How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers – Tips for Grease and Stains

November 22, 2024 Tai Massimilian
A woman spraying a cleaning solution on a cloth to clean the table

Did you know the kitchen sponge can harbor over 362 different species of bacteria? And it’s recommended to replace it every two weeks! Keeping kitchen cabinets and drawers spotless can feel tough and endless. No matter how often you clean, grease and stains always seem to reappear.

Let’s explore effective ways to tackle tough stains and grease and keep your cabinets and drawers spotless.

Understanding the Challenge: Persistent Grease and Stains in Kitchen Cabinets

Grease and stains are the dynamic duo of kitchen messes. Every time we cook or fry food, steam and oil settle on cabinet surfaces. Over time, this builds up into grimy layers that dull the cabinet’s appearance and weaken its material if ignored.

Grease buildup acts like a magnet for dust, leaving cabinets dirty and sticky.. Mastering grease removal techniques is key to keeping your kitchen in tip top shape. 

A professional cleaner wearing gloves is scrubbing a metal rack over a sink

Pre-Cleaning Preparations

Essential Tools and Supplies

A person checking off items on a cleaning checklist with a mop and bucket in the background, focusing on outdoor cabinets.

Choosing the right tools before diving into a clean is crucial. The right tools will not only make it easier but also prevent you from causing damage to your cabinets.

Here is what you’ll need:

  • Microfiber Cloths, as they are gentle on surfaces and great for trapping dust.
  • Sponges, soft and non-abrasive ones to avoid accidental scratches.
  • Scrub Brushes, for stubborn corners and grooves
  • A Nontoxic all purpose cleaner. (Our favorite is Branch Basics). 
  • Mild dish soap is tough on grease but gentle on cabinets. We love Seventh Generation in the lavender scent.

Organizing the Cleaning Process

Working in an organized manner ensures efficiency while you clean. Follow these steps before you begin:

  • Clear out cabinet contents: Group similar items for easy reorganization.
  • Protect countertops and floors: Use paper towels, rags or spare sheets to catch drips.
  • Designate a discard area: Ensure you have a waste basket for expired or unwanted items.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Step 1: Empty and Sort

Remove all items from your cabinets. Use this opportunity to discard expired food and reorganize items to make them more accessible.

Step 2: Dust and Wipe Down

Using a microfiber cloth, remove loose dust and crumbs. This prevents smearing during wet cleaning.

Gloved hands cleaning kitchen cabinets with a spray and cloth for a polished finish.

Step 3: Degrease with Natural Dish Soap

In a large cup or your sink, mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water. Make sure the water is nice and sudsy, then use a soft sponge to wash the cabinets in small circular motions. 

Step 4: Tackle Stubborn Stains

  • Stuck with a stubborn stain? Grab Bon Ami natural cleaner. It’s our favorite light abrasive when stains need an extra scrub.

Step 5: Final Rinse and Dry

Wipe away any cleaning residue with a wet cloth. Dry the surface thoroughly to prevent water damage. Good as new!

Tips for Cleaning Different Cabinet Materials

Different materials require specific cleaning methods to avoid damage. Here’s how to clean various cabinet types:

Wooden Cabinets

  • A mild soap solution and a damp cloth are all that’s needed.
  • Avoid soaking the wood to prevent warping
  • Use Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner  post-cleanup to make the cabinets shine.

Laminated Cabinets

  • Stick to dish soap and water for this one too, avoid abrasive cleaners as they may scratch the lamination.

Painted Cabinets

  • Always use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild soapy solution.
  • Steer clear of harsh chemicals as they may damage the paint.

Maintaining Clean Cabinets: Proactive Tips

Prevention is better than cure applies perfectly to kitchen maintenance. Regular cleaning can prevent grease and stains from accumulating and damaging any appliances or surfaces in your kitchen. Here’s how:

Routine Maintenance

  • Wipe down the cabinet surfaces weekly to prevent any grease buildup.
  • Use drawer liners to catch crumbs and spills, making future cleaning easier.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Despite regular cleaning, sometimes the dirt and grease just builds up. To deal with those moments, schedule deep cleaning sessions every few weeks to keep the kitchen pristine. 

With these tips, you can enjoy spotless cabinets year-round.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks

Natural Cleaning Solutions

You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your cabinets clean. Two of our favorite products to use when cleaning cabinets are:

  • Natural dish soap (we like Seventh Generation) and warm water. This stuff works great on grease.
  • Branch Basics all purpose cleaner. Excellent for finishing after a soap down, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to leave a fresh scent of your choice.

Sustainability in Cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning solutions not only keep your kitchen clean but also support a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Opt for reusable cloths and avoid disposable wipes to reduce waste.
  • Choose biodegradable, non-toxic products to protect your home and the environment.

Organizing Your Cabinets and Drawers Post-Cleaning

Keeping things organized is helpful in many ways, from finding the silverware quickly to achieving a clutterless view.

Some tips to keep your kitchen and cabinets organized are:

Smart Storage Solutions

  • Use stackable bins and baskets to maximize space.
  • Label containers for easy identification.

Maintaining Organization

  • Drawer dividers help keep utensils and smaller items in an orderly manner.
  • Regularly check for expired or unused items to prevent clutter.

Keeping Your Kitchen Spotless and Organized

A clean kitchen is more than just visually pleasing—it’s essential for a healthy cooking environment. Regular cleaning, paired with the right products and techniques, keeps your cabinets and drawers in excellent condition. Housekeeping ensures their longevity and enhances the beauty of your space.

Cleaning professionals tidying a kitchen, emphasizing spotless surfaces and clean kitchen cabinets.

At Vella, we specialize in kitchen cleaning and offer high-quality services tailored exactly to your home’s needs. Whether you need a deep clean or just regular maintenance, our housekeepers ensure exceptional results. They are dedicated, hardworking, and experts in their fields. Check out our services and book today to transform your kitchen into a spotless, organized space! Read more here  for more kitchen cleaning tips.