How to Clean Your Painted Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way and Finally Get That Layer of Grease Off

Painted cabinets add a pop of personality to kitchens. Regardless of the color you choose, you must clean them correctly to protect the painted surfaces, maintain the color, and extend the lifespan of the cabinets.

Here are the best ways to clean and degrease painted kitchen cabinets.

How to Degrease Painted Kitchen Cabinets

To remove the greasy film that lands on your painted kitchen cabinets, all you need are a few supplies you probably already have on hand. Gather a bottle of distilled white vinegar, a spray bottle, and a few clean, soft, microfiber cloths.

For the most thorough cleaning job, empty the shelves and drawers before you begin.

1. Mix the cleaning solution. Fill the spray bottle with 1 cup of very warm water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar.
2. Spray the cleaning cloth. To prevent over-wetting the painted surfaces, spray the microfiber cleaning cloth rather than the cabinets.
3. Work slowly. For the best results, completely clean one cabinet at a time, including the doors, shelves, drawers, and surrounding cabinet ‘box’. When it is degreased and dry, move to the next area.
4. Start at the top. Gently wipe each painted surface. Starting at the top helps prevent streaks from drips. Pay extra attention to areas around the cabinet hardware or edges where grease can build up.
5. Keep a clean cloth. As the grease is transferred to the microfiber cloth, keep moving to a clean area of the cloth. Or, rinse the cloth often with warm water.
6. Dry to a shine. Once the cabinet is degreased, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the painted surfaces.

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How to Clean Painted Kitchen Cabinets

A quick weekly cleaning will keep your painted cabinets looking vibrant and help prevent greasy build-up. The best and most gentle cleaning solution is warm water with a few drops of dish soap. You can add it to a spray bottle or mix the solution in the sink or a small plastic tub.

For a deep clean, start by dusting the cabinets with a disposable or washable microfiber duster. Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth, or dip and wring thoroughly. Start at the top of each cabinet or drawer and wipe away grime.

Pay extra attention around cabinet hardware where smudges and grime tend to accumulate. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the cabinet doors and the surrounding ‘box’.

Finish by using a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess cleaning solution, leaving a streak-free finish.

How to Remove Stains From Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Learn how to remove various kinds of stains without damaging the paint on your cabinets.

Food Splatters

Ideally, food splatters should be wiped away as soon as they happen. Realistically, that may not happen, and they become stuck on. Here’s how to remove them safely:

1. Mix a vinegar and salt paste. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to apply the paste to the food splatters.
3. Let it work. Let the paste work for 2 to 3 minutes to begin dissolving the dried-on mess.
4. Gently wipe away. Using a damp soft sponge or microfiber cloth, wipe away the paste.
5. Rinse the area. Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth and then dry the area with a lint free microfiber cloth.

Greasy Buildup

Whether it is just a splatter of grease or a thicker buildup, baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and helps absorb the greasy mess.

1. Make a paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda (use more if the stain is large) with a few drops of water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to apply the paste to the greasy area.
3. Let it work. Leave the paste in place until it is nearly dry.
4. Gently scrub. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the stained area and wipe away the paste.
5. Rinse and dry. Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth and dry the area.

Adhesive Residue

Stickers and tape can leave adhesive residue on painted surfaces. Use these progressively stronger steps to remove the goo before using harsh chemicals.

• Warm, soapy water. Add a couple of drops of dish soap to a cup of very warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and hold it on the sticky residue for several minutes. Gently wipe away the softened residue with a clean, soft cloth.
• Use a hairdryer. Hold a hairdryer on the lowest setting to soften the adhesive. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe it away.
• Try vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dampen a microfiber cloth with undiluted white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (don’t mix them!). Place it over the residue and let it work for at least three minutes. Wipe away the softened residue with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Repeat as needed.

How to Keep Painted Cabinets Cleaner for Longer

• Wipe away food splatters as they happen and do a quick weekly cleaning. Deep clean painted cabinets at least twice a year.
• Excessive water and paint don’t mix. Don’t let water from steam settle around hardware or hinges.
• Use liners to protect shelves and drawers from grease and grime, making cleaning easier.
• Use clean microfiber cloths or sponges to wipe down cabinets. If they have been used to wash dishes or other surfaces, they may contain cleaners that can damage or leave marks on your cabinets.