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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.

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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:

1. Mix a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle or bowl.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wipe down greasy surfaces.
3. 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:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray onto greasy areas and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. 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:

1. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water until it forms a thick consistency.
2. Apply the paste to greasy spots and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. 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:

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto greasy areas or mix it with warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge.
3. 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:

1. Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol (or mix it with water for a milder solution).
2. Wipe down greasy surfaces.
3. 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:

1. Sprinkle cornstarch onto greasy areas and let it sit for a few minutes.
2. 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:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.
2. Apply to the greasy surface, let it sit, and wipe clean.

💡 Best for: Ovens, heavily soiled range hoods, and grill grates.

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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