Quick answer: Start with a dry microfiber cloth, then use a lightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap if the cabinet finish allows it. Work in small sections and dry as you go. Do not soak wood, spray directly into seams, or use an abrasive pad before testing a hidden spot.
Identify the surface before reaching for degreaser
Painted wood, sealed wood, laminate, thermofoil, and unfinished edges do not all react the same way. Look for peeling paint, swollen edges, a dull patch, or a care label from the cabinet maker. If you cannot identify the finish, begin with the least aggressive method: dry dust removal followed by a barely damp cloth.
Grease often collects around handles, the lower edge of upper cabinets, and the cabinet beside the range. Those spots may need several light passes. One wet, aggressive scrub can do more damage than a few patient wipes.
A small-section cleaning method
Remove loose dust first so it does not turn into gritty paste. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap only if the finish guidance permits it. Dampen a soft cloth and wring it out well. Wipe one small section, then follow with a clean damp cloth if residue remains and a dry cloth immediately afterward.
Use a soft brush or cotton swab around hardware and narrow corners, but keep water away from hinges and unfinished seams. Change the cleaning water when it looks cloudy. If a spot does not improve after gentle cleaning, stop and test your chosen cleaner somewhere hidden instead of pressing harder.
Keep grease from building back up
Drying matters. Moisture left on a cabinet edge can work into joints and make the surface swell over time. Wipe cooking splashes when they are fresh, clean the range hood and nearby wall surfaces, and check the cabinet underside where grease can settle unnoticed.
Do not mix degreasers, bleach, vinegar, or other cleaning products. Follow the product label and the cabinet manufacturer’s guidance. If the finish is bubbling, lifting, or permanently discolored, cleaning may not restore it; a cabinet specialist may need to repair or refinish the surface.
For the area below the sink, see the under-sink odors and residue guide. If you are cleaning several kitchen surfaces, start with the order in our clean-first routine.