How to remove grease stains from wood cabinets

5 Ways to Remove Grease Stains From Wood Cabinets

Grease has always been a nuisance to house owners. These stains are smelly, they are a pain in the neck to clean, and they make your house look filthy. 

Cabinets are grease’s favorite place to stick. It can be frustrating for people because these stains reach the most impossible areas that are hard to clean.

Remove Grease Stains from Cabinets
Remove Grease Stains from Cabinets

So even though you’re wiping your area clean after you cook every day, this stubborn grease will always find its way into your cabinets.

Of course, you don’t want to ruin that good paint or varnish of your cabinet when cleaning.

If you do find yourself struggling with how to remove those grease stains from your wood cabinets, then I have written this article for you.

How to remove grease stains from wood cabinets?

To remove grease stains from wood cabinets you can either use dishwashing liquid and water, white vinegar, a citrus mixture, a fragrant soap spray, or baking soda with water. Any of these methods can efficiently remove nasty grease stains but you need to ensure that you apply it to a small area only when starting out. You do not want to destroy your beloved wood cabinet. If none of these methods work, you can always invest in a store-bought grease remover.

Different Ways to remove stains from wood cabinets

In terms of cleaning your house, top shelves, cabinets, or corners, no matter what kind of dirt there is, we always want to opt for the most natural way rather than using chemical products.

However, as we all know, natural ways and DIYs will consume more time and effort.

Dishwashing liquid and water, white vinegar, citrus-mixture cleaner, DIY soap fragrant spray as well as baking soda paste are viable options.

If you’re wondering how to use these cleaners, read further and get to know more about each cleaning solution.

Before anything else, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Wear rubber gloves to remove grease stains
Wear rubber gloves to remove grease stains

Although you’re using safe methods, cleaning materials will stick to your hands which may cause irritation later on.

In case you are not wearing gloves you may cut or bruise yourself while cleaning. That’s why rubber gloves are important.

Let’s now have a look at the different options.

1. Dishwashing liquid and water

Dishwashing liquid and water will remove grease stains from cabinets
Dishwashing liquid and water will remove grease stains from cabinets

Most household items, as well as cabinets, can be cleaned with just using dish soap and water. 

Not to mention it’s cheaper and more convenient to use because you already have dish soap at home I assume.

How to clean wood cabinets using dishwashing liquid 

Mix the dishwashing liquid and warm water in a bowl until soapy. 

Using a soft cloth or microfiber cloth, dip it in the water mixture and gently wipe the areas that need cleaning. 

After, use clean water to remove the soap residue. 

Lastly, dry the surface by using a clean cloth, towel, or rag.

2. White Vinegar

Using white vinegar to remove grease stains
Using white vinegar to remove grease stains

Another convenient and cheap cleaning material is white vinegar. You will also have it at home in most cases.

White vinegar consists of natural acids that will break down the stains without leaving any stubborn grease behind.

Use it with caution since it is an acid and you do not want to destroy your wood cabinets.

How to clean wood cabinets using white vinegar

Take a clean washcloth or paper towel then dip it in the bowl with white vinegar. 

Wipe the surface of the cabinet and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. 

To help loosen the grease, take a damp sponge or microfiber cloth, then wipe down the excess buildup.

3. Citrus-Mixture Cleaner

Using a citrus mixture to remove grease stains
Using a citrus mixture to remove grease stains

Citrus-mixture cleaner. Citrus has a lot of benefits not just for our health, but also for household matters.

It can be used as a multipurpose cleaner because its acid is sufficient to clean grimes, grease, dirt, stains, and foul odors.

In addition, citrus has a good scent which will leave your house smelling fresh. 

How to use citrus to clean your wood cabinets 

You have two choices when using citrus: either you buy a citrus multipurpose cleaner or make your own (by using citrus peels of lemon or orange, white vinegar, water).

Either way, spray the citrus cleaner onto the cabinets then let it sit for a couple of minutes. 

Use a sponge or cloth, damp it in the warm water, then gently rub the grease away. 

Lastly, wipe the surface with a clean cloth or rag to dry.

4. DIY Fragrant Soap Spray

Using fragrant soap spray to remove grease stains
Using fragrant soap spray to remove grease stains

This is a good way to remove grease from your cabinets. You will also make your home smell nice at the same time. 

How to use a soap fragrant spray on cabinets

Fill a spray bottle with a cup of white vinegar, a few drops of liquid soap, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of your chosen essential oil or lavender scent. 

Fill the remaining space of the bottle with warm water. 

Shake the bottle well before spraying the areas while wiping.

5. Baking Soda and Water

Using baking soda to remove grease stains
Using baking soda to remove grease stains

Another multipurpose cleaner that you can find in your house is baking soda.

It is effective for getting rid of the greasy particles that stick to the surface of your cabinets. 

How to clean using baking soda

Mix a 50/50 combination of water and baking soda, mix it well until it becomes pasty. 

Gently spread the paste mixture to areas that contain grease by using a clean cloth in a circular motion. 

After you’ve covered all the grease stains with the paste, use a clean damp cloth to wipe off any excess paste. 

Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture. Remember to discard the pasty cloth as it will become soiled.

If all else fails, then it means the grease is too stubborn for the natural way to get rid of it.

You cannot force to scrub the stains away because it will only damage the surface of your cabinets.

So, in this case, you have to rely on store-bought cleaners. These cleaners will hopefully be strong enough to wipe the grease and stains off.

How to prevent grease or stain from building up

Now that you’ve finally cleaned your wooden cabinets, your next step is to prevent grease or stain buildup in the future.

Here are two handy tips to make sure your cabinets remain clean and free of build-ups:

Wipe your cabinet, cupboards, or corners by using a soft cloth with a degreaser at least once a week to remove new stains and prevent grease from coming back. 

Always wash your hands after cooking. Sometimes the grease or oil residue in your hands sticks to your cabinets when touching them.

Conclusion

Some famous last words. Always try the described methods in small spots first before spreading to larger areas.

You want to make sure that they do not discolor a cabinet’s finish. 

There are many different ways o get rid of grain stains on wooden cabinets such as dishwasher liquid, vinegar, citrus and some more described in this article.

Stay clean!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *