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4 Ways To Remove Grease From Your Cabinets—And How To Prevent Future Buildup

Unknown cleaning and organizing, everyday life tips and hacks, food preparation, home organization, housecleaning

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zxIWu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zxIWu.jpg"/>
<p>
 Depending on the
 color of your cabinets
 , you might not notice inevitable grease buildup until you feel the sticky residue. Regardless of whether or not you can see the unsightly stains, it's always a great idea to give your
 kitchen cabinets
 a wipe down every now and then. In this guide, we're dishing out (pun intended) the best methods for tackling grease stains for clean, beautiful cabinets.
</p>
<h2>
 Before You Begin
</h2>
<p>
 There are a few pre-degreasing measures you need to take before you begin
 cleaning your cabinets
 . The first is to ensure you have proper ventilation in the room if you're using store-bought degreasers with chemicals in them. While you're at it, you should also put on a pair of safety gloves to protect your hands from coming into contact with any harsh cleaners.
</p>
<p>
 Apart from taking care of yourself, you also need to take care of your cabinets. Before you start heavily cleaning with any of our methods, test it out on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure you aren't going to damage your cabinets. You should also avoid smearing on excessive amounts of water to wooden cabinets to prevent warping from occurring.
</p>
<h2>
 What You'll Need
</h2>
<p>
 The exact tools and materials you'll need will vary depending on the cleaning method you choose. But, overall, here are the items you will need to have on hand for tackling grease on cabinets.
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Dish soap and warm water
 </li>
 <li>
  Baking soda
 </li>
 <li>
  White vinegar
 </li>
 <li>
  Lemon juice
 </li>
 <li>
  Commercial degreaser (optional)
 </li>
 <li>
  Microfiber cloths or sponges
 </li>
 <li>
  Soft-bristle brush
 </li>
 <li>
  Spray bottle
 </li>
 <li>
  Dry towel
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>
 Method 1: Dish Soap & Warm Water
</h2>
<p>
 For lighter grease stains, dish soap and warm water tends to do the trick. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Mix together a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
 </li>
 <li>
  Dip your cloth in the water mixture and lightly wipe at the stain, going against the grain if your cabinets are made from wood.
 </li>
 <li>
  Wipe the area dry with a clean towel.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 2: Vinegar & Water Solution
</h2>
<p>
 Vinegar is a
 beloved household cleaner
 for a reason. It's a powerful cleaning tool you can use to tackle grease stains naturally following these steps:
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Mix equal parts warm water and vinegar in a small spray bottle.
 </li>
 <li>
  Spray a small amount of the solution onto the grease stains.
 </li>
 <li>
  Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes
 </li>
 <li>
  Wipe clean with a damp cloth. If stains persist, try scrubbing gently with a soft bristled brush.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 3: Baking Soda Paste
</h2>
<p>
 For those tough, stuck-on grease stains, baking soda paste will be your first go-to. Here's how to use this method.
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Mix together a paste consisting of two parts baking soda and one part water.
 </li>
 <li>
  Apply the paste to grease stains and let the paste sit for a couple of minutes.
 </li>
 <li>
  Use a soft cloth to wipe away the stain.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 4: Commercial Degreasers
</h2>
<p>
 Of course, you can never go wrong with using commercial degreasers to remove the stains if the other methods aren't solving the problem. The key for using this method safely and properly is to choose a product that won't damage the material of your cabinets, and to test a small amount first before using it on larger areas.
</p>
<p>
 We recommend the following commercial degreasers for tackling your kitchen cabinets:
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Simple Green
 </li>
 <li>
  Method
 </li>
 <li>
  409
 </li>
 <li>
  Easy-Off
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>
 Preventative Measures
</h2>
<p>
 While there's no way to prevent grease from splattering on your cabinets, there are a few preventative measures you can take to keep your cabinets clean. The first is to stick to a consistent cleaning routine. If you see grease stains after cooking, wipe them up immediately. Or, you can add wiping down your cabinets to your
 weekly cleaning chore list
 .
</p>
<p>
 It's also recommended to ensure there's proper ventilation in the kitchen while cooking, like from your range hood. This draws grease in the air and prevents it from landing on cabinets or other surfaces in your kitchen.
</p>
<p>
 Lastly, make sure you're putting high-quality finishes on your cabinets to keep them as close to grease-free as possible. Finishes like polyurethane, varnish, or laminate add a protective topcoat to your cabinets to protect them from substances like grease.
</p>
<p>
 Related:
 The Best Way To Degrease Any Surface In Your Kitchen
</p>
<p>
 Read the original article on
 Southern Living
</p>

