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How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

How to clean kitchen cabinets

When we think of cleaning the kitchen our minds often tend to settle on dishes, the sink, countertops, and even floors. However, our kitchen cabinets may require a bit of sprucing up as well. Read on to learn how best to clean kitchen cabinets so they can shine like new, even after all the grime, splatter, and grease that meal prepping, and family fun night can leave behind.

Best Cleaning Supplies for Kitchen Cabinets

Whether your cabinets need a quick wipe down or a full-on deep cleaning session, some of the best cleaning supplies are already in your kitchen! 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. Be sure to use a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning. Microfiber cloths are great too when it comes to your cabinets, as they help trap any dust or dirt to prevent soil from spreading. Avoid abrasive materials like strong detergents and scouring pads, as these can scratch or dull your cabinets.

How to Clean Off Cooking Grease from Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are for storing dishes, not grease. Unfortunately, wood cabinets are prone to all sorts of grease, grime, and gunk from simply being in the kitchen. We’ll walk you through cleaning greasy kitchen cabinets in a few simple steps—so they can get the love they need, and you can get back to focusing on what really matters.

How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Cabinets

1. Lather Up.

Apply a few drops ofDawn® Platinum to a bowl of warm water, then dip the sponge in. Squeeze the sponge until suds form. The cleaning agents in Dawn® absorb grease similarly on kitchen surfaces as they do on dishes.

Hand squeezing soapy sponge above bucket and hand wiping cabinet with sponge

2. Wipe Out.

Begin by testing on an inconspicuous corner before doing a full-fledged scrubbing. Scrub the greasy surface back and forth with the soft side of the sponge until the soil is removed. If applicable, follow the grain.

3. Tough It Out.

For those stubborn messes, apply a squirt of Dawn® Platinum directly to a sponge or dish cloth under warm running water, then gently scrub the greasy surface.

4. Rinse Away.

Wipe down the cabinets and remove any remaining grease and excess soap with a damp paper towel. Excess residue may lead to etching on certain materials.

Hand drying cabinet with clean paper towel

5. Time to Dry.

Immediately dry the surfaces with a clean paper towel or reusable cloth. This will prevent streaking.


You’re done. Wow. So that’s the cabinet’s original color!

Why Kitchen Cabinets Get Greasy

Have you ever noticed that when you cook bacon on the stovetop, the grease doesn’t stay right in the area where you’re cooking? When fats and oils are heated, they turn into tiny, lightweight grease droplets that catch the natural airflow through your home and carry throughout your kitchen, eventually landing on cabinets and other surfaces. These grease layers can build up over time and attract things like dust and debris, creating a thick, sticky paste on your kitchen surfaces. Because Dawn® is equipped to handle even the toughest kitchen grease on your dishes, it’s the perfect solution for grease on your other kitchen surfaces as well. And the best news? If you regularly wipe down your surfaces with Dawn® Platinum and water after cooking, it’s So Dawn Easy to keep your surfaces free of stubborn grease build-up!

Hand squeezing soapy sponge above bucket and hand wiping cabinet with spongeHand drying cabinet with clean paper towel

Quick Tips on How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

No matter the type of cabinets you have, there are a few universal tips to keep in mind when cleaning them so they can stay grease-free, and you can get back to focusing on what really matters.

  • Degrease kitchen cabinet exteriors at least once a week

  • Use a mild dish soap, like Dawn® Platinum, to create a warm water solution

  • Wipe with a soft cloth that’s slightly damp, limit excess water!

  • Gently rinse with a bit of clear water

  • Wipe dry with a soft cloth, never use abrasive materials as these can scratch or dull your cabinets

  • Allow to air dry