Grease and sticky residues commonly accumulate on kitchen cabinets and on the outside of microwaves, particularly near cooking zones. Responses from experienced home-cleaning contributors highlight a practical range of approaches, from basic dish soap and household solutions to commercial degreasers and mechanical aids. The guidance below summarises those recommendations, with product notes, straightforward techniques, and surface cautions to help restore and protect cabinet finishes and microwave exteriors while minimising risk of damage.
Common household solutions Simple, low-cost options are frequently effective for routine grease removal. A small amount of blue dishwashing liquid applied with a wet, wrung-out sponge or cloth and hot water will cut through fresh grease. Mixing dish soap in a bucket of hot water and working from top to bottom helps avoid streaking and limits re-deposition of grime. A 2:1 solution of distilled white vinegar to water is another gentle option for light grease; test on an inconspicuous area first.
Commercial degreasers and specialty products Several commercial cleaners were recommended for heavier or older buildup. Noted products and remarks include:
- Dawn heavy duty degreaser, and regular blue Dawn dish soap, for cutting grease effectively.
- Krud Kutter, spray on and wipe off after a short dwell time, reported to have no odor.
- Dedicated degreasing sprays such as Zep, TSP solutions for very heavy, aged accumulations.
- The Pink Stuff, Simple Green, Purple Power, Greased Lightning, and Orange Totally Awesome were cited as effective alternatives in specific cases.
- Baking soda paste, power paste or abrasive cleansers used with appropriate non-damaging scrubbers for stubborn spots.
Techniques and precautions Effective technique reduces effort and prevents damage. Apply cleaners sparingly and allow a short dwell time where recommended, then agitate with a nonabrasive or mildly abrasive scrubber as appropriate. Rinse with a hot, damp cloth and dry immediately to avoid water marks. Take these precautions reported by users:
- Do not use the green abrasive side of a dish sponge on light-coloured cabinet finishes; dye transfer and scuffing were reported.
- Some concentrated cleaners or undiluted products can alter finishes; one report described discolouration after using an undiluted cleaner on wood. Always test a small, hidden area first.
- For stainless steel surfaces, follow with a dedicated stainless cleaner or polish for best results and to reduce streaking.
Surface-specific notes and alternative methods For very greasy cabinets or exterior microwave surfaces, options beyond detergent include using a small amount of vegetable oil (for example canola) to loosen old, oily residues, then following with a degreaser or dish soap wash. Steam cleaning was also cited as an adjunct to manual scrubbing for stubborn grime. Microfibre cloths are useful for final wiping and polishing to avoid streaks.
Summary table of products and uses
| Product | Format | Notes and suggested use |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn (blue) / Dawn heavy duty | Dish soap / degreaser | Apply with warm water and a sponge; good for routine grease. Heavy-duty spray available for tougher spots. |
| Krud Kutter | Spray cleaner | Spray, let sit briefly, then wipe; reported to be effective with low odor. |
| TSP, Zep | Powdered/ concentrated degreaser | Useful for years of buildup; follow label instructions and test finishes first. |
| The Pink Stuff / Simple Green / Purple Power | Cleaning paste or spray | Reported effective on ovens, hoods and greasy surfaces; use appropriate applicator and rinse. |
Practical routine A concise approach for typical kitchen cleaning: remove loose debris, apply dish soap solution or chosen degreaser, allow a short dwell time for tougher grease, agitate with a nonabrasive pad or a recommended scrubber, rinse with a hot damp cloth, and dry. Clean from top to bottom and finish with a polish for stainless steel where applicable.
Conclusion Multiple accessible options will remove grease and sticky residues on cabinets and microwave exteriors, ranging from diluted dish soap to commercial degreasers for heavier buildup. Basic precautions – spot testing, avoiding aggressive abrasives on delicate finishes, and finishing with a dry wipe or polish – will reduce the risk of damage. Select the mildest effective product and adjust technique according to surface type; for persistent or aged grease, combine a degreasing product, appropriate dwell time, and moderate mechanical action for best results.