A test of five methods for cleaning greasy kitchen cupboards found that washing-up liquid is the most effective, cutting through grime with minimal scrubbing.
Testing the methods
Meleyna Nomura of The Kitchn tested five different ways to clean greasy cupboards. She used each method on the dirtiest panels next to her stovetop and above the oven, as well as on a mostly-clean cabinet elsewhere in her kitchen.
She said: 'I wanted to really test each method’s ability to cut through the grime as well as the fingerprints.'
How to clean with washing-up liquid
Nomura mixed a few drops of Dawn dish soap with warm water in a small bowl to create a cleaning solution. She dipped a sponge into the mixture, wrung out the excess, and gently scrubbed the cabinet surfaces, focusing on areas with sticky grease buildup.
The grease lifted easily with minimal scrubbing. After cleaning, she wiped away any remaining soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and allowed the cabinets to air dry.
Rating and UK equivalent
Rating this method a five out of five, Nomura commented: 'This option is definitely the way to go for greasy kitchen cabinets.' She added: 'My greasiest cabinets were cleaned with almost zero effort as the classic dish soap cut right through the grime.'
Dawn dish soap is an American brand. According to In The Wash, the equivalent in the UK is often considered to be Fairy washing-up liquid, as both are produced by Procter & Gamble. Fairy Liquid can be bought for as little as 89p at Tesco or Aldi.
Preventing grease buildup
To prevent kitchen cabinet grease buildup, regular cleaning and simple measures are essential, reported Oven Clean. Good ventilation, such as using an extractor fan, cooking with lids, and using splatter guards, can help reduce the amount of grease that settles on cabinets. Storing oily items in sealed containers and wiping spills quickly will keep surfaces cleaner and prevent stubborn buildup.
