Best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets: white vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap.
I’ve stood in kitchens with sticky, grimy cabinet faces and felt the frustration. You want a clean finish without damaging wood or paint. A simple, effective homemade degreaser made from white vinegar, baking soda, and liquid dish soap removes grease, brightens finish, and costs pennies. In this guide I share tested recipes, plus how to use store products safely, so you can decide the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets and keep your kitchen looking fresh.
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Lysol Pro Kitchen Degreaser (Citrus)
I tested Lysol Pro Kitchen Degreaser on painted and laminate cabinet doors. It cuts grease quickly and rinses off cleanly. The citrus scent masks lingering odors. I found it works well on moderate to heavy buildup without scrubbing hard.
The formula is antibacterial, which helps where food splatter may carry germs. It dries fast and leaves minimal residue when wiped with a damp cloth. I still recommend rinsing any cleaner from wood cabinets with a damp microfiber cloth to protect finishes. Overall, it’s a strong ready-made option to pair with a gentle homemade mix for regular upkeep.
Pros:
- Fast-acting on cooked-on grease and splatter
- Antibacterial action reduces germ load
- Good scent that masks kitchen odors
- Easy to spray and cover vertical surfaces
- Works well on painted and laminate cabinets
Cons:
- Scent may be strong for sensitive users
- Not ideal for raw wood or delicate finishes without dilution
My Recommendation
I recommend Lysol Pro Kitchen Degreaser for the home cook who wants a reliable sprayer for quick cleanups. I found it best for painted or laminate cabinets that tolerate a standard commercial cleaner. If you prefer the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, use Lysol for heavy spots and a vinegar-based mix for gentle daily care. The product is widely available and offers strong value for speed and convenience.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Quick grease removal | Fast-acting spray formula |
| Antibacterial use | Kills germs on contact |
| Painted/laminate cabinets | Safe when rinsed promptly |
Parker & Bailey Cabinet Cream (8oz)
Parker & Bailey Cabinet Cream is a polish and cleaner in one. I liked its soft cream texture for wood cabinets. It lifts light grease and restores shine without harsh chemicals. Use sparingly with a soft cloth for best results.
This product excels at maintenance rather than heavy degreasing. I use it after a gentle homemade degreaser to finish and protect wood. It leaves a subtle sheen and helps hide small scratches. For those seeking the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, this cream pairs well as a follow-up polish.
Pros:
- Restores shine to wood and lacquered cabinets
- Gentle formulation safe for finished wood
- Also fills minor scratches visually
- Small jar is easy to store and lasts a while
- Leaves a pleasant, non-greasy finish
Cons:
- Not a heavy-duty degreaser by itself
- Can leave buildup if over-applied
My Recommendation
I suggest Parker & Bailey Cabinet Cream for the homeowner focused on wood care. I use it after degreasing with a gentle vinegar or dish soap mix to protect and beautify cabinet surfaces. If you want the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, pair that homemade mix with this cream for a polished finish. It’s great value for routine upkeep and touch-ups.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Wood cabinet maintenance | Gentle polish restores shine |
| Small scratches | Visually blends imperfections |
| Post-clean finishing | Leaves non-greasy protective layer |
Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser (28 oz)
Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser is formulated for sticky messes and baked-on foods. I used it on grease rings near stove areas and it dissolved residue with little elbow grease. It’s thicker than some sprays, which helps cling to vertical stains. That makes it handy for cabinet corners and edges.
The scent is mild and it rinses away cleanly when followed with a wet cloth. I found it safe on most painted surfaces, though I avoid long dwell times on raw wood. For a routine cleaning routine, I pair my homemade vinegar degreaser with Goo Gone for stubborn spots. It’s a solid add-on when the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets needs backup power.
Pros:
- Powerful on sticky, baked-on grease
- Viscous formula clings to vertical surfaces
- Mild scent and easy rinsing
- Large bottle offers good value
- Works on multiple kitchen surfaces
Cons:
- Too strong for unfinished wood
- Requires rinsing to avoid residue
- Not ideal for frequent, daily wipes
My Recommendation
I recommend Goo Gone for kitchens with stubborn, cooked-on grease. I use it only on tough spots and follow with a damp cloth and then a polish. If you want the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, start with vinegar and baking soda for daily care and call in Goo Gone for heavy duty jobs. It’s reliable as a spot-treatment tool.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Stubborn grease | Strong grease-cutting formula |
| Vertical stains | Thickness clings to surfaces |
| Large kitchens | Good bottle size for frequent use |
Easy-Off Specialty Degreaser (16 oz)
Easy-Off Specialty Degreaser performs well on greasy spills and countertop overspray. I liked how it left a clean surface with minimal wiping. The lemon scent is fresh without overpowering. It’s a good mid-strength option between gentle cleaners and heavy degreasers.
For cabinets, I sprayed a small area to test first. I saw grease lift in moments, then wiped it clean. I recommend rinsing painted surfaces after use. If you want a complement to the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, Easy-Off gives a safe boost on day-to-day messes.
