Kitchen cabinets often gather a greasy layer over time, especially if you enjoy cooking. This sticky dirt, usually a combination of cooking oils, dust, and other particles in the air, can be very unpleasant to look at and difficult to clean.
A lot of people use strong chemicals and a lot of effort to solve this problem, but my aunt showed me an easy trick that makes it almost effortless. In this article, I will explain a great technique that has helped me save time and effort, and has made my kitchen cabinets look like new.
The Issue with Dirty Cabinets
Before we start solving the problem, it’s important to know why kitchen cabinets become greasy. When you cook, small bits of oil and grease are released into the air. These tiny particles end up on surfaces, and kitchen cabinets, especially those close to the stove, are common places where grease accumulates. Over time, the grease collects dust and dirt, forming a sticky layer that can be hard to clean.
Old-fashioned ways of cleaning usually require a lot of hard scrubbing, which can be exhausting and might harm your cabinets if done too forcefully. Also, some cleaning products for sale have strong chemicals that can damage both your cabinets and your health. That’s why it’s important to find a kinder and more efficient way.
The Perfect Mix: Baking Soda and Cooking Oil
Yes, that’s correct. My aunt taught me a special tip using everyday items: baking soda and vegetable oil. This mix may seem strange at first. Why use oil to get rid of oil? But the real trick is how these elements combine to remove grease and dirt without requiring tough scrubbing or chemicals.
Why This Approach is Effective
Baking soda is gentle and can clean sticky and greasy surfaces without causing any damage. It also helps get rid of any remaining odors stuck in the grease.
Vegetable oil can help remove grease. The idea behind this is that “similar things dissolve each other.” When you put a little oil on the oily surface, it helps loosen the grip of the grease already there, making it easier to clean off. Also, it gives a little shine to your cabinets, making them look better without appearing greasy.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vegetable Oil for Cleaning
Here is a simple guide to using this easy and effective tip.
Make your kitchen cabinets look like new again.
Materials required:
Sodium bicarbonate
Any type of vegetable oil you have available will work.
A gentle fabric or sponge
A container
Water that is not cold.
Instructions:
Make the Cleaning Paste: In a small bowl, combine equal parts of baking soda and vegetable oil. You don’t need much; begin with a tablespoon of each, adjusting the amount based on the size of the area you want to clean. Mix the ingredients until they become a thick paste.
Use the paste: Dip a gentle cloth or sponge into the paste. Next, softly put it on the oily parts of your cabinets. You don’t have to push too hard, just make sure the toothpaste covers all the oily areas.
Let it rest: Leave the paste on the cabinets for 5-10 minutes. This allows the mix to dissolve the grease and dirt well.
Remove the Grease: After leaving the paste for a while, use a wet cloth or sponge to gently clean off the paste. You will see that the dirt and oil can be easily removed, leaving a clean and smooth surface.
Wash and Repeat (If Needed): If there is still some grease left, do the steps again until your cabinets are fully clean. For many people, one coat is sufficient, but tough dirt may require a second application.
Final Cleaning and Drying: After removing the grease, use a clean cloth dampened with warm water to wipe the cabinets and get rid of any leftover residue. Lastly, use a dry cloth to dry the surface and avoid leaving water marks.
More Advice for Keeping Cabinets Free of Grease
Regular cleaning: To avoid grease accumulating, remember to clean your cabinets with a wet cloth often, especially after cooking. Doing regular maintenance will help you keep your cabinets clean and lessen the need for thorough cleaning.
Use a grease filter: If you cook a lot with oil or at high temperatures, think about using a grease filter in your kitchen. These filters can catch some of the grease particles in the air before they land on your cabinets.
Use gentle cleaning products like a mix of baking soda and vegetable oil instead of harsh chemicals. Strong chemicals can harm the surface of your cabinets and be dangerous to your health.
Think about the material of your cabinets: Various cabinet materials may need different types of maintenance. For example, wooden cabinets can be cleaned with a mild wood cleaner or polish after using the baking soda and oil technique.
My aunt discovered a great way to clean greasy kitchen cabinets using baking soda and vegetable oil. It works really well, is easy to do, and uses ingredients you probably already have at home. Next time you see a greasy layer on your cabinets, avoid using strong chemicals and instead, try this easy solution. You will be surprised at how simple it is to make your cabinets look like new again!
