How Often Should You Degrease Your Kitchen Cabinets?

When it comes to kitchen cleanup, you might be on top of wiping down the sink and stovetop — after all, they're the most heavily used areas in your day-to-day cooking and battling with dishes. But there's one spot that often gets skipped: the kitchen cabinets. Even if they don't look dirty, cabinets collect a decent amount of grease from cooking, especially if they're near the stove. For a fresh and well-maintained kitchen, it's a good idea to give your cabinets a light degreasing once a week. Plus, you should aim for a deeper clean about twice a year to tackle the buildup that weekly wipe-downs might miss.

Not cleaning your kitchen cabinets often enough doesn't just dull their look — it can make the whole kitchen feel a bit grimy, even when everything else is spotless. Over time, thick grease buildup can actually damage cabinet finishes, attract dust, and make cleaning much harder. Keeping your cabinets grease-free not only improves their appearance but may also help extend their lifespan.

While there's no shortage of genius tips for cleaning your kitchen cabinets, regular maintenance doesn't take that much effort. For your weekly clean, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Take a soft cloth or sponge that won't scratch the cabinet surface, and dampen it with the solution, making sure it's not fully wet — this can damage wood cabinets. Gently wipe the cabinet doors, paying special attention to areas that see more grease, like around handles or near the stove. Always dry the surfaces with a clean towel to avoid moisture damage. 

Twice a year, go for a deep clean: use a degreaser (store-bought all-purpose cleaner or a DIY mix like equal parts vinegar and warm water). Apply it with a soft cloth, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping, as this will help break down the grease. For stubborn spots, a water and baking soda paste works well — just be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. Don't forget to wipe the cabinet tops and inside edges, where grease often hides.

To make degreasing kitchen cabinets a breeze, taking some steps to slow down grease buildup might be a good idea. You can try installing a range hood filter to capture and remove any airborne grease while you're cooking. This will make it much harder for grease to settle on your cabinets, making your whole kitchen easier to keep clean.