How to Clean Grease Off Metal Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets, especially metal ones, are prone to grease buildup over time. Grease and oil splatters while cooking can leave brownish sticky residue that is unsightly and difficult to remove. Proper cleaning is important to keep metal cabinets looking shiny and new. With the right techniques and products, you can get your metal cabinets sparkling clean and grease-free.

Why It’s Important to Clean Grease Off Metal Cabinets

There are several reasons why you should make the effort to clean grease off metal cabinets:

• Appearance – Grease residue causes metal surfaces to look dirty, smudged and fingerprints to show up more easily. Regular cleaning keeps the metal looking shiny and new.
• Hygiene – Grease builds up bacteria over time if left untreated. This can lead to unpleasant odors and potentially unhealthy conditions. Cleaning removes bacteria buildup.
• Prevent Rust – Grease prevents metal from coming into full contact with air leading to accelerated rust formation. Cleaning removes the grease layer and protects against rust.
• Easier to Keep Clean – Once you thoroughly clean the metal, future maintenance becomes much simpler. Grease will not stick as easily to a clean surface.
• Improves Air Quality – Grease residue can get smelly over time. Proper cleaning removes odors and improves kitchen air quality.
• Extends Cabinet Lifespan – Allowing grease to buildup shortens the lifespan of metal cabinets. Keeping them clean preserves the finish and extends usefulness.

Regular cleaning and degreasing should be part of any metal cabinet maintenance routine. The cleaning process removes stuck-on grease, eliminates odors and helps the cabinets look like new over a longer period.

How to Clean Grease Off Metal Cabinets

Cleaning greasy metal cabinets can seem daunting but is quite straightforward if done methodically. Follow these steps to get your metal kitchen cabinets cleaned and grease-free:

Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies

Having the proper cleaning tools and products will make the degreasing process much easier:

• Microfiber cloths, paper towels or rags
• Grease-cutting dish soap such as Dawn
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Baby oil or olive oil
• Stainless steel polish
• Powder cleanser such as Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend
• Spray bottle for vinegar solution
• Soft scrub brush or sponge
  -Latex gloves

Avoid abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch and damage the cabinet finish.

Wash With Grease-Cutting Dish Soap

The first step is washing down all cabinet surfaces with grease-cutting dish soap mixed with warm water:

• Mix a few squirts of dish soap like Dawn with warm water in a spray bottle.
• Spray soapy water liberally on the exterior cabinet surfaces. Avoid spraying near any electronic components.
• Let the soap solution sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the grease.
• Scrub surfaces with a microfiber cloth, sponge or soft scrub brush. Apply light pressure especially on stubborn grease spots.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a towel.
• Repeat until no more grease comes off. This prepares the surface for the next steps.

Dish soap is designed to cut through kitchen grease and will help dissolve much of the built-up grime. Be patient and allow the soap time to work before scrubbing.

Use Vinegar to Dissolve Grease

White vinegar is a natural grease remover. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve stubborn grease and oil easily.

Make a vinegar cleaning solution:

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly spray the solution directly onto any greasy areas of the cabinets.
• Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen the grease.
• Wipe down thoroughly with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
• Buff dry completely with a towel. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries.

Repeat as needed for heavy grease buildup. The cabinets should start looking less grimy after the vinegar wash.

Break Down Grease With Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and an effective degreaser for metal surfaces:

• Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water.
• Spread the paste onto greasy spots using a damp sponge or soft-bristled brush.
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing lightly.
• Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
• For tough grease, sprinkle baking soda directly on greasy areas and spray with vinegar. Let fizz for a minute before scrubbing and rinsing.

Baking soda dissolves grease, cleans metal oxidation and does not scratch. Use elbow grease when scrubbing to avoid damaging the finish.

Remove Stains With Powder Cleanser

For tough grease stains or discoloration, use a powder cleanser containing oxalic or citric acid:

• Apply a small amount of cleanser such as Bar Keepers Friend directly onto difficult stains.
• Scrub lightly using a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface.
• Repeat if needed until stains disappear.

Powder cleansers have mild abrasives that lift grease without scratching metal. Limit use only on stubborn spots to avoid wearing the finish.

Polish and Protect With Oil

Once cabinets are degreased, polish them with oil to protect the surface:

• Spread a small amount of baby oil or olive oil onto a microfiber cloth.
• Rub a thin layer of oil evenly over the entire cabinet exterior surface.
• Buff thoroughly with a clean dry cloth until any excess is removed.

The oil helps seal the surface and adds a protective barrier against fingerprints and future grease buildup. Polish regularly with oil to maintain the cabinets over time.

