Your Guide: How To Remove Grease From Kitchen

Can you easily remove grease from your kitchen? Yes, you absolutely can! With the right tools and simple steps, tackling tough kitchen grease becomes much easier. Grease buildup happens in every kitchen. It coats surfaces, looks messy, and can even attract pests if left too long. This guide gives you clear ways to clean every greasy spot. We cover everything from quick fixes to deep cleaning jobs.

Simple Secrets to Grease Removal

Grease sticks because it is oily. Water alone will not wash it away well. You need something to break down that oil. This usually means using soap, acid, or a strong cleaner. Knowing what you are cleaning helps you pick the best tool.

Quick Attack: Degreasing Kitchen Counters

Your kitchen counters see a lot of action. Spills happen fast. Cleaning them quickly stops grease from setting hard.

Surface Safety Check

Before scrubbing hard, check your counter material. Granite, marble, quartz, or laminate all need different care. Harsh acids or abrasive scrubbers can ruin natural stone.

Laminate/Solid Surface: These are tough. Most cleaners work well.
Granite/Marble: Use pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid vinegar directly on these stones.
Butcher Block (Wood): Use mild soap and water. Dry immediately to prevent warping.

The Best Methods for Countertop Degreasing

For fast, daily cleaning, you want a go-to spray.

Using Dish Soap Solutions

Dish soap is made to cut grease on dishes. It works wonders on counters too.

Mix hot water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
Shake gently. Do not make too many bubbles.
Spray the greasy area well. Let it sit for five minutes. This gives the soap time to work.
Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

Natural Ways to Clean Grease on Counters

If you prefer fewer chemicals, natural options work great. Baking soda is your friend here.

Make a paste with baking soda and a little water.
Spread the paste over sticky spots.
Let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes.
Gently scrub in small circles with a soft sponge.
Wipe away the residue. This leaves a nice shine.

Tackling the Hard Stuff: Removing Stubborn Kitchen Grease

Sometimes, grease sits for weeks or months. It hardens like a thick shell. This needs a stronger approach than a simple wipe.

Heat as Your Ally

Heat softens hard grease. This makes it much easier to scrape or wipe away. Be very careful with heat around plastics or delicate surfaces.

Steam Cleaner: If you have a handheld steam cleaner, use it! The hot steam melts grease fast. Wipe immediately with a towel.
Hot Towel Soak: For hardened spots on solid surfaces, soak a rag in very hot water. Wring it slightly. Lay the hot rag directly over the grease patch. Wait ten minutes. The heat transfers, making the grease soft enough to scrape with a plastic scraper.

Stronger Cleaners for Tough Spots

When natural methods fail, you might need a stronger spray. Look for products labeled as powerful kitchen degreasers.

Finding the Best Kitchen Degreaser

Commercial degreasers use surfactants and often alkaline chemicals to break down fats.

Alkaline Cleaners: These are excellent for breaking down fats and oils. Read the label carefully. Test in a hidden spot first.
Citrus-Based Degreasers: These use d-Limonene, an oil pulled from citrus peels. They smell good and cut grease very well. They are often a good middle ground between strong chemicals and natural cleaners.

Special Zones: Grease Hotspots

Different kitchen areas collect grease in different ways. Each spot needs a focused clean.

Mastering Oven Grease Removal Techniques

Ovens accumulate baked-on, carbonized grease. This is often the toughest job.

Self-Cleaning Mode (If Available)

If your oven has a self-clean feature, use it. It heats the oven to extremely high temperatures, turning grease into ash.

Remove all racks and foil.
Run the cycle as directed.
Ventilate the kitchen well. The process creates smoke.
Once cool, wipe out the fine white ash.

Cold Cleaning with Heavy-Duty Products

For ovens without a self-clean mode, strong cleaners are necessary.

Put on gloves and eye protection.
Spray the commercial oven cleaner inside. Follow the label for dwell time (how long it needs to sit). This can be several hours.
Use a non-scratch scouring pad or steel wool for really thick spots.
Wipe everything down multiple times with clean water. You must remove all chemical residue before baking food again.

Ammonia Soak (Use with Extreme Caution)

Ammonia fumes can dissolve grease without scrubbing. Never mix ammonia with bleach.

Place a bowl of ammonia (undiluted) on the top rack of your cold oven.
Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack.
Close the oven door. Leave it overnight (8-12 hours).
Open the door and remove the bowls. The fumes have loosened the grease.
Wipe out the loosened residue with soapy water.

Shining Up the Stovetop Grease Cleaning Tips

Stovetops, especially around burners, collect spills that burn on.

Glass/Ceramic Tops: Use a razor blade holder set at a very shallow angle to scrape off burnt spills after applying a commercial ceramic cooktop cleaner or baking soda paste. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Gas Grates and Burner Caps: Soak these removable parts in hot, soapy water or a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water overnight. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the loosened grime. Dry completely before putting them back.

Cutting Board Grease Removal

Wood and plastic boards absorb grease and odors.

For Plastic: Wash in the dishwasher if safe, or scrub with hot water and lots of dish soap. Sprinkle with coarse salt and half a lemon. Use the lemon half as a scrubber. The salt provides grit, and the acid cuts the grease. Rinse well.
For Wood: Never soak wood boards. Scrub with a mild solution of soap and warm water. Wipe immediately dry. Once clean and dry, periodically treat wood boards with mineral oil to keep them sealed against grease absorption.

