From Greasy to Gorgeous: Your Kitchen Cabinets Deserve This Glow-Up

Look, I’m not here to judge. Life happens, dinners get made, cookies get burned, and cabinets… well, they quietly collect a thin coat of mystery goo. You know the kind—tacky, kind of greasy, a little dusty, and clinging to your cabinet doors like it pays rent.

If your cabinets haven’t had a proper cleaning since the last time you reorganized your spice rack (and let’s be real, that was probably pre-pandemic), don’t worry. You’re not alone. And you’re not doomed to live with sticky cupboards forever.

Let’s get those babies cleaned up, shall we?

So… What Is That Stuff, Anyway?

It’s like this: every time you cook—especially if you’re frying, sautéing, roasting, or even just boiling water—oils and vapors float around the room like tiny invisible balloons. And guess where they land? Yep. Right on your beautiful cabinet surfaces. Add some dust, a splash of tomato sauce here and there, and before you know it, you’ve got grime with a capital “G.”

And the longer it sits, the stickier it gets. It’s not just surface mess—it’s years of chicken stir-fry, bacon breakfasts, and forgotten pasta water steam. Sounds kind of poetic, in a gross way.

First Things First: Let’s Gather Some Supplies

Before you start scrubbing like Cinderella, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• White vinegar (honestly, if I could marry vinegar, I would)

• Baking soda

• Mild dish soap (Dawn is the gold standard, but use what you have)

• Warm water

• Microfiber cloths (or old t-shirts—no shame)

• A soft-bristled brush (a retired toothbrush is perfect)

• Rubber gloves (if you’re fancy or have sensitive skin)

• Optional: Commercial degreaser (for when nature fails you)

If you’re into essential oils, a drop or two of lemon can add a nice little spa moment to your vinegar mixture. Not necessary, but nice if you’re in the mood.

Prep Your Kitchen Like You’re Hosting a Cleaning Show

Alright, let’s not make this harder than it needs to be.

Here’s how to get your space ready:

• Empty the cabinets (yes, even that shelf with the weird jar of pickled something from 2019)

• Remove handles and knobs if you’re feeling thorough

• Cover your countertops and floors with towels or newspaper

• Open a window—you don’t want to hotbox your kitchen with vinegar fumes

Bonus tip? Put on your favorite playlist or podcast. Scrubbing goes a lot faster when Beyoncé’s cheering you on.

Okay, Time to Clean—Here’s the Game Plan

No gimmicks. No magic potions. Just good, old-fashioned cleaning that works.

1. Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bowl or spray bottle.

2. Dampen a cloth in the mixture and start wiping down cabinet surfaces.

3. For stubborn grease, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it gently with your soft-bristled brush and scrub in slow, loving circles.

4. Rinse your cloth often and go over the cabinets again until they feel clean. Not kinda clean. Actually clean.

5. Wipe with plain water, then dry everything with a soft towel.

It’s a little bit of work, sure—but the difference is chef’s kiss. Your cabinets will literally look brighter. Like they took a shower and finally brushed their teeth.

Natural Tricks That Work (And Smell Kinda Nice, Too)

If you’re not big on store-bought cleaners, you’ve still got options.

Here’s a little homemade remedy I swear by:

• Baking soda + vegetable oil paste
  I know, I know—adding oil to clean grease sounds backwards. But trust me. Mix two parts baking soda with one part oil (any kind—olive, canola, whatever you’ve got). It forms a gritty, creamy paste that grabs onto grime and lifts it right off. Smear it on, let it sit for five minutes, then gently scrub and wipe away.

Still greasy? Spray straight vinegar on the area, let it soak for a minute, and wipe clean. It’s like spring cleaning in a bottle.

When Nature Just Ain’t Cutting It…

Sometimes, the gunk is just too far gone. That’s when it’s okay to reach for the heavy-duty stuff.

These are a few cabinet-safe degreasers that actually work without wrecking your finish:

• Krud Kutter – Non-toxic, but strong. Like a mom with a label maker.

• Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser – Smells decent and cuts through gunk like a dream.

• Zep Citrus Degreaser – If you want it gone, and you want it now.

Just be sure to read the label, test a small spot first, and use gloves if the cleaner’s strong. Your hands are precious!

Let’s Keep That Shine: How to Prevent the Sticky Stuff

Now that your cabinets look brand spankin’ new, you’ll want to keep them that way. And honestly, it’s easier than you think.

Try this:

• Wipe cabinet doors once a week with a damp cloth

• Monthly vinegar water wipe-downs to keep the grease from sneaking back

• Use your range hood every time you cook (yes, every time)

• Cover pans when cooking, especially when frying

• Keep a small cloth or sponge handy to wipe up splatters as they happen

A little bit here and there beats another three-year build-up. Trust me on this one.

A Final Word From Someone Who’s Been There

I’ll be honest with you—this isn’t the most glamorous job. But there’s something kind of satisfying about it. Like when you finally clean out your purse and find that old gift card. Or when you scrub your bathroom mirror and suddenly your reflection looks ten years younger. That kind of satisfying.

Clean cabinets make the whole kitchen feel lighter, fresher, more loved. And once it’s done? You’ll smile every time you walk in. Promise.

So go ahead—roll up those sleeves, blast your favorite throwback playlist, and give those cabinets the spa day they’ve been silently begging for.

And when you’re done? Treat yourself to a glass of wine and a kitchen dance party. You earned it.