steps 3-5, allowing the solution to sit for longer before scrubbing again.
Multiple applications may be needed to fully remove heavy grease buildup. But take care not to over-scrub, as this could damage the cabinet finish.
7. Clean Inside Cabinets
Once the exteriors are cleaned, wash the interiors using the same process. Give shelves, sides and bottoms a thorough scrubbing to remove all grease.
Rinse with a damp microfiber cloth to remove all cleaning solution residue.
8. Dry and Replace Contents
Allow cabinets to fully air dry before replacing any contents. Prevent moisture damage by ensuring no residual dampness remains before restocking shelves.
Once completely dry, you can return contents to their original places within the clean, grease-free cabinets!
Tips for Cleaning Greasy Cabinets
Follow these tips for best results when cleaning kitchen cabinets:
- Test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure they don’t damage the finish.
- Clean when grease is still fresh – don’t let it bake on. Frequent light cleaning prevents heavy buildup.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub hardware and crevices. It helps remove grease from small areas.
- For metal cabinets, rub very lightly in the direction of the grain – scrubbing too hard can remove the finish over time.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which could scratch the cabinet surface.
- Wipe spills promptly to prevent grease from accumulating.
- Apply a protectant like paste wax periodically to help repel new grime.
Maintain Clean Cabinets
Once your cabinets are grease-free, be diligent about ongoing maintenance:
- Wipe spills right away, don’t let them dry and become stubborn stains.
- Wash cabinet exteriors and interiors with a mild soap and water monthly. This regular cleaning prevents heavy buildup.
- Use cabinet liners to protect shelves from spills and grease absorption. Replace liners periodically.
- Consider glass doors for upper cabinets – transparent surfaces show grease and dirt faster, prompting more frequent cleaning.
With the right techniques and regular care, your kitchen cabinets can stay grease-free and looking like new for years to come. Follow this comprehensive guide and enjoy clean, fresh cabinets shining like the day they were installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my cabinets are made of real wood, laminate, or metal?
You can identify cabinet materials by looking closely at the surface:
- Real wood will have visible grain and an uneven texture. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished.
- Laminate has a smooth, perfectly even surface. It may have a printed wood-grain pattern. Laminate cannot be refinished.
- Metal cabinets have a smooth, shiny surface when new. With wear, the finish can dull or chip. Metal cabinets are prone to grease buildup.
What’s the best way to clean cabinet hardware like knobs and hinges?
Use a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply to hardware with a toothbrush and scrub gently to remove grease and tarnish. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking hardware in liquid cleaners which can loosen adhesive.
How can I make my freshly cleaned cabinets shine?
Once completely dry, you can apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and buff the wood. This helps restore luster and provide light protection. For a deeper shine, apply paste wax per label directions. Avoid oiling laminate cabinets.
How often should I clean my kitchen cabinets?
Aim to wash cabinet exteriors at least once a month using a mild detergent and water. Clean interiors every 2-3 months. Immediately clean spills when they happen to prevent grease buildup. Frequent light cleaning prevents the need for heavy-duty scrubbing.
What’s the safest way to clean cabinets near a gas stove?
Avoid spraying liquids near an open flame. Only wipe the area surrounding the stove with a damp microfiber cloth. Check the stove manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Grease accumulation increases fire risk, so regular cleaning is important.
Conclusion
Greasy kitchen cabinets are an unpleasant but common problem. With some elbow grease and using the right grease-fighting cleaning solutions, you can tackle the grime and restore your cabinets to a like-new appearance.
Be sure to clean regularly going forward to prevent grease from taking hold again. Your cabinets protect your dishes and food, so take good care of them and they’ll last for years of service. Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking in a fresh, tidy kitchen.