How do I get grease and dirt, mainly cigarette stains off my cabinets?

Vicki collard
by Vicki collard

I need to find something to clean my kitchen cabinets made of whitewashed oak without removing the finish. Thanks for your help.


  19 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 11, 2015
    Try a product called cabinet magic available at Home Depot. If you do not have that store go to HomeDepot.com or try amazon.
  • Linn Andreassen Talge Linn Andreassen Talge on Dec 11, 2015
    I always use ammonia to get rid of the nicotine and grease from my kitchen, and to avoid the nasty fumes, I put it in ice-water... I take a bucket of cold water, add lots of ice cubes and then the ammonia... With a microfiber cloth the fat and nicotine comes off in a jiffy, believe it or not! I use the same mix for washing the walls and ceiling...
  • Mardie Moran Mardie Moran on Dec 11, 2015
    Awesome - purchased at Dollar Store, if diluted half and half - spray on and wipe off with a wet rag. It will streak if you leave it on so wipe off quickly!
  • Vicki collard Vicki collard on Dec 11, 2015
    What a great tip! Thank you so much.
  • Connie Connie on Dec 12, 2015
    You might want to try lemon juice and a Mr. Clean's magic eraser.
  • Linda Johnson Linda Johnson on Dec 12, 2015
    I used TSP & water on the oak cabinets in our old house. It worked great. You need to use gloves because it's hard on your hands. I had to change the water frequently because the bucket of TSP (Trisodiumphosphate) & water would get thick from the cigarette film.
  • Diana Diana on Dec 12, 2015
    What's TSP?
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Dec 13, 2015
      @Diana Trisodium phosphate. It comes in a powder like detergent, and you mix it with water. Great cleaner but harsh on hands. Not sure what it would do to cabinet finishes as have only used it on walls. Prefer Mr. Clean Fabreeze.
  • Henri001 Henri001 on Dec 12, 2015
    I wonder if a solution of Murphy's oil soap & water would work? I use Murphy's in the laundry as well as cleaning wood surfaces..
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Dec 13, 2015
      @Henri001 Am a fan of Murphy's for washing my wood stairs, etc. May not have enough bite for cutting through grease as it is an oil-based product??
  • Rig Rig on Dec 12, 2015
    Vinegar and water equal parts works good on wood.
  • Ginger the farm gal Ginger the farm gal on Dec 12, 2015
    Awesome from walmart or dollar general
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 12, 2015
    For all of you who answered with products from the dollar store any any product that is acidic please be careful they are known to actually eat away finishes over time.Just an FYI
    • See 2 previous
    • Ginger the farm gal Ginger the farm gal on Dec 14, 2015
      I also used it to remove pine tar off our camper...it's great on everything I've tried it on even wall paper
  • Lala Rute Lala Rute on Dec 13, 2015
    TSP and Binz stain sealer would work. We've used that in the past.
  • Vicki collard Vicki collard on Dec 13, 2015
    YOU GIRLS HAVE SENT SUCH GREAT ANSWERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT COMES OUT.
    • See 1 previous
    • Vicki collard Vicki collard on Dec 14, 2015
      @Ginger the farm gal BEST WISHES TO YOU ALSO AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
  • Diana Diana on Dec 14, 2015
    What is TSP?
    • Linda Johnson Linda Johnson on Dec 15, 2015
      @Diana Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na3PO4. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water producing an alkaline solution. TSPs are used as cleaning agent, lubricant, food additive, stain remover and degreaser. (From Wikipedia)
  • Billie Billie on Dec 14, 2015
    Mild solution of purple power, lemons, or murphys oil soap. I have used all 3. Purple power is a chemical - on wood I would dilute it a lot, but it will remove nicotine extremely well. Test in an inconspicuous place. Lemons may bleach the wood - Murphys oil soap will clean as well as treat the wood & make them shine.
  • Vicki collard Vicki collard on Dec 14, 2015
    THANKS, BILLIE! I APPRECIATE IT! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
  • Renee Renee on Dec 31, 2015
    'Awesome' from the dollar store is cheap and very effective. As good as TSP for removing grease.