6 Easy Ways to Clean Accumulated Grease in the Kitchen
Six simple and natural methods to tackle stubborn kitchen grease for a sparkling clean space.
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Dish Soap
Lemon & Salt
Cornstarch
Hot Water
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Grease is one of the most stubborn problems in any kitchen. Whether it’s splattered oil around the stove, sticky residue on cabinet doors, or the thick buildup on appliances, kitchen grease doesn’t just look bad—it attracts dirt, traps odors, and becomes harder to remove over time. The longer it stays, the more it hardens and sticks to surfaces.
Luckily, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get your kitchen sparkling clean again. With simple tools and natural ingredients, you can remove years of grease buildup in minutes. Here are six easy and effective ways to clean accumulated grease in your kitchen.
1. Baking Soda Paste — The Gentle Degreaser That Actually Works
Baking soda is one of the most powerful natural cleaning agents for grease. Its mild abrasive texture lifts grease without damaging surfaces, and its alkaline nature breaks down oil easily.
✔ How to use it:
Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water
Stir until it forms a thick paste
Apply it to greasy areas (stove, backsplash, cabinets, handles)
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
Scrub gently with a sponge or cloth
Wipe clean with warm water
✔ Why it works:
Breaks down oil molecules
Removes sticky residue
Safe for metal, wood, and tiles
Baking soda paste also deodorizes surfaces, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
2. Vinegar and Hot Water Spray — The Classic Grease Cutter
Vinegar is a natural acid that dissolves grease quickly. When mixed with hot water, it becomes even more effective.
✔ How to prepare the spray:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup hot water
Optional: a few drops of lemon essential oil
Pour into a spray bottle and shake well.
✔ How to use it:
Spray directly onto greasy surfaces
Let it sit for 5 minutes
Wipe with a microfiber cloth
✔ Best surfaces:
Stove tops
Ovens
Range hoods
Cabinets
Avoid using vinegar on marble or granite.
3. Dish Soap and Warm Water — The Most Underestimated Grease Remover
While it seems simple, dish soap is designed to cut through oil. When combined with warm water, it becomes a powerful grease dissolver.
✔ How to use it:
Fill a bowl with warm water
Add a few drops of dish soap
Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth
Scrub greasy surfaces
Rinse and wipe dry
✔ Why it works:
Dish soap contains surfactants that lift and trap grease, making it easy to wash away.
✔ Perfect for:
Countertops
Kitchen tiles
Appliances
Greasy utensils
Stainless steel
It’s gentle, effective, and safe for daily cleaning.
4. Lemon and Salt — The Natural Scrub for Tough, Sticky Grease
Lemon is acidic and cuts through grease naturally, while salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Together, they create a powerful cleaning combo.
✔ How to use it:
Cut a lemon in half
Dip the cut side in coarse salt
Scrub directly over greasy areas
Let the juice sit for 5 minutes
Wipe with warm water
✔ Best for:
Burnt grease on stovetops
Greasy oven racks
Sticky cabinet handles
Cutting boards
✔ Extra benefit:
Lemon leaves a fresh, clean scent your whole kitchen will love.
5. Cornstarch and Water — The Secret Trick for Cleaning Greasy Surfaces
Cornstarch may seem unusual as a cleaner, but it’s highly effective at absorbing grease. When mixed with water, it becomes a thick paste that pulls oil away from surfaces.
✔ How to use it:
Mix cornstarch with warm water until thick
Spread onto greasy spots
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
Wipe away and rinse
✔ Best used on:
Glass
Stainless steel
Windows near stovetops
Light fixtures
It removes grease without scratching or damaging delicate surfaces.
6. Hot Water and a Microfiber Cloth — Simple but Powerful
Sometimes all you need is heat. Hot water melts hardened grease, making it easy to wipe away with a microfiber cloth.
✔ How to use it:
Heat water until steaming (not boiling)
Dip a microfiber cloth
Wring out excess water
Wipe greasy surfaces in circular motions
✔ Why it works:
Softens hard grease
Lifts oily residue
Safe for all surfaces
For heavy grease, follow with a natural cleaner like vinegar or dish soap.
🌟 Bonus Tips to Prevent Grease Buildup
Keep your kitchen cleaner for longer with these simple habits:
Wipe stove after every cooking session
Use a splatter screen while frying
Clean cabinet doors weekly
Degrease range hood filters once a month
Avoid leaving oil bottles exposed
A few minutes of maintenance prevents days of scrubbing later.