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Best Ways to Bust Up Grease in the Kitchen
In our last article, we talked about spring cleaning the kitchen. But there are certain messes that require an article all their own. In this instance, we’re talking about grease. We at KWCW know that grease buildup is one of the toughest cleaning challenges in the kitchen. Over time, cooking oils, food splatters, and airborne grease settle on cabinets, countertops, appliances, and walls, making surfaces sticky and difficult to clean. The good news? With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can cut through stubborn grease and restore your kitchen’s sparkle.
Here are the best ways to bust up grease in the kitchen, using effective and easy-to-find ingredients.
Dish Soap and Warm Water – The First Line of Defense
Dish soap is designed to break down grease, making it one of the most effective and gentle cleaning solutions.
How to Use:
- Mix a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle or bowl.
- Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wipe down greasy surfaces.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a towel.
💡 Best for: Kitchen cabinets, stovetops, countertops, and appliances.
White Vinegar – A Natural Degreaser
White vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease effortlessly and also disinfects surfaces.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto greasy areas and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge, then rinse with clean water.
💡 Best for: Backsplashes, range hoods, and glass cooktops.
Baking Soda – A Gentle Scrub for Stubborn Grease
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, making it great for removing caked-on grease without scratching surfaces.
How to Use:
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water until it forms a thick consistency.
- Apply the paste to greasy spots and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a sponge or brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
💡 Best for: Ovens, greasy cookware, and stove burners.
Lemon Juice – A Fresh and Effective Degreaser
Lemon juice contains natural acids that break down grease while leaving a fresh scent.
How to Use:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto greasy areas or mix it with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
💡 Best for: Cutting boards, sinks, and greasy walls.
Rubbing Alcohol – Quick Drying and Powerful
Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and helps dissolve grease, making it great for quick cleanups.
How to Use:
- Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol (or mix it with water for a milder solution).
- Wipe down greasy surfaces.
- Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
💡 Best for: Stainless steel appliances and glass surfaces.
Cornstarch – Absorbs and Lifts Grease
Cornstarch works as a natural absorbent, lifting grease from surfaces before wiping it away.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle cornstarch onto greasy areas and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
💡 Best for: Fabric stains, upholstery, and greasy fingerprints on walls.
Commercial Degreasers – Heavy-Duty Grease Fighters
For extremely stubborn grease, store-bought degreasers are designed to cut through thick layers of grease.
How to Use:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.
- Apply to the greasy surface, let it sit, and wipe clean.
💡 Best for: Ovens, heavily soiled range hoods, and grill grates.
Prevent Grease Buildup in Your Kitchen
- ✅ Wipe down surfaces regularly – A quick wipe after cooking prevents grease from accumulating.
- ✅ Use splatter screens – These help contain grease when frying or cooking with oil.
- ✅ Turn on the range hood – Ventilation reduces airborne grease.
- ✅ Deep clean weekly – Focus on areas prone to grease buildup, such as stovetops and cabinet doors.
Keeping your kitchen grease-free doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using the effective cleaning methods we mentioned in this article, you can maintain a spotless and hygienic kitchen with minimal effort. So go ahead, try these tricks today and enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen!
By Kitchen Wise Closet Wise Staff 3-15-2025
Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen
We are already making our way through March, and spring is that much closer. It’s the perfect time to refresh your kitchen. Over time, grease, dust, and clutter accumulate, making your beloved kitchen feel less inviting. It’s time to enact those dreaded words: spring cleaning. But we at KWCW know that a thorough spring cleaning not only improves hygiene but also helps you stay organized and enjoy a more efficient kitchen for months to come. In this article, we will offer some tips on how to make your kitchen sparkle again!
Declutter and Organize Cabinets & Drawers
Before you start scrubbing, go through all your cabinets and drawers to remove expired food, unused gadgets, and mismatched containers.
- ✅ Check pantry items for expiration dates and stale ingredients.
- ✅ Organize spices by labeling them and discarding old ones.
- ✅ Sort cookware and utensils, donating or tossing items you no longer use.
- ✅ Wipe down the inside of cabinets and drawers with warm soapy water.
KWCW Tip: Use shelf liners to keep cabinets clean and prevent spills from staining the surfaces.
Deep Clean the Refrigerator & Freezer
Your fridge works hard year-round, so giving it a deep clean will help it run efficiently and keep food fresh.
- ✅ Remove all food and toss anything expired or freezer-burned.
- ✅ Take out shelves and drawers to wash with warm, soapy water.
- ✅ Wipe down the interior with a vinegar-water solution to eliminate odors.
- ✅ Vacuum the refrigerator coils to improve energy efficiency.
KWCW Tip: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odors.
Scrub the Oven and Stovetop
Cooking splatters and grease buildup can make your oven and stovetop look grimy.
- ✅ Use the oven’s self-cleaning function (if available) or a baking soda paste to remove stuck-on grease.
- ✅ Clean burner grates and stovetop with degreaser or dish soap.
- ✅ Wipe down the range hood and exhaust fan to remove grease and dust.
KWCW Tip: A mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders for removing stubborn grease stains.
Refresh the Sink and Garbage Disposal
Your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home, so it’s important to give it a thorough scrub.
- ✅ Scrub the sink with baking soda and lemon juice to remove stains and odors.
- ✅ Clean the faucet and handles to eliminate water spots and buildup.
- ✅ Freshen up the garbage disposal by running lemon slices and ice cubes through it.
KWCW Tip: Pour a cup of vinegar and baking soda down the drain once a month to prevent clogs.
Wipe Down Small Appliances
Small appliances collect dust, grease, and food crumbs over time.
- ✅ Clean the microwave by heating a bowl of water and lemon juice for five minutes, then wiping it down.
- ✅ Descale the coffee maker with a vinegar rinse to remove mineral buildup.
- ✅ Wipe down the toaster, blender, and air fryer to remove crumbs and grease.
KWCW Tip: Use a toothbrush to clean crevices and buttons on small appliances.
Sanitize Countertops & Backsplash
Your countertops and backsplash endure daily spills and splatters, so disinfecting them is a must.
- ✅ Use the right cleaner for your countertop material (granite, quartz, laminate, etc.).
- ✅ Scrub grout lines on the backsplash to remove grease and stains.
- ✅ Declutter countertops by storing unused items in cabinets or drawers.
KWCW Tip: A mixture of vinegar and water is a natural disinfectant for most surfaces.
Mop the Floors and Wash Rugs
Your kitchen floor collects crumbs, spills, and dirt daily, so a deep clean will make a big difference.
- ✅ Vacuum or sweep thoroughly before mopping.
- ✅ Use the appropriate cleaner for tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring.
- ✅ Wash kitchen rugs and mats to remove dirt and bacteria.
Pro Tip: Use a steam mop for a deep clean without harsh chemicals.
Clean Out the Junk Drawer
Almost every kitchen has a junk drawer filled with random items. Now’s the time to sort it out!
- ✅ Throw away broken or unnecessary items.
- ✅ Use dividers to organize small items like batteries, pens, and rubber bands.
- ✅ Wipe down the inside to remove dust and debris.
KWCW Tip: Keep a small container in the drawer for loose change and small odds and ends.
A Fresh Start for Your Kitchen
We love giving kitchens a fresh start through renovation, but you can do that on a smaller scale with spring cleaning. A clean kitchen not only looks great but also creates a healthier and more efficient space for cooking and gathering. By tackling these spring cleaning tasks, you’ll enjoy a refreshed and organized kitchen that feels brand new.
So, grab your cleaning supplies and start freshening up your kitchen today!
By Kitchen Wise Closet Wise Staff 3-1-2025