Maintain With Stainless Steel Cleaner and Microfiber

For routine maintenance cleaning, use a stainless steel spray cleaner:

• Mist stainless steel cleaner onto a microfiber cloth. Do not spray directly onto cabinets.
• Wipe down cabinet exteriors using gentle pressure.
• Rub in the direction of the metal grain to avoid scratches.
• Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Microfiber cloths are scratch-free, remove oil easily and help preserve the finish. Stainless steel cleaners add shine while protecting from fingerprints. Clean microfiber cloths work best.

Tips for Cleaning Metal Cabinets

Follow these useful tips when tackling a metal cabinet degreasing project:

• Test cleaning products on a small hidden area first to check for any damage or discoloration.
• Clean a few cabinets at a time to prevent cleaners from drying on surfaces.
• Rinse thoroughly after each cleaner to avoid chemical interactions.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from cleaners and grease exposure.
• Use lint-free microfiber cloths that will not leave behind strands.
• Replace soapy water often to maximize grease removal.
• Work in the direction of the metal grain to avoid ugly scratches.
• Make sure cabinets are completely dry before oiling or polishing.
• Ventilate the kitchen during and after the cleaning process.
• Be patient when dealing with substantial grease buildup. It will require repetitive cleaning.
• Set up a regular cleaning schedule such as monthly or quarterly to stay ahead of grease accumulation.
• Focus on high grease areas around cooking surfaces for problem spot cleaning.

Investing some elbow grease and using the right grease-fighting products will get metal cabinets looking clean and shiny again. Be consistent with regular maintenance cleaning for easier upkeep long-term. With the proper techniques, removing grease off metal cabinets is very achievable.

Common Places Grease Accumulates on Cabinets

Knowing typical grease accumulation spots can help focus cleaning efforts:

Doors and Drawer Fronts

• Especially around handles and knobs where fingers touch frequently.

Near Stovetops

• Grease spatters easily from cooktops to surrounding cabinetry.

Above and Around Sinks

• Kitchen tasks lead to greasy hands touching cabinets.

Near and Below Vents/Hoods

• Vents expel greasy airborne particles onto nearby cabinets.

Bottom and Lower Cabinets

• Grease drips down from upper cabinets and collects on lower ones.

Corner Cabinets

• Grease gathers in harder to reach corners.

Focus on meticulously cleaning these common grease hot spots to get cabinets looking clean again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Metal Cabinets

Follow this complete step-by-step guide for foolproof metal cabinet cleaning:

Supplies Needed

• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Powder cleanser
• Microfiber cloths & towels
• Soft scrub brush & sponges
• Gloves
• Spray bottles

Instructions

1. Wash hands thoroughly and put on gloves to protect from grease exposure.
2. Remove all food, dishes and other items from cabinets to allow full access to interior and exterior surfaces.
3. Mix dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on greasy areas and let sit 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub exteriors with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to remove initial grease layer. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
5. Make vinegar cleaning solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts warm water. Spray on cabinets and let soak 5 minutes.
6. Wipe down with microfiber cloth rinsing frequently. Dry completely with towel.
7. Make a baking soda paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Spread onto difficult grease stains and let sit before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly.
8. Use powder cleanser on any remaining discoloration. Rinse and dry completely after scrubbing.
9. Spread a thin layer of baby oil or olive oil to condition and polish surface. Remove any excess oil residue.
10. Clean microfiber cloth with stainless steel spray cleaner. Wipe down exteriors using gentle pressure with grain.
11. Dry completely with a clean microfiber cloth. Refrain from replacing cabinet contents until surface is completely dry.
12. Admire your sparkling clean, grease-free cabinets! Enjoy easier cleaning going forward by staying on top of maintenance.

Following these simple but thorough steps will restore metal cabinets to a clean and shiny state. Be patient and allow degreasers time to work before scrubbing. The results are well worth the effort.

Solutions For Stubborn Grease Spots

Certain spots may require extra attention if grease is heavily caked-on:

• Baking Soda Paste – Make a thicker paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply to grease spots, allow to dry completely and then scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly. The drying process helps lift grease.
• Straight Vinegar – For tough grease, spray full-strength vinegar directly on the spot before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush for concentrated scrubbing.
• Oven Cleaner Spray – Avoid oven cleaner gels, which can leave residue. Spray a small amount on stubborn grease spots, let sit 1-2 minutes and scrub with a nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly. Ventilate kitchen to avoid fumes.
• TSP Substitute – Make a paste with 2 tablespoons Bon Ami powder and 2 tablespoons water. Spread on greasy areas and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing. Wear gloves when using TSP.
• Citrus Solvent – D-limonene solvents like CitraSolv break up thick grease buildup without scratching. Spray on, let soak in and scrub.

