How To Get Cooking Grease Off Wood Cabinets?
Wooden cabinets are an integral part of home décor. They can elevate the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Unfortunately, cabinets mounted above the stovetop can turn dull and dingy due to steam, oil, and condensation exposure. Oil and grime buildup can wash out the pristine finish of your wood cabinets. The worst part is that using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools can do further damage.
So, you need to be extra careful and use proven methods that can help you get rid of sticky gunk without leaving scratches or streaks behind. You can also prefer hiring experts for a cheap end of lease cleaning Canberra. They come fully equipped with tools and techniques to dislodge stubborn stains and grime from almost all surfaces for a hassle-free bond refund.
Luckily, here are some of the best methods for removing cooking grease from wood cabinets. Make sure you stock up on all the necessary supplies, as shared below, and get started with the cleaning process.
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]Method 1: De-Grease Cabinets With Soap and Water
This is one of the most basic methods for cleaning greasy wood cabinets. All you need is warm water and mild dishwashing soap. This works wonders if you regularly clean the surface, particularly for mild stains and gunk. It is good to use eco-friendly soaps and detergents to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning.
First, dampen the sponge with water and soapy water and scrub the surface. The soap will break down the gunk and help you remove it without causing any damage. You can also use a toothbrush for nooks and crannies. Finish off the task by drying the surface with a dry cloth.
Tip: This hack is great for painted/ finished wood cabinets.
Method 2: Cleaning Cabinets using White Vinegar and Soap

Follow this step-by-step guide to clean your grease-laden cabinets within half an hour:
- Step 1: Soak a microfiber cloth in white vinegar and warm soapy solution. Make sure you squeeze out excess solution.
- Step 2: Gently wipe off your cabinets—inside, outside, top, and sides—and do not forget the handles.
- Step 3: Leave it for a few minutes to dislodge cooking grease, fingerprints and oil stains.
- Step 4: Scrub the wood surface with a damp sponge. Do not forget nooks and crannies to remove accumulated gunk.
- Step 5: Wipe off with a wet cloth to remove vinegar residue and buff dry your cabinets.
White vinegar and dish soap can tackle oil spills and messes with ease. However, end of lease cleaning Canberra professionals recommend doing a patch test before applying a cleaning agent on any delicate surface, including wood cabinets. This will prevent damage or discolouration.
Method 3: Use Castile Soap to Dislodge Grease
Made from vegetable oils, castile soap is one of the most effective natural cleaning agents for degreasing wood cabinets. Combine it with warm water and dish soap to maximise its effectiveness.
Adding a few drops of lemon essential oil can make your work a lot easier. Mix and spray the solvent on your greasy cabinets. Leave it for a few minutes and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
This non-abrasive spray will make your wood cabinets look new and sparkling without causing any damage.
Method 4: Baking Soda to Clean Wood Cabinets
Baking soda is an alkaline substance and a versatile green cleaning product. It provides extra scrubbing power to eliminate cooking grease and stubborn oil stains from delicate surfaces, including kitchen cabinets.
Wet your brush with warm water and add baking soda. Next, gently scrub your cabinets. Repeat the process if required and wipe down with a damp cloth to remove the soap residue.
Baking soda can cut through the grease without leaving scratches or streaks on your beautiful wood cabinets.
Method 5: Remove Cooking Grease With Murphy Oil Soap
Murphy’s Oil Soap is one of the most trusted products among professional end of lease cleaners in Canberra. It is ideal for cleaning different types of wood finishes and polished surfaces. Not only does it remove grease, but it also leaves a silky and shiny finish on the surface. Here is a quick guide to achieving shiny results:
- Fill a bucket with one-gallon of warm water and ½ cup of Murphy Oil Soap. Mix well.
- Dampen a rag or sponge in the solution and squeeze out excess product.
- Wipe down wood cabinets. Scrub gently to dislodge caked-on cooking grease and grime.
- Scrub using a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse, wipe and dry to retrieve shiny gloss.
You can easily buy this product from Amazon or a supermarket in your local area.
Important Things to Consider
Self-cleaning sessions can make you vulnerable to making silly mistakes that can cause damage. So, consider the following things and make your wood cabinets look new again:
- Always remove dust, dirt and grime using a microfiber cloth.
- Use damp instead of soaked cloths when cleaning wood cabinets. Excessive moisture can lead to cracks and warping.
- Polish the wood after removing grease and grime. Use olive oil for extra shine.
- Regularly clean cabinets that are mounted directly above the stove. These need more care and attention.
- Repair loose doors and handles of cabinets before the final rental inspection.
Easy Methods to Clean Greasy Wood Cabinets

Wrapping Up
Dislodging cooking grease and grime from wood cabinets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow these tried-and-tested methods to leave your kitchen cabinets sparkling, shiny, and pristine, especially when moving out of a rental property, and secure your bond money.