### 🍋 Lemon and Baking Soda Paste

Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste. Apply to greasy areas and let sit before scrubbing and wiping.

### 🌿 Castile Soap

This natural soap works well with warm water and can replace dish soap for those sensitive to chemicals.

### 🧈 Coconut Oil and Baking Soda

Strange but effective: Mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a thick paste. It lifts grime and conditions wood simultaneously.

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## What Not to Do

Cleaning cabinets may seem straightforward, but the wrong technique can damage finishes or spread grease instead of removing it.

### ❌ Avoid These Mistakes:

* **Don’t use abrasive scrubbers** like steel wool—they can scratch surfaces.
* **Don’t oversaturate wood**—excess water can warp and damage it.
* **Avoid ammonia or bleach**, especially on painted or stained surfaces—they can discolor and degrade the finish.
* **Don’t forget to test first**—Always test any new solution on a small, hidden area before applying broadly.

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## How to Maintain Clean Cabinets

Once your cabinets are clean, maintenance is key to preventing another round of sticky buildup.

### ✅ Weekly:

* Wipe down cabinet doors and handles with a damp microfiber cloth.
* Use a mild soap and water solution if you cook frequently.

### ✅ Monthly:

* Deep clean high-contact areas like around handles and above the stove.
* Use a vinegar-water spray (1:1 ratio) to remove early signs of grease.

### ✅ Every 3–6 Months:

* Do a thorough cleaning using the method above.
* Consider conditioning wooden cabinets with mineral oil or commercial wood polish.

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## Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Prevention is better than cure. Here are several ways to reduce future grease buildup:

### 1. **Install a Good Range Hood**

Make sure it vents outside if possible. A high-quality exhaust fan is your first line of defense against airborne grease.

### 2. **Cover Food While Cooking**

Using lids when cooking or splatter screens can drastically reduce grease in the air.

### 3. **Clean Spills Immediately**

The longer grease sits, the harder it is to remove. Quick wipe-downs make a huge difference.

### 4. **Use Cabinet Liners**

Especially helpful inside cabinets near your stove. Replace them regularly.

### 5. **Switch Cooking Oils**

Some oils splatter more than others. Olive and coconut oil tend to be less messy than animal fats or canola oil.

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## Conclusion

Sticky and greasy cabinets may feel like a never-ending problem, but with the right approach, you can reclaim the cleanliness and beauty of your kitchen. The vinegar-baking soda-dish soap combo is a powerful, safe, and affordable cleaning solution that works wonders on stubborn grime.

### Here’s what to remember:

* Grease builds up over time, especially near cooking areas.
* A natural DIY solution is often more effective and safer than harsh chemicals.
* Regular cleaning and proper ventilation are key to preventing buildup.
* Avoid over-wetting wood and test cleaners before broad use.
* Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning—stay ahead of the grease!

With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you’ll have sparkling clean cabinets in no time. Say goodbye to sticky residues and hello to a kitchen that feels fresh, hygienic, and welcoming again.

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If you’d like, I can turn this article into a printable checklist or a shareable PDF version. Let me know!