Kitchen clean-up: Tackle stubborn grease with natural ingredients like lemon, salt and vinegar

Hate it when there’s grease on your oil bottles or your kitchen chimney? Or worse, you spend hours climbing onto dodgy surfaces in order to clean your tiles and tight corners but are never happy with the results?

The answer to all your cleaning problems may lie within your kitchen itself. Basic ingredients like lemon, vinegar, baking soda and salt are excellent cleaning products that don’t cost much and are easy on your home as well as on the environment.

Here’s how you can effectively clean stubborn grease in your kitchen:

• Hot water and dish soap

Hot water and dish soap are your first line of defence against grease. Dish soap is designed to cut through oils, while hot water loosens grease from surfaces.

How to use:

• Fill a bucket or sink with hot water and a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap.
• Soak greasy pans, utensils, or smaller removable parts like stove grates for 10–15 minutes.
• Use a sponge or scrubber to wipe off the loosened grease.

Best for: Light grease on countertops, utensils, and stovetops.

Also read | Kitchen hacks: Easy way to peel ginger, freshen up spices, and other tips to save time

• Baking soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can effectively cut through grease without damaging most surfaces. It’s especially useful for areas like stove hoods, oven interiors, or greasy tiles.

How to use:

• Sprinkle baking soda directly onto greasy spots.
• Add a few drops of water to form a paste.
• Scrub gently with a sponge or brush.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Best for: Ovens, tiles, and stovetops.

• Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and works well to break down grease, making it easy to wipe away. It also acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on greasy surfaces and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

• Tip: Avoid using vinegar on granite or marble countertops, as the acidity may damage the surface.

• Best for: Countertops, stovetops, and tiles.

Also read | Cleaning tips: Use coarse salt, lemon, and oil to keep your chopping board bacteria-free

• Lemon juice

Lemon juice contains natural acids that dissolve grease while leaving a refreshing scent. It’s a great option for areas that need regular cleaning.

How to use:

• Rub half a lemon directly onto greasy spots.
• Let the juice sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
• Rinse with warm water and wipe clean.

Best for: Cutting boards, stovetops, and greasy kitchen sink areas.

• Cornstarch

Cornstarch absorbs grease and can be used for cleaning glass or even fabric stains caused by splattered oil.

How to use:

• Sprinkle cornstarch over the greasy stain.
• Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the grease.
• Wipe or vacuum away the cornstarch, then clean with a damp cloth.

Best for: Glass surfaces, kitchen towels, and fabrics.

Salt and rubbing alcohol

For stubborn grease in hard-to-reach places like stove knobs or sink corners, a mixture of salt and rubbing alcohol works wonders.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts of salt and rubbing alcohol into a paste.
• Apply the paste to greasy spots and scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
• Rinse and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Best for: Stove knobs and tight corners.

• Steam cleaning

Steam is an effective and chemical-free method to dissolve hardened grease. A handheld steam cleaner can loosen even the toughest buildup.

How to use:

• Point the steam cleaner at greasy surfaces and let the steam work for 2–3 minutes.
• Wipe away the loosened grease with a microfiber cloth.

Best for: Ovens, microwaves, and exhaust fans.

Commercial degreasers

If the stains are heavy and set in and natural methods aren’t working, a commercial degreaser can be the solution. Look for products labelled as non-toxic or eco-friendly to minimize chemical exposure.

How to use:

• Apply the degreaser to greasy areas following the product instructions.
• Scrub with a sponge or brush.
• Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe clean.

Best for: Exhaust fans, grill racks, and heavily used stovetops.

Prevent grease buildup

• The best way to deal with grease is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Regular cleaning and maintenance go a long way.

• Wipe down surfaces daily with warm soapy water. Clean your stovetop after every cooking session. Use splatter guards while frying to minimise oil splashes. Run your kitchen exhaust fan or chimney during cooking to trap airborne grease.

• Tackling stubborn grease in your kitchen can be easy with these simple tips and effective solutions. Regular cleaning and prevention are key to keeping your kitchen clean, functional, and grease-free.