4 Ways To Remove Grease From Your Cabinets—And How To Prevent Future Buildup

Unknown cleaning and organizing, everyday life tips and hacks, food preparation, home organization, housecleaning

Depending on the color of your cabinets , you might not notice inevitable grease buildup until you feel the sticky residue. Regardless of whether or not you can see the unsightly stains, it's alwa…

4 Clever Tricks to Clean Greasy Cabinets—and Keep Them Spotless

Unknown cleaning and organizing, everyday life tips and hacks, food preparation, home organization, housecleaning

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1zxIWu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1zxIWu.jpg"/>
<p>
 Depending on the
 color of your cabinets
 , you might not notice inevitable grease buildup until you feel the sticky residue. Regardless of whether or not you can see the unsightly stains, it's always a great idea to give your
 kitchen cabinets
 a wipe down every now and then. In this guide, we're dishing out (pun intended) the best methods for tackling grease stains for clean, beautiful cabinets.
</p>
<h2>
 Before You Begin
</h2>
<p>
 There are a few pre-degreasing measures you need to take before you begin
 cleaning your cabinets
 . The first is to ensure you have proper ventilation in the room if you're using store-bought degreasers with chemicals in them. While you're at it, you should also put on a pair of safety gloves to protect your hands from coming into contact with any harsh cleaners.
</p>
<p>
 In addition to looking after yourself, make sure to maintain your cabinets as well. Prior to applying any intensive cleaning techniques, try them first on an unnoticeable section to confirm they won’t harm the cabinets. Additionally, refrain from using too much water on wooden cabinets to avoid causing distortion due to moisture.
</p>
<h2>
 What You'll Need
</h2>
<p>
 The specific tools and materials required can differ based on the chosen cleaning approach. However, generally speaking, these are the things you should prepare when dealing with greasy cabinets.
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Liquid detergent with hot water
 </li>
 <li>
  Baking soda
 </li>
 <li>
  White vinegar
 </li>
 <li>
  Lemon juice
 </li>
 <li>
  Commercial degreaser (optional)
 </li>
 <li>
  Microfiber cloths or sponges
 </li>
 <li>
  Soft-bristle brush
 </li>
 <li>
  Spray bottle
 </li>
 <li>
  Dry towel
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>
 Method 1: Liquid Dish Soap and Hot Water
</h2>
<p>
 For minor grease spots, dish soap combined with warm water usually does the job. Follow these steps accordingly:
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Mix together a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
 </li>
 <li>
  Soak your cloth in the water solution and gently dab at the spot, moving across the direction of the grain if your cabinetry is wooden.
 </li>
 <li>
  Use a clean cloth to wipe the surface dry.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 2: Vinegar and Water Mixture
</h2>
<p>
 Vinegar is a
 beloved household cleaner
 For a specific purpose. It's an effective natural cleaner for removing grease stains by following these steps:
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Combine equal amounts of lukewarm water and vinegar in a small spray container.
 </li>
 <li>
  Apply a little bit of the solution to the greasy spots.
 </li>
 <li>
  Allow the solution to remain for a few minutes.
 </li>
 <li>
  Clean using a slightly moistened cloth. Should the marks remain, attempt gentle rubbing with a soft-bristle brush.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 3: Baking Soda Poultice
</h2>
<p>
 When tackling stubborn, caked-on grease stains, a baking soda paste should be your top choice. Follow these steps for using this technique.
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Combine into a paste using equal measures of baking soda and half as much water.
 </li>
 <li>
  Spread the paste onto the greasy spots and allow it to remain for several minutes.
 </li>
 <li>
  Use a soft cloth to wipe away the stain.
 </li>
</ol>
<h2>
 Method 4: Commercial Degreasers
</h2>
<p>
 Of course, you can never go wrong with using commercial degreasers to remove the stains if the other methods aren't solving the problem. The key for using this method safely and properly is to choose a product that won't damage the material of your cabinets, and to test a small amount first before using it on larger areas.
</p>
<p>
 We recommend the following commercial degreasers for tackling your kitchen cabinets:
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Simple Green
 </li>
 <li>
  Method
 </li>
 <li>
  409
 </li>
 <li>
  Easy-Off
 </li>
</ul>
<h2>
 Preventative Measures
</h2>
<p>
 While there's no way to prevent grease from splattering on your cabinets, there are a few preventative measures you can take to keep your cabinets clean. The first is to stick to a consistent cleaning routine. If you see grease stains after cooking, wipe them up immediately. Or, you can add wiping down your cabinets to your
 weekly cleaning chore list
 .
</p>
<p>
 It’s advisable to maintain adequate ventilation in the kitchen during cooking, such as using your range hood. This helps extract airborne grease and stops it from settling on cabinetry or other areas within your kitchen.
</p>
<p>
 Finally, ensure you apply high-quality finishes on your cabinets to maintain them as free from grease as possible. Coatings such as polyurethane, varnish, or laminates create an extra layer of protection against greasy materials.
</p>
<p>
 Related:
 The Most Effective Method to Remove Grease from Any Surface in Your Kitchen
</p>
<p>
 Read the initial article on
 Southern Living
</p>

4 Clever Tricks to Clean Greasy Cabinets—and Keep Them Spotless

Unknown cleaning and organizing, everyday life tips and hacks, food preparation, home organization, housecleaning

Depending on the color of your cabinets , you might not notice inevitable grease buildup until you feel the sticky residue. Regardless of whether or not you can see the unsightly stains, it's alwa…

How to Safely Clean Your Dryer Vent: Tips for Efficiency and Safety

Unknown air filters, environmental friendliness, home maintenance, housecleaning, household appliances

<p>
 Regular upkeep can safeguard your garments from harm, conserve power usage, and above all else, stop a blaze.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1kzDmk" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1kzDmk.jpg"/>
<p>
 Clearing out the lint trap following every cycle is a method to prevent blockage within your dryer exhaust duct.
</p>
<p>
 By Keith Flamer
</p>
<p>
 Consider this a
 spring cleaning
 a wake-up call: Neglecting routine maintenance for your dryer could result in wasted time, financial loss, damaged clothing, and potentially losing your home if you're not careful. An ignored dryer significantly increases the risk of a fire—specifically, from 2019 through 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that over 16,000 house fires occurred due to dryers, causing 10 fatalities and $239.7 million worth of structural damage. The primary reason behind these incidents was inadequate cleaning of the dryer.
</p>
<p>
 Neglecting dryer maintenance can result in numerous issues as well. This can make automated cycles less precise, leading to clothing that remains wet or over-dried. Additionally, it might cause garments to shrink, damage fabric from excessive heat, and increase drying durations. In severe cases, it could render the dryer non-functional, leaving you with a large batch of moist clothes. Got your attention now?
</p>
<p>
 Maintaining your dryer regularly can prolong both its lifespan and that of your clothing. Additionally, it ensures optimal performance. As Rich Handel, an expert from Consumer Reports specializing in laundry appliances, advises: "Ensure your dryer operates efficiently by performing this cleaning routine at least once per season—spring, summer, fall, and winter." He further notes, "This means doing so at least four times annually. For households with larger families, more frequent cleanings might be necessary."
</p>
<p>
 However, what exactly does a dryer cleaning routine entail? Follow these straightforward steps to achieve optimal performance, efficiency, and safety from your clothing dryer.
</p>
<h2>
 Step 1: Clear Out the Lint Filter
</h2>
<p>
 After each load, once it’s dried—always do this. Allowing excess lint to accumulate on the filter impedes the flow of heated air through the dryer, which can lengthen drying times.
</p>
<h2>
 Step 2: Clear Out the Dryer Vent
</h2>
<p>
 Despite regularly clearing the lint screen, tiny threads often slip past the filter and end up in your dryer vent. If left unattended, these fibers can accumulate over time, potentially causing a dangerous fire within the ventilation system due to sparks. Therefore, it's essential to maintain cleanliness in the dryer vent every few months based on how frequently you use it and what types of clothing you typically dry. For instance, drying woolen garments or heavy towels tends to exert greater stress on your machine compared to lighter fabrics like cotton.
</p>
<p>
 This job should be straightforward provided you can reach the dryer vent by sliding the appliance out from the wall; otherwise, consider hiring an expert. Make sure to unplug the dryer first for safety reasons. Afterward, detach the vent from the dryer unit and clean each end thoroughly with the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner.
</p>
<p>
 Remember to clean the rear section of your dryer as well, since this area tends to accumulate lint. Check that the ventilation duct remains undamaged, uncrushed, and unrestricted. It’s advisable for you or a specialist to thoroughly clear out the entire duct system extending from the dryer to its outdoor exit point. Particularly with accordion-style vents, which may droop and trap lint within their folds, maintaining cleanliness becomes crucial. In contrast, using a rigid metal duct would promote smoother airflow. Also confirm that the external vent flap operates correctly during operation—ensuring it fully opens—and verify that there is noticeable air movement coming through it.
</p>
<p>
 If your dryer is taking an excessively long time to finish drying clothes, inspect it for a blocked ventilation system. Numerous dryers include a duct blockage indicator that alerts you when it’s necessary to clear out the vent.
</p>
<h2>
 Step 3: Clean the Humidity Sensor
</h2>
<p>
 Our
 top-rated dryers
 All include a moisture sensor that operates alongside automatic drying cycles to gauge the wetness of the clothing and turn off the appliance once the items are dry. With prolonged use, these sensors may become coated with residue, particularly if you utilize dryer sheets. This accumulation can interfere with the dryer’s ability to determine whether your laundry has finished drying, resulting in garments that are either still moist or excessively dried.
</p>
<p>
 To counter this problem, clean the sensor with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol every few months, or any time the auto-dry cycles seem to be missing the mark. The sensor is usually located just inside the dryer, underneath the door. Look for thin metal bars, about 6 inches long, with a slight curve that follows the contour of the door. If you don’t see the sensor there, check your owner’s manual for its location.
</p>
<h2>
 Electric Dryers Featuring a Moisture Sensor and a Duct Obstruction Detector
</h2>
<p>
 Here are some of the best-performing dryers from our testing that come with both a moisture sensor for improved drying effectiveness and a duct blockage indicator to warn when your exhaust vent needs cleaning.
</p>
<h2>
 Gas Dryers Featuring a Moisture Sensor and a Duct Obstruction Indicator
</h2>
<h2>
 How to Keep Appliances Long-Lasting
</h2>
<p>
 Looking to maintain your home appliances in top condition? In the "Consumer 101" television program, Consumer Reports highlighted the crucial step for keeping these devices functioning well.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Consumer Reports is an unbiased, non-profit entity working alongside consumers to build a more equitable, secure, and healthy environment. They do not support specific products or services and refrain from accepting advertisements. Copyright © 2025, Consumer Reports, Inc.
 </strong>
</p>

How to Safely Clean Your Dryer Vent: Tips for Efficiency and Safety

Unknown air filters, environmental friendliness, home maintenance, housecleaning, household appliances

Regular upkeep can safeguard your garments from harm, conserve power usage, and above all else, stop a blaze. Clearing out the lint trap following every cycle is a method to prevent blockage within…