High Up and Hidden: Vent Hoods and Cabinets

Grease doesn’t just stay at eye level. It floats up and settles everywhere.

Exhaust Fan Grease Cleaning

The filter and the hood exterior trap the most airborne grease.

Cleaning the Filter

Most range hood filters are metal mesh and can handle a strong soak.

Remove the filters.
Boil a large pot of water on the stove.
Place the filters in a utility sink or large basin.
Pour the boiling water over the filters. Add half a cup of baking soda or a squirt of dish soap.
Let them soak for 15–20 minutes. Watch the grease float away!
Rinse well with hot water and let them air dry before reinstalling.

Cleaning the Hood Exterior

The metal housing of the hood needs regular wiping. Use the best kitchen degreaser you have on hand here. A sponge soaked in very hot, soapy water works well for a quick clean. For tough spots on stainless steel hoods, wipe with the grain of the steel to avoid scratching.

Cleaning Greasy Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets near the stove are often sticky because grease attaches to the cabinet finish.

Method 1: Vinegar Solution

For painted or laminate cabinets, this works wonders.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture. Do not soak the cloth.
Wipe down the cabinet doors and hardware.
Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to rinse off the vinegar smell. Dry thoroughly.

Method 2: Using Stronger Soap

For very sticky, caked-on buildup, use dish soap cut with hot water. Work in small sections. Use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the finish. Rinse well. This is key to prevent the soap from drying sticky.

The Big Job: Kitchen Deep Cleaning Grease

A kitchen deep cleaning grease session means hitting every forgotten corner. This should happen at least twice a year.

Appliances Inside and Out

Don’t forget the sides and tops of your fridge and dishwasher. Grease collects in these hidden spots.

Microwave: Steam helps loosen interior grease. Place a bowl with one cup of water and a tablespoon of vinegar inside. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until the window fogs up. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe the interior down—it should come off easily.
Toaster Oven: If removable, take out the crumb tray and racks. Soak them like you would oven racks. Wipe the interior walls with a paste of baking soda and water.

Walls and Backsplashes

Grease floats onto the walls near the cooking area.

If you have tile or stainless steel backsplashes, these areas need scrubbing. Use an abrasive pad carefully or let a commercial degreaser sit longer on these resilient surfaces. For painted walls, use a mild cleaner (like a small amount of dish soap in water) and avoid scrubbing hard, as paint can lift.

Maintaining the Shine: Prevention Tips

Cleaning grease is hard work. The best strategy is to stop it from building up in the first place.

While You Cook

Use the Hood: Turn your exhaust fan on before you start cooking, not after. This captures grease as it is released.
Cover Pots: Use lids when boiling or frying. This keeps steam and splatter contained.
Wipe Spills Immediately: If oil splatters, grab a paper towel right then. A quick wipe takes seconds but saves minutes of scrubbing later.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Area	Frequency	Best Practice
Stovetop	Daily	Wipe with damp cloth after cooling.
Counters	Daily	Spray with mild cleaner after food prep.
Exhaust Filters	Monthly	Soak and clean to maintain airflow.
Oven Exterior	Bi-Weekly	Wipe down doors and handles.
Oven Interior	Quarterly/As Needed	Perform a deep clean session.
Cabinets	Monthly	Quick wipe down of door fronts.

Deciphering Cleaning Agents: What Works Best?

Choosing the right tool for the job saves time and effort. Here is a quick comparison of common degreasing agents.

Agent	Primary Action	Best For	Cautions
Dish Soap (Detergent)	Emulsifies oil	General surfaces, light grease	Rinse well.
Baking Soda	Mild abrasive, deodorizer	Scrubbing surfaces, cutting boards	Needs rinsing to avoid white residue.
White Vinegar (Acid)	Cuts through mineral deposits, mild grease	Glass, some counters (not stone)	Do not use on marble or granite.
Commercial Degreaser	Strong chemical breakdown (alkaline)	Oven grease, heavily soiled areas	Wear gloves; requires thorough rinsing.
Heat/Steam	Melts and softens solidified grease	Baked-on messes	Use caution with plastics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kitchen Grease

What is the fastest way to clean light grease off a stainless steel sink?

The fastest way is to use hot water mixed with a generous amount of dish soap. Apply it to the sink, let it sit for two minutes, and then scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse with clean hot water and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Can I use vinegar on granite countertops to remove grease?

It is best to avoid using vinegar directly on granite or marble. The acid in vinegar can etch and dull the sealant and the stone itself over time. Use a specialized pH-neutral stone cleaner or the simple dish soap and water solution for degreasing kitchen counters made of natural stone.

How do I clean the inside of my dishwasher if it has grease buildup?

Run the dishwasher empty on the hottest, longest cycle. Add one cup of white vinegar to the bottom of the machine before starting the cycle. The hot water and vinegar mixture will help dissolve grease films inside the spray arms and walls.

Are homemade degreasers strong enough for old, hardened grease?

Homemade solutions like baking soda paste or vinegar are great for daily cleaning and light buildup. However, for old, baked-on, or extremely thick, hardened grease, especially inside an oven, a specialized commercial degreaser is usually required for effective results in a reasonable amount of time. Heat applied along with a natural cleaner can boost their power.