Often, the cabinets over your oven and range bear the brunt of grease stains and splatters, taking on a sticky residue. What is an effective way to remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets? A baking soda paste can help remove many stains, while more severe cases may require a commercial cleaner designed for heavy grease on finished wood or kitchen cabinets. Learn how to clean greasy wooden kitchen cabinets to make even the dirtiest cupboards look like new.
Remove Oven Grease from Kitchen Cabinets With These Simple Steps
To effectively clean the cabinets above the stove, some elbow grease is required. However, using the wrong products or methods can permanently alter wooden surfaces. We will break down the right way to remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets with easy steps that get the job done properly.
Step 1. Mix Cleaning Paste
Just as baking soda can clean your refrigerator, some people use a homemade mixture of baking soda and a small amount of vegetable or canola oil as a grease remover. This can help lift greasy residue on many sealed wood finishes when used gently. Combine 2 parts baking soda with 1 part vegetable or canola oil in a small bowl and mix until a thick paste forms. Make sure the paste is thick enough that it will not fall off when applied to the cabinets. Because baking soda is mildly abrasive and oil can affect some finishes, always test this paste first on a hidden area and avoid using it on unfinished or antique wood.
Step 2. Apply Paste to Cabinets
If preferred, you can dip a rag or paper towel in the paste to apply it to the cabinets. However, using your fingers allows you to more effectively rub the paste into the wood grain. Sticky wood kitchen cabinets are often dirtiest around the knobs or handles, so pay special attention to those areas when applying the paste. Dip a toothbrush in the paste to spread it throughout any carved corners or molding.
Step 3. Wipe Down Cabinets
As you remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets, stains and residue will mix with the paste and fall to the countertop or range below. Wipe down the cabinets and surfaces with a damp sponge or cloth to remove the paste and residue. Follow up by drying the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to protect the wood finish.
Step 4. Use a Commercial Cabinet Cleaner for Heavy Staining
What can you do if cleaning kitchen cabinets with baking soda does not work on severe stains? A commercial cleaner specifically formulated for kitchen cabinets or finished wood can safely remove heavy grease when used as directed. Before applying it to the cabinet face, test a small amount on a hidden area to ensure it does not harm the surface. To ensure your safety, always wear gloves when applying commercial cleaners and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5: Spray Cleaner on Cabinet
To help remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets, spray the cabinet-safe cleaner or degreaser directly onto the affected areas of the cabinet. Rub it into the surface with a gloved finger, soft cloth, or toothbrush, and allow it to sit for the amount of time recommended on the product label.
Step 6. Brush or Scrape Cleaner Into Stains
After the cleaner has had time to work, continue using an old toothbrush to scrub the cleaner into the stains and remove the grease. A plastic scraper may be more effective at removing heavy staining around carved areas, as long as you work gently to avoid damaging the finish.
Step 7. Wipe Down Cabinets
Wipe down the cabinet with a damp cloth or paper towel, removing any lingering grease and cleaner. Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat the process with an additional cleaner to remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets that have severe staining.
The professionals at Action Appliance Repair know how to maintain your kitchen surfaces and appliances. From how to clean oven glass to effective ways to remove oven grease from kitchen cabinets, our experts can help.