Practical Hacks To Degrease Kitchen Wooden Cabinets

Greasy wooden cabinets can quickly ruin your kitchen's overall look and feel. It is easy to overlook cooking oil splatters, sticky residue and fingerprints on elegant and vibrant wood finish, but it can become a magnet for dust, grime and germs, compromising your home's hygienic standards. The worst part! Scrubbing the surface too abrasively or using harsh products can strip their protective sealant, making them look dull and dingy.

Fret not! Here are practical hacks to degrease kitchen wooden cabinets using natural cleaning products and the right techniques. With a bit of elbow grease and cleaning precision, you can restore the shine of your cabinets in a breeze. Ensure you empty the kitchen pantry, get rid of expired/ stale food and deep clean the cabinets inside and outside for spotless results. Also, check the manufacturer’s guide and do a patch test even before using DIY natural cleaning agents.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Know The Finish Of Your Cabinet

First things first! Determine the wooden finish of your kitchen cabinets. This will help you pick the right cleaning products for grease and grime. A glossy, sealed and polyurethane polish can withstand acidic cleaners and water based solutions, while unsealed cabinets need milder and non abrasive treatment.

That's one of the reasons why end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts do a patch test on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't scratch the finish or cause permanent discolouration. You should also do the same before applying any cleaner.

2. Regular Cleaning: Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water

As wooden cabinets are often located close to the gas stove or cooking station, they require regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup. For that, use mild dishwashing liquid soap and a warm water solution. Mix 5-6 drops of liquid soap with warm water in a bowl to cut through grease. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out to avoid excess moisture and wipe the cabinet surfaces. Cover every nook and cranny, inside and outside, before rinsing with a damp cloth. Ensure you dry it instantly to prevent nasty water streaks.

Note: Avoid cleaning certain surfaces with dish soap. This includes hardwood floors, flat paint wall, and natural stone surfaces to prevent damage.

3. White Vinegar For Buildup Grease

There is no denying that white vinegar is a wonderful natural cleaning agent that works wonders on different surfaces. You can use it on sealed wood cabinets by diluting with warm water and leave it for a few minutes. The acidic properties in vinegar break down the sticky residue, cooking grease and grime without causing damage to the surface. Scrub it with a sponge and use an old toothbrush for crannies. Next, wipe with a lint-free cloth to rinse and dry.

Tip: Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the DIY solution to banish the pungent smell of vinegar.

4. Baking Soda Paste: A Natural Degreaser

There are many great uses of baking soda for kitchen cleaning. It is the best natural degreaser that can make your cabinets shine like never before. You can either prepare baking soda paste with warm water or vegetable oil. Apply it with a brush to remove buildup grease, and grime from the surface. Gently work in a circular motion and leave it for a few minutes. Once cleaned, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and buff dry for a gleaming look. Use this hack to clean the nooks and crannies of your cabinets for an ultimate shine. Experts also use it during a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne to unclog bathroom and kitchen drains according to tenant’s cleaning checklist.

5. White Vinegar + Castile Soap + Olive Oil = Magic Wonders

Believe it or not! This cleaning solution can do wonders in transforming your wooden cabinets in the kitchen. It can even protect the finish from future stains and grease. All you need to do is to mix vegetable or olive oil, castile soap and vinegar in equal parts and apply gently on the surfaces. Rub it in using a lint free cloth and buff it to achieve shiny outcomes like a pro.

Tip: Castile soap is a plant based cleaning product to help create a healthy, hygienic and fume free kitchen environment.

6. Murphy Oil Soap For Extra Shine

Wooden cabinets need extra care when tackling grease and grime to prevent damage. It is good to use minimal water and harsh chemicals. In such a situation, use Murphy Oil Soap, a great wood cleaner. Fill a bowl with warm water and pour in a few drops of this magical product. Mix it well until it becomes cloudy. Dampen a clean cloth into it, wring out excess solution and wipe down your cabinets. You can even scrub with a sponge to achieve better outcomes.

7. Don’t Forget the Hardware and Crannies

Professional end of lease cleaners Melbourne recommend following the top down approach to cover every nook and cranny of wooden cabinets. Here are some great hacks to make cleaning easier:

• Start with Door Fronts: Spray the solution to grease the surface. Wipe down the front part in a circular motion to remove grease.
• Deep Clean Door Edges: Open the door and wipe down the sides, top and bottom edges. You can use an old toothbrush for effective results.
• Disinfect Cabinet Frame: Spray vinegar to remove oil and grease stains from frames.
• Knobs, Handles and Hinges: You can use vinegar to remove grease residue or soda crystals to dislodge tougher stains.

How to Degrease Wooden Cabinets?

Wrapping Up

Sparkling wooden cabinets can make your kitchen look clean and organised. With these simple hacks and natural cleaning products, dislodge grease, oil splatters and dust like a pro. These won’t leave scratches behind, restoring the pristine shine before the final rental inspection.