Spot test any intense cleaners first on a small inconspicuous area to ensure they do not damage the finish. Avoid abrasive pads and intense scrubbing to prevent scratching. With the right cleaner and some elbow grease, the most stuck-on grease can be removed.

How to Prevent Grease Buildup On Metal Cabinets

Prevention is the best way to deal with grease on metal cabinets. Here are tips to prevent grease accumulation:

• Wipe spills immediately as they occur before grease has a chance to settle in.
• Use grease splash screens on stovetops when cooking messy dishes.
• Replace stove hood filters regularly to maximize ventilation.
• Install backsplashes behind cooktops to prevent grease migration onto nearby cabinets.
• Use range hoods when cooking to remove greasy particles from the air.
• Keep cabinets next to cooking surfaces free of items to simplify cleaning.
• Avoid letting grimy hands touch cabinets when cooking. Remove aprons before touching cabinets.
• Clean cabinets regularly before grease has a chance to build up.
• Apply a protective wax layer 1-2 times per year to repel grease.
• Improve kitchen ventilation with overhead exhaust fans, windows or air purifiers.

An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to metal cabinet grease cleaning. A little mindfulness when cooking and regular maintenance cleaning goes a long way.

Grease-Fighting Cleaning Kit

Assembling a specialty cleaning kit for grease cutting will make cleaning day much simpler:

• Dish Soap – Dawn, Palmolive and Joy excel at breaking down grease while being cabinet-safe.
• White Vinegar – Acts as a solvent, cuts grease and removes odors without leaving streaks or residue.
• Baking Soda – Mildly abrasive powder dissolves grease. Make pastes to concentrate cleaning power.
• Powder Cleanser – Choose an oxalic or citric acid-based cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend for deep cleaning.
• Baby Oil – Prevents fingerprints and conditions metal surfaces after cleaning without leaving oil slick.
• Microfiber Cloths – Grease-removing lint-free cloths that are scratch resistant for metal.
• Scrub Brushes/Sponges – Soft nylon brushes safely scrub stuck-on grease. Bristles must be non-abrasive.
• Spray Bottles – For applying cleaning solutions to cabinets before scrubbing. Clearly label contents.

Assembling the proper arsenal of degreasing products will streamline the cleaning process. Pair the right grease-fighting agent to each grimy situation for best results.

Grease Cleaning FAQs

Grease cleaning questions commonly arise when maintaining metal kitchen cabinets:

How often should I clean grease from metal cabinets?

Ideally, clean grease off cabinets 1-2 times per month. Spot clean more frequently if you notice excessive grease splatter. Deep clean seasonally 1-2 times per year.

What is the fastest way to remove old grease stains?

Oven cleaner spray helps dissolve challenging old grease stains with minimal scrubbing. Limit use only on severely soiled spots and rinse extremely well.

Can I use bleach to remove grease from cabinets?

Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals on metal as they can damage the finish. Dish soap, vinegar and baking soda effectively remove grease safely.

Will cleaning ruin my antique metal cabinets?

Use only gentle cleaners and minimal scrubbing on antique cabinets. Test products first on an unnoticeable spot. Avoid excess moisture that can damage old joints.

Why does grease come back so quickly on my metal range hood?

Range hoods get blasted with greasy cooking vapors. Clean weekly with degreasers and apply a protective wax layer to repel grease between deep cleanings.

How can I remove grease but keep a patina on antique cabinets?

Use milder degreasers like dish soap and soft scrub brushes. Limit vinegar and abrasives. Remove built up layers of grease only, leaving some patina intact.

What scrubbing tools are safe for cabinets?

Use microfiber cloths, sponges and soft nylon brushes. Avoid steel wool or scouring pads that scratch. Check bristles on rubbing alcohol before scrubbing to avoid color transfer.

Regular scrubbing with the proper degreasing agents and tools will keep metal looking fresh and new. Always spot test on inconspicuous areas first. With some consistent elbow grease, it is quite simple to get kitchen cabinets grease-free.

Conclusion

Grease accumulation happens inevitably on metal kitchen cabinets and removing it thoroughly restores their luster and protects the finish. Using the proper grease-fighting cleaners combined with non-abrasive scrubbing allows you to get cabinets looking clean and shiny again.

Focus on grease hot spots near cooking areas and apply degreasers like dish soap, vinegar and baking soda. For tough buildup, powder cleansers and stainless steel polishing oils help dissolve grime and restore shine.stay ahead of grease buildup with regular cleaning focused on hot spots.

With this complete guide, you now have the knowledge to banish grease and keep metal cabinets in tip-top shape for years of service. Just remember to be patient in tackling substantial grease accumulation and use mild scrubbing coupled with the right degreasers for a sparkling clean result.