Grease in the kitchen is inevitable — from weekday dinners to weekend family feasts. Left untreated, it can cake onto ovens, cling to stovetops, and dull stainless-steel surfaces, making your appliances look older and harder to clean. The good news: a few safe, inexpensive supplies and a simple routine will remove baked-on grease and keep your kitchen feeling fresh and welcoming. This guide walks you through every step, with practical tips for busy households and a quick shopping suggestion if you prefer a ready-made cleaning kit.
What you’ll need
Most grease problems are solved with household staples you probably already own. Gather these before you begin to make cleaning faster and less messy.
- Dish soap (degreasing formula)
- White vinegar
- Baking soda (for gentle scrubbing)
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths (several)
- Soft scrub brush or an old toothbrush
- Spray bottle (mix vinegar + water)
- Rubber gloves
- Optional: a ready-made kitchen degreasing kit (quick and tidy)
Step-by-step: How to clean grease from kitchen appliances
Work top → down and exterior → interior where practical (for example, clean the hood exterior before removing and washing filter). Follow the steps below, spending a little extra time on parts that touch food or that trap grease (knobs, vents, filters).
Step 1 — Clear loose debris & cool down appliances
Turn off and unplug any appliance before cleaning. Remove loose crumbs, pans, and racks that can get in the way. Allow hot surfaces to cool completely — cleaning a hot oven or stovetop can cause steam and possible burns.
Step 2 — Make a gentle degreasing solution
In a spray bottle, combine:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional — boosts grease cutting)
Shake lightly and test the solution on a small hidden patch (especially on painted or lacquered surfaces) before widespread use.
Step 3 — Pre-soak stubborn, baked-on grease
For oven bottoms, oven doors, and very heavy grease, sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda on the spot, then spray the degreasing solution over the baking soda. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften baked residue. The mixture will fizz gently and lift oils for easier removal.
Step 4 — Scrub gently around knobs, handles & vents
Use an old toothbrush or soft scrub brush to get into crevices. Knobs and oven handles trap lots of grease — remove knobs when possible and wash them in warm soapy water. For stovetop grates and range hood filters, pre-soak them in a basin of hot water and dish soap for 20–30 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Step 5 — Rinse & wipe clean
Use a clean damp microfiber cloth to wipe away all residue. Repeat the rinse step until the cloth remains clear. For stainless steel surfaces, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaking.
Step 6 — Dry & polish
Finish with a dry microfiber cloth and a small drop of olive oil or a stainless-steel cleaner if desired — this leaves a streak-resistant shine and helps repel future fingerprints and grease.
Tips & common mistakes to avoid
- Don’t use abrasive pads on stainless steel: they scratch the finish and make future cleaning harder.
