Let’s be real, if you’ve ever whipped up something messy—like, say, my personal favorite smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole or that legendary caramel toffee crunch cheesecake—you’ve ended up with a kitchen that looks like a mini oil spill zone. The 6 Best Ways to Clean the Greasiest Parts of Your Kitchen, According to Pro Cleaners are here for those of us who dread that sticky, slimy feeling on the cabinets. If you’re reading this with elbows stuck to the counter—don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ll walk through what real pros do (and toss in some mistakes I’ve made, too).
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—6 Pro Cleaners Share Their Best Ways to Tackle Kitchen Grease mixes classic comfort with a cozy aroma. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. Let’s be real, if you’ve ever whipped up something messy—like, say, my personal favorite smothered pork chop scalloped potato casserole or that legendary caramel toffee crunch…
What Is a Degreaser, Anyway?
You ever stare at a bottle labeled “degreaser” and think, “Is this just soap in disguise?” I did—turns out, not quite.
- Degreasers are basically cleaning potions made to break down kitchen grease—faster than plain ol’ dish soap.
- Some are made for heavy-duty fat and oil, others are gentler (but not weaklings).
- You can grab kinds made with chemicals, or go the natural route—vinegar, baking soda, you know the drill.
- They save a ton of elbow grease (pun intended) when you’ve got that layer of fuzz you swear wasn’t there yesterday.
“I tried every cleaning spray before using a real degreaser—totally changed my fried chicken game. The cabinets actually stopped feeling sticky for once!”
—Sarah K., Home Cook & “Fried Everything” Enthusiast
How to Use Degreaser in Your Kitchen
I’ll be honest: I used to just spray and wipe. Simple! But apparently, there’s more to it if you want five-star restaurant results.
- Spray the degreaser (don’t drown it, just enough) and let it sit for a minute or two—let it do the hard work.
- Scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge (please, don’t use steel wool unless you hate your cabinets).
- Wipe with a damp cloth—like, fresh water, not the same one you used for the stove grime.
- For stubborn spots, repeat or use a toothbrush for detail cleaning (I steal the kids’ old ones).
Surfaces You Shouldn’t Use Degreaser On
Here’s something I learned the hard way—there are places a degreaser will just make things worse. Oops.
- Wood, unfinished stone, and some painted stuff can get stripped or discolored.
- Avoid anything labeled “not moisture resistant,” or handmade crafty things.
- If it has special coating (think grandma’s quirky decorative tiles), patch test first.
- And never use harsh degreaser on things like your fancy mugs—you’ll end up making them look like ancient relics.
“I thought I’d get clever and clean my new hardwood floors with a kitchen degreaser. …Let’s just say I needed this [guide for clean hardwood floors](https://middleeastsector.com/clean-hardwood-floors-methods-winner-effortless-effective/) the next day.”
—Mike P., Recovering DIY Cleaner
The Best Way to Clean Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s get down to the number one grease trap (besides the range hood, but let’s not get too overwhelmed): cabinets!
- Mix warm water, a splash of dish soap, and a little vinegar for a DIY degreaser (works on most finished wood).
- Spray, wipe, and never let water sit on wood (unless you’re into warping—a trendy look, not a good one).
- For shiny cabinets, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth—trust me, it’s worth it.
- If you’re feeling extra, a smidge of baking soda on a damp sponge can help with stubborn splotches.
Smart Tips to Prevent Grease Buildup
Okay, so you’ve scrubbed, you’ve wiped, you even got out the old toothbrush. How do you stay ahead of the grime game?
- Put down paper towels or splatter guards while cooking anything wild or saucy.
- Wipe up small messes right away—I know it’s a pain, but next day dried grease is its own beast.
- Clean range hoods, backsplashes, and handles weekly (I like to set a reminder after making 2-ingredient creamy pesto beans—beans are sneaky!).
- Don’t forget to leave a note for “future you” to check spots over the fridge at least once a month. Trust me, mystery gunk hides up there.
Common Questions
Q: Can I just use dish soap for everything?
A: Basic dish soap works on fresh messes, but for old, sticky grease, a proper degreaser (store-bought or DIY) saves you big hassle.
Q: Are natural degreasers as good as chemical ones?
A: Vinegar and baking soda can work pretty well, but really stuck-on messes sometimes need something stronger—read the label!
Q: How often should I deep clean my cabinets?
A: Monthly is solid if you cook a lot (or kids + pets + chaos), but at least every two months for everyone else.
Q: How do I keep stainless steel streak-free after degreasing?
A: Dry it right away with a microfiber towel. A tiny dab of olive oil helps shine things up. For real.
Q: What if I make a mistake and damage the surface?
A: Don’t panic! Wipe, dry, and Google the fix—sometimes a little wood oil or polish can help recover, but prevention is best.
Real Kitchen Clean in Real Life
Look, I get it—it can feel like you need an entire kitchen cleaning squad to deal with all that nasty build-up. But these cleaning tips (straight from the pros) really do make it easier. Try a pro degreaser from this 5 Best Degreasers for Every Kitchen Surface list if you want a shortcut. And hey, if you need more gritty wisdom, don’t sleep on these cleaning tips from home cooks just like us.
Stick with it. Your kitchen’s gonna look so shiny you might actually want to show it off—right before the next round of toffee cheesecake brownies explodes all over the oven, that is. Roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a reward coffee, and happy cleaning!