Pros:
- Balanced strength for everyday grease
- Pleasant lemon scent
- Dries without heavy residue if wiped
- Works on appliances as well as cabinets
- Good for quick cleanups
Cons:
- Not ideal for very baked-on grime
- May require follow-up rinse on wood finishes
My Recommendation
I recommend Easy-Off Specialty Degreaser for regular kitchen cleanups. I use it when the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets isn’t enough for light to moderate grease. It pairs well with natural mixes for safe, routine care. It’s an easy option for busy homes that need a fast, pleasant cleaner.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily wipe-downs | Balanced, non-harsh action |
| Light grease | Quick removal with minimal effort |
| Appliance touch-ups | Safe on many surfaces |
Easy-Off Heavy Duty Degreaser (32 oz)
Easy-Off Heavy Duty Degreaser is my go-to for entrenched grease. I used it on areas near stovetops and it removed years of buildup after a short soak. It performs best with a little dwell time and a non-abrasive pad. Heavy-duty formulas like this report strong grease-cutting action.
Because it’s powerful, I avoid use on raw or antique wood. I always test a hidden spot first. For regular maintenance I recommend a homemade mix for gentle cleaning and this product only for intensive jobs. When paired correctly, it complements the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets perfectly.
Pros:
- Highly effective on old, baked-on grease
- Large spray bottle for big jobs
- Short dwell time yields strong results
- Good for commercial-level messes in home kitchens
- Economical for heavy-use households
Cons:
- Too aggressive for some finishes
- Requires careful rinsing and ventilation
- Not ideal for daily use
My Recommendation
I recommend Easy-Off Heavy Duty Degreaser for serious build-up that homemade solutions can’t handle. I use it sparingly on painted cabinets and never on untreated wood. If you already rely on the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets for daily care, keep this product as a backup for tougher jobs. It brings professional strength to home cleaning.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | Removes years of grease |
| Large kitchens | Big bottle for big jobs |
| Occasional heavy use | Powerful but not for daily cleaning |
Zep Orange Plus Degreaser (24 oz)
Zep Orange Plus delivers pro-grade citrus cleaning with a family-friendly formulation. I liked its bright, fresh scent and how quickly it lifted grease. It’s versatile for cabinets, counters, and appliances. The orange solvent helps cut through oil without harsh ammonia notes.
I tested it on painted and sealed wood surfaces with good results. Rinsing afterward preserved the finish and removed any slight residue. For those aiming to balance power with a pleasant scent, Zep Orange Plus complements a homemade vinegar-based cleaner well. It’s another good tool for someone who wants the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets plus a pro-strength backup.
Pros:
- Effective citrus-based grease cutting
- Pleasant orange scent
- Safe on many sealed surfaces when rinsed
- Good multipurpose use for appliances and cabinets
- Family-friendly formula options available
Cons:
- Not for use on raw wood without caution
- Scent may linger if not thoroughly wiped
My Recommendation
I recommend Zep Orange Plus for homeowners who want pro cleaning power with a fresh scent. I use it as an occasional deep-clean tool alongside my homemade vinegar and baking soda routine. If you’re looking for the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets, use a gentle homemade mix most days and Zep for bigger jobs. It’s effective, smells good, and is widely available.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Citrus cleaning | Orange solvent cuts oil |
| Multipurpose use | Safe on many sealed surfaces |
| Smell-conscious users | Pleasant orange scent |
FAQs Of best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets
What is the simplest recipe for the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets?
Mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water and add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap per cup. Use a spray bottle. Spray, wait a minute, wipe with a microfiber cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth.
Can homemade degreasers harm wood cabinets?
They can if too acidic or left on too long. I always dilute vinegar and test a hidden area. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry to protect finishes. For raw or antique wood, avoid vinegar and use a gentle soap solution instead.
How often should I use a homemade degreaser?
I recommend weekly light cleaning and immediate spot cleaning after spills. Heavy soil needs deeper cleaning monthly. Regular use of the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets prevents buildup and reduces need for harsh products.
Is baking soda safe for cabinets?
Yes, baking soda is mildly abrasive and is great for spot cleaning. I use a paste of baking soda and water for sticky spots. Apply gently and avoid aggressive scrubbing on delicate finishes.
Can I mix commercial degreasers with homemade cleaners?
Avoid mixing products. Some chemicals interact and create fumes. I use homemade cleaners for routine care and commercial degreasers only when needed, always rinsing thoroughly afterward.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a low-cost, effective approach, my tested formula—white vinegar, baking soda, and a drop of dish soap—is the best homemade degreaser for kitchen cabinets for daily care. It is safe, cheap, and works on most finishes when diluted and rinsed properly.
For tougher grease, keep Goo Gone or Easy-Off Heavy Duty as backups. I use a homemade mix for routine cleaning and commercial degreasers for occasional heavy-duty jobs to get the best balance of care and power.
