The Unexpected Cooking Liquid That Effortlessly Cleans Sticky Kitchen Cabinets

What's worse than reaching into your kitchen cabinet and feeling your fingertips graze a greasy surface? It's like it builds up without you realizing until the whole inside of your cabinet is sticky to the touch. We have a pretty surprising fix that can get rid of it as quickly as it appears, using an ingredient you almost definitely have around your home: cooking oil. Cooking oil is perfect for loosening old grime because it cuts through oil-based buildup without scrubbing the finish off of the cabinets, which other types of cleaners risk doing. That's right, one of the best uses for cooking fats is actually cleaning — especially when you're dealing with a level of stickiness that water or regular sprays alone just cannot budge. Try drizzling a small amount onto a cloth and rubbing it over the grease, and you'll feel that the gummy texture shifts almost instantly.

The logic behind it is simple: Sticky residue on your cabinets is basically oxidized grease that's been sitting there for weeks — or even months. A layer of fresh oil will attach to the structure of older oil and work to rehydrate all the grime, loosening it until it can be wiped away. It's a great method because it works on almost all cabinet finishes and, once the surface feels clean again, all you need is a good soapy rinse to get rid of the oil so the cabinets don't go rancid (or turn into a slip and slide). It's fast, useful, and oddly satisfying.

The beauty of this trick is the utter convenience of it. That bottle you already have sitting next to the stove will literally do the job! Basically anything labeled as an oil to use for shallow frying should work thanks to the smooth consistency and mild scent. And a little will go a long way too. Use a fresh cloth, keep everything clean and hygienic, and make sure the oil doesn't pool into a corner to be forgotten about. You just want to soften and break down the greasy build up, not drench the cabinets in even more oil (which could attract pests). A light hand on the first wipe is best, and then that second wipe with warm, sudsy water will get rid of the oil. Some also recommend using baking soda and oil together, as the baking soda gives the oil some abrasiveness.

You may really like this approach because it avoids harsh and chemical-filled cleaners, making it one of the safest ways to clean sticky cabinets especially if you have a wood finish that is delicate or aging. It's also adaptable; try it with the baking soda trick or a squeeze of lemon to give it a fresh scent. And don't limit yourself to just cabinets, as this trick can also work on grimy range hoods, too. However you use it, you'll be shocked at how simple it is and how easily it restores a lovely smooth finish without you even having to break a sweat.