Cabinet Grease Remover That Cleans Grease and Sticky Residue

Painted cabinets and cupboards nearest the stove often develop a greasy sheen or a slightly sticky residue. The following homemade cabinet grease remover cuts through that buildup and restores a natural, clean finish.

We discovered this simple degreaser while clearing my grandmother’s home after she passed. Years of kitchen grease and more than two decades of nicotine staining had left the cabinets dull and grimy. This recipe removed both types of buildup and left the surfaces noticeably cleaner.

Note: Use this solution only on PAINTED cabinetry. The cabinets we treated were in a nearly 30-year-old prefabricated home. If you plan to use it on newer or specialty finishes, test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there’s no discoloration or finish damage.

You’ll need:
1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Fill a bucket with the warm water, add the ammonia, stir in the baking soda, then add the vinegar. The order helps the ingredients combine safely and effectively.

Before applying the cleaner, soften heavy grease and dirt by wiping the area with a hot, damp dishcloth. Dip a clean, warm washcloth into the solution and gently wash the cabinet surfaces. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes on stubborn spots, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cotton cloth. A circular rubbing motion often helps lift the grease without damaging the paint.

For laminate cabinets: If you’re dealing with laminate or gummy grease buildup, try this alternate mix. Add the dish soap to an empty bucket, fill with warm water, then add the ammonia and mix gently.

1 cup ammonia
1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap
1 gallon warm water

Always wear gloves when working with ammonia. Use a soft cloth to wash cabinet surfaces, and an old toothbrush to reach corners, seams, and detailed trim.