How to Degrease the Tops of Kitchen Cabinets

A modern kitchen with wood cabinets and a farmhouse sink — Credit:
Alexander Nevmerzhitsky / Getty Images

Cleaning cabinet tops matters because rising grease and dust build up unseen, creating sticky grime that’s harder to remove later.
Degrease cabinet tops by dusting first, then using dish soap or vinegar to cut grease before rinsing and drying well.
Prevent future buildup by using the vent hood, cooking at lower heat, and covering pans to stop grease from spreading.

Grease splatters are an inevitable reality for most cooks. But while you may be diligent about cleaning your kitchen backsplash, you're likely skipping this overlooked spot: the tops of your kitchen cabinets.

Below, cleaning professionals explain how to properly degrease the tops of kitchen cabinets as well as how to prevent cooking grease from accumulating again.

How Grease Makes Its Way to the Top of Cabinets

The top of kitchen cabinets are one of the first areas cleaning professional Adriana Aziz of MaidForYou inspects when conducting move-out or end-of-tenancy cleans. “We find that in homes where families are cooking with a lot of oil or frying food on a regular basis, the top of kitchen cabinets can be caked in a thick layer of grease and leftover oil residue,” says Aziz.

But how does grease even accumulate in such an out-of-reach spot in the first place? "Grease buildup is something we deal with consistently due to open cooking styles, higher humidity, and frequent use of oils and spices," explains Oscar Melendez, general manager at El Dorado Maroma, a luxury resort in the Riviera Maya. “Grease rises naturally when cooking, especially when sautéing, frying, or using oils at high heat.”

The "Out-of-Sight" Factor

Over time, microscopic oil particles float upward and settle on flat, out-of-reach surfaces like the tops of cabinets. “In humid climates like the Caribbean, this grease mixes with moisture in the air, which causes it to become sticky and attract dust,” Melendez says. Afterwards, that old phrase "out of sight, out of mind" comes into play. “Because these surfaces are rarely cleaned, layers can build up unnoticed for months or even years,” Melendez explains.

Once discovered, thoroughly cleaning this area "can be a huge job if the home has never been professionally cleaned before or the resident has never taken the time to look at the top of their kitchen cabinets," says Aziz. Fortunately, with the correct method and supplies, you can successfully degrease the tops of your kitchen cabinets with relative ease.

How to Degrease the Tops of Kitchen Cabinets

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, recommends gathering the following materials before you begin cleaning. Then, follow the step-by-step method below.

Materials Needed

A ladder or sturdy stool
Microfiber cloths or soft rags
Mild dish soap
White vinegar
Baking soda
Spray bottle
Small scrub brush or old toothbrush
Optional: Commercial degreasing and cleaning solution
Optional: Citrus oil

Instructions

Protect the Area: Clear off the tops of the cabinets, place a towel or newspaper on counters to catch drips, and add a drop cloth to the floor if you need to protect those as well. Consider donning any personal protection equipment, like gloves or safety glasses, if you feel it necessary.
Set Up a Ladder or Stool: “We have procedures in place that when one person is cleaning the top of the kitchen cabinets, there are to be no other staff in the kitchen to prevent falls,” Aziz says. Pay attention and adhere to any and all safety guidelines.
Dust the Cabinet Tops: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove loose dust and cobwebs. "This prevents dust from mixing with the cleaning solution," Sokolowski says.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: You have a few options here: Add a few drops of dish soap to a spray bottle filled with warm water and shake well. Alternatively, add equal parts white vinegar and warm water to a spray bottle. “Vinegar naturally cuts grease and evaporates quickly, which is helpful in humid environments,” Melendez says, who recommends adding a few drops of citrus oil to the mixture. (It helps dissolve grease and leaves a fresh scent.) You can also utilize a store-bought degreasing solution.
Apply the Cleanser: Spray your solution directly onto the surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn areas, Sokolowski recommends adding baking soda to a damp cloth to gently scrub, and using a small toothbrush or scrub brush to tackle corners and edges.
Rinse Well: Wipe the tops again with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove soap, vinegar, or any cleanser residue.
Dry and Buff: Dry the cabinet tops thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent streaks and warping from excessive moisture. For extra shine, Sokolowski suggests buffing lightly with a dry cloth.

How to Prevent Greasy Buildup on Kitchen Cabinets

Now that you've finally cleaned this overlooked area of the kitchen, learn how to better keep it that way by keeping the following expert tips in mind.

Hood On, Always: Every time you cook, turn on your vent hood. “Frying? Sautéing? Heat rises, grease follows,” says cleaning expert Autumn Ryan of The SoRite Company. “Use that hood for high heat.”
Avoid Cranking Up the Heat: Sometimes, it's smarter to cook on medium-heat instead of cranking up the fire, says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. "Less oil splashes around when things aren’t bubbling like crazy."
Put a Lid on It: Utilize pot lids and splatter screens to trap airborne oil instead of letting it travel around your kitchen.
Try an Air Fryer: With less oil and a contained appliance, clean-up will be far easier.
Stay Centered: Keep pans centered on the stove burners. “Grease loves edges,” Ryan says. “Don’t give it a free ride.”
Layer Up: Placing decorative trays or liners on top of cabinets is genius. “They’re easier to clean, and they make it harder for grease to ruin your surfaces,” Ryan says.