Wondering Where That Greasy Kitchen Smell Is Coming From?
Do you fight grease on your kitchen cabinets? Is there a lingering smell in your kitchen that just doesn’t seem to go away? Have you ever cleaned the tops of your kitchen cabinets?
If you answered no to that last question, then we may have found the hidden culprit behind your kitchen’s odor and grease nightmare.
Why You Should Clean the Tops of Your Cabinets
Cleaning the very tops of your kitchen cabinets is something most homeowners forget about. It’s easy to assume they’re clean if you don’t decorate up there — but whether you’ve got baskets and faux plants or nothing at all, grease and grime still build up over time.
Depending on:
- The age of your home
- How much oil do you use in cooking
- Your overall lifestyle
You could be dealing with years of unnoticed buildup that’s contributing to lingering smells and a filmy residue.
How to Check If Your Kitchen Cabinet Tops Need Cleaning
Grab a step stool and take a look — but don’t stop there. Run your hand along the top. If it feels sticky, greasy, or dusty? It’s time to clean.
What You’ll Need to Clean Cabinet Tops
Here’s your simple supply list:
- A good degreaser or spray foam Dawn
- Razor blade with plastic scraper
- Scrub Daddy sponge (or similar)
- Old rags you can toss after
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for future prevention!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning the Tops of Kitchen Cabinets
Step 1: Spray and Soak
Spray your cleaner generously over one cabinet top at a time. Let it sit for a few minutes. For thick grease, you may need to repeat this step to fully break it down.
Step 2: Scrape or Scrub
If the grease is loosened enough, gently scrape with your plastic scraper. If it doesn’t need scraping, use a hot water Scrub Daddy and scrub away the grime.
Step 3: Wipe and Remove Residue
Use old rags to soak up the mess. For any little leftover gunk clumps, press a hot rag onto them — they should lift right off.
Step 4: Dry and Line the Tops
Let everything air dry completely. Then line the cabinet tops with parchment paper or foil to catch future grime and make your life easier next time.
Pro Tip: Make Future Cleaning Easier
Lining the tops of your cabinets with parchment paper or foil means you’ll never have to scrub them again. Just toss the old layer, replace it, and done. It’s a one-minute job that saves hours later.
Why This Cleaning Task Is Worth It
Yes, it’s time-consuming the first time — but:
- Your kitchen will smell better
- You’ll reduce buildup on your cabinet facings
- Your whole home will feel fresher and cleaner
Don’t Forget the Cabinet Facings
This blog focuses on cleaning the tops of your cabinets — one of the most overlooked (and greasiest!) areas in the kitchen.
But once you’re done with the tops, you may notice the cabinet facings are just as sticky. Don’t worry — we’ve written a separate blog all about how to clean your cabinet doors and drawer fronts safely and effectively.
Of course, we can do all of this for you.
Whether it’s part of a deep clean or regular upkeep, we’re here to help. Schedule a one-time deep clean and we’ll handle the heavy-duty scrubbing for you. Then we can keep it sparkling with a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning plan that fits your needs.