Here’s How to Clean Grease Off Common Kitchen Surfaces

Fried foods are some of the most delicious menu items to enjoy, regardless of what time of day it is. If you are a lover of fried foods — which is most of us! — then read on for how experts get rid of grease buildup.

1. Stovetop

First, pull out the stove’s removable parts. Get a large bowl or plug your kitchen sink, and then fill either with hot water and dish soap. Let the parts soak in the soap solution while you wipe down the stovetop. Becky Rapinchuk, the author of Simply Clean, says using a scrub brush to work a simple mix of baking soda, kosher salt, and dish soap will effectively remove caked cooked-on food stains and grease.

2. Stainless Steel Appliances

It may sound strange but one of the best remedies for oily stains is oil. Use a little bit of olive oil on a paper towel or cloth and wipe in the same direction as the grain of the stainless steel. Then use a soft cloth to buff all of that oil off.

This technique works well on old and stubborn grease splatters, so it is best fitted for your overhead exhaust hood or the surface of the dishwasher or refrigerator.

3. Oven

For caked grease stains in the oven, you'll make cleaning easier by first using a non-abrasive scraper to remove the dirt. Use a dampened paper towel to pick up anything left behind, then coat the walls of the oven with the DIY degreaser or enzyme cleaner. Let sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping.

An alternative technique is to coat the inside of the oven with a paste of baking soda and water. Spread the paste all over the interior with a soft-bristled brush and let it sit overnight. Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert with Merry Maids, says:

"If you’re in a hurry, put the oven on warm for 10 to 20 minutes while the baking soda sits. Come back and remove the baking soda and wipe the surface clean. Use a damp cloth as hot as you can stand it.”

4. Pantry Doors

Rapinchuk has a simple solution you can use to remove old oil splatter. All you have to do is add one or two drops of Castile soap or dish liquid into warm water. Then, soak a clean microfiber cloth in the soapy water and wring until it’s merely damp. Wipe in the direction of the wood, and dry with a clean cloth.

5. Microwave

Cleaning your microwave of grease stains is particularly fun and it can leave your kitchen smelling great. Pour three to four cups of hot tap water in a glass bowl and add lemon chunks from one lemon. Place the in your microwave and let it work its magic for three to five minutes, or until the water boils.

Leave the microwave door closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to soften the caked grease and dirt in the microwave. grime. Remove the glass bowl, and wipe down the interior of the microwave. Spritz microwave walls with white vinegar or all-purpose cleaner if you need to. Wipe clean and let it dry.

6. Overhead Exhaust and Filter

Cleaning expert Melissa Maker, the author of Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster-and Loving Your Home Every Day promotes the use of an enzyme cleaner to tackle tough grease stains. But first, remove the filter and soak it in a bucket of hot water and all-natural oxygen bleach for 20 minutes. Rinse and allow to dry.

Then, apply an enzyme cleaner such as Krud Kutter or any vegetable-based cleaner to the surface of the overhead exhaust, let it sit for a while, and then wipe clean.

An alternative is to make a DIY degreaser that can be used on multiple kitchen surfaces, by mixing equal parts baking soda and dish liquid with 20 drops of orange essential oil. The essential oil contains d-limonene which will help lift stubborn grease from the surface.

Apply the mix to the surface, allow to sit for 10 minutes, and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse and wipe dry.

7. Backsplash

Last but not least is the backsplash. According to Debra Johnson, the best way to clean a backsplash is using natural remedies. She advises squeezing the juice of one lemon into a measuring cup and pouring it into a spray bottle. You'll be amazed at how effectively this works to remove the grease. Just let it sit for a while, wipe it off with a damp cloth then dry the surface with a clean towel.

On a final note, keep in mind that you can avoid a tough grease buildup by simply wiping down your kitchen surfaces immediately you spot grease stains. If you can, experts advise getting splatter guards and a lid for every time you fry foods.