How to Clean Greasy Grimy Kitchen Cabinets and Surfaces
Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Preventive Maintenance. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Preventive Maintenance. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a sparkling clean kitchen. But over time, even the most pristine kitchens can fall victim to a persistent, sticky foe: grease. It starts subtly, but soon you notice a grimy film on your cabinets, a tacky feel on your countertops, and a stubborn residue on your stovetop that just won’t quit.
This buildup is a natural byproduct of cooking. Tiny particles of oil and fat become airborne with steam and smoke, eventually settling on every available surface. When mixed with dust and household grime, they create a stubborn, yellowish layer that can be incredibly difficult to remove.
Not only is this greasy film unsightly, but it can also be unhygienic and even damage your cabinet finishes over time. The good news? You don’t need to call in a professional cleaning crew just yet. With the right techniques and a little bit of elbow grease, you can restore your kitchen to its former glory.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean kitchen grease, just like we would over the phone. Let’s get started.

Kitchen grease isn't like a simple spill. When cooking oils are heated, they undergo a process called polymerization. This chemical reaction causes the oil molecules to link together, forming a sticky, resin-like substance that bonds tightly to surfaces. This is why a simple wipe with a wet cloth often just smears the grease around instead of removing it. To beat it, you need a strategy that can break down these tough polymers.
Before you start spraying and scrubbing, take a moment to figure out the scope of the problem. Is the grease concentrated in one area, or has it staged a full-kitchen takeover? This will help you choose the right cleaning approach and save you time and effort.
Based on your assessment, you’ll likely fall into one of two categories: localized grease or widespread grease.
If the grime is mostly contained to the immediate cooking area, you can perform a targeted cleaning. This is common in kitchens where the range hood is used consistently and effectively.
What You'll Need:
Instructions:
Once this is done, the area should be clean. But to keep it clean, we need to address the root cause of the buildup.
Your range hood is your number one defense against grease. Its fan pulls oily steam and smoke out of the air, trapping it in a filter before it can settle on your cabinets. If that filter is clogged, it can’t do its job effectively.
How to Tell if Your Range Hood Needs Cleaning:
Turn on the fan. Hold a piece of paper towel or a tissue up to it. If the fan has strong suction and holds the paper in place, it’s likely working well. If the paper barely moves or falls away immediately, the filter is probably clogged with grease and needs a deep clean.
Basic Range Hood Maintenance:
If you clean the filter and the fan still seems weak, you may have a more significant issue with the motor. At that point, it’s best to call an appliance technician.
If your initial assessment revealed that the grease has spread beyond the stove to your cabinets, countertops, and even the floor, it’s time for a more comprehensive deep clean.
Instructions:
Painted, laminate, or metal cabinets can usually handle an all-purpose degreaser. Natural wood, however, requires a gentler touch to avoid damaging the finish.
If your wood cabinets still feel sticky after a light cleaning:
If your wood cabinets remain sticky even after this deep clean, the finish itself may have started to break down. In this case, you may want to consult a professional cabinet refinisher.

While this DIY method is highly effective, it does take time. If you’re short on time or the job feels too overwhelming, you can hire a professional. The cost for a deep kitchen cleaning from a professional service can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen and the extent of the grease buildup. By tackling it yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
Congratulations! Your kitchen should now be sparkling and free of that sticky, greasy film. To keep it that way, prevention is key.
For more expert home maintenance guides, proactive reminders, and a direct line to trusted professionals when you need them, download the Casa app today! Casa is your partner in home care, empowering you to handle DIY fixes with confidence and connecting you with the pros for the jobs you can’t. Keep your home running smoothly with Casa.