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Baking Soda: Known for its mild abrasiveness, baking soda acts as a gentle scrubber that can break down the sticky, greasy film without scratching or damaging the surface of your cabinets. It’s also a natural deodorizer, which means it helps eliminate any lingering smells that might be trapped in the grease.
Vegetable Oil: This might sound strange, but vegetable oil actually helps dissolve the existing grease. The science behind this is “like dissolves like.” When you apply a small amount of oil to the greasy surface, it loosens the grip of the existing grease, making it easier to wipe away. Moreover, it adds a slight sheen to your cabinets, enhancing their appearance without making them look oily.
How to Use the Baking Soda and Vegetable Oil Method
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this simple, effective trick to get your kitchen cabinets looking pristine again:
What You’ll Need:
Baking soda
Vegetable oil (any kind you have on hand will do)
A soft cloth or sponge
Steps:
Create the Cleaning Paste: In a small bowl, mix together one part baking soda with one part vegetable oil. You don’t need a lot; start with a tablespoon of each, depending on the size of the area you need to clean. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
Apply the Paste: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the paste. Then, gently apply it to the greasy areas on your cabinets. You don’t need to press hard; just make sure the paste covers all the greasy spots.
Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the cabinets for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the mixture time to break down the grease and grime effectively.
Wipe Away the Grease: After letting the paste sit, take a clean cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and gently wipe away the paste. You’ll notice that the grease and grime come off easily, leaving behind a clean, smooth surface.
Rinse and Repeat (If Necessary): If you still see some grease residue, repeat the process until your cabinets are completely clean. For most, one application is enough, but particularly stubborn grime might need a second round.
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