Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap or Dawn Powerwash to safely and effectively degrease kitchen cabinets. Because it is designed to cut through stubborn food grease, it works wonders on kitchen cabinets where cooking oils naturally build up over time.
Simple solutions of dish soap and water can do wonders for cleaning away grease, splatters, and food messes. Dawn® Platinum makes cleaning kitchen cabinets So Dawn Easy! The unique formula quickly breaks down grease particles while staying gentle enough to not cause any damage.
Mix 1 oz. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups warm water in a spray bottle or mix a stronger solution for very greasy cabinets. Apply Simple Green. Spray the solution onto a clean, non-abrasive, damp cloth or microfiber pad and wash until clean.
To clean grease off wood cabinets, mix equal parts warm water and mild dish soap (like Dawn) in a bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out completely, and gently scrub the wood following the grain. Immediately dry the cabinets with a clean cloth to prevent warping.
Cleaning kitchen cabinets with Dawn dish soap is highly effective for cutting through grease and grime. To do this safely and effectively, mix a few drops of Dawn into a bucket of warm water. Use a damp, non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the cabinets, rinse with clean water, and dry immediately to protect the finish.
Using the wrong tools and cleaning methods can cause permanent damage to wooden kitchen cabinets. Avoid using harsh chemicals and oil-based solutions as they can strip its protective layer. Stay away from excessive amounts of water or mixed cleaning solutions when cleaning wooden cabinets.
Wood-safe degreasers safely break down stubborn grease and kitchen grime without stripping finishes or drying out the wood. Top recommendations include commercial formulas like Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaser, or wood-specific treatments like Murphy's Oil Soap Original Wood Cleaner.
Yes, Murphy’s Oil Soap is a highly effective and safe cleaner for greasy, grimy wood kitchen cabinets. It is specially formulated to cut through cooking grease and fingerprint oils while protecting and conditioning the wood finish.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the solution. Spray the solution onto a soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe the entire surface of the cabinets, paying special attention to greasy areas.
Yes, WD-40 is an incredibly effective hack for removing stubborn, sticky grease and grime from kitchen cabinets. Because it contains petroleum-based solvents, it dissolves molecular bonds in grease so it can be wiped away easily.
Wood Cleaner
Make your own wood polish by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 3/4 cup olive oil (essential oils can be added as well). Olive oil is great for wooden surfaces; it helps protect the wood while keeping it nourished and gives it a nice shine.
For heavy-duty, polymerized grease (stuck-on oil on range hoods, fryers, or stove grates) or industrial-strength cleaning, you need a highly alkaline or solvent-based degreaser. The strongest commercial-grade options available to cut through stubborn kitchen grime are:
Professional equipment makes the job easier
Microfiber scrub cloths can replace the more common scrub sponges, germ breeding grounds, and can be washed and sanitized along with the other microfibers. A general-purpose cleaner, or even DI water, with the microfibers can handle most day-to-day cleaning.
For the best results on wood cabinets, your go-to products will vary depending on how thick and stubborn the grease is.
Wooden Furniture
The strong detergents in dish soap can strip away the natural oils that protect the wood's surface, leading to a dry, dull finish. Over time, this can cause the wood to crack, warp, or lose its luster, and it can leave a hard-to-remove residue that causes discoloration.
7 Things You Shouldn't Clean With Dish Soap
When wiping your cabinets clean, it's also important to avoid abrasive rags or pads—and to clean the surfaces of your cabinets gently. Scrubbing too hard can damage the finish of your wood cabinetry over time.
The best all-around homemade wood cleaner combines 1/2 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for dark wood), 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 111 tablespoon of lemon juice in a spray bottle. It cleans grime while moisturizing the wood grain to restore shine without harsh chemicals.
The best way to clean wooden kitchen cabinets is with a gentle mixture of warm water and a wood-safe oil soap (like Murphy Oil Soap). Always use a three-towel system (clean, rinse, dry) to prevent water damage, and work top-to-bottom to keep grime from spreading.
To clean grease off cabinets, use a solution of warm water and a grease-fighting dish soap like Dawn. Wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth, use a soft-bristled brush for crevices, and always towel-dry immediately to prevent wood warping.
Using a Magnum airless paint sprayer will provide the fastest way to achieve a perfect finish. When this project is done right, you'll get a durable, smooth finish, without any brush strokes or other imperfections. It's also important to get even coverage on the doors and in all the corners and grooves.
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
Dawn degreasers and dish soaps are generally safe and effective for wood cabinets, provided they are heavily diluted with warm water and used correctly. Because dish soaps cut grease efficiently, it is crucial to use a mild solution so you do not strip the wood's natural protective finish or cause it to dry out.
You can make a basic degreaser at home with vinegar, baking soda, and a little dish soap. This DIY method is a great non-toxic alternative for light grease and everyday maintenance.
Bleach and Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Using these cleaners may discolor wood, erode the finish, and damage deeper layers of your floors. “Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, which can strip the finish and damage the wood,” says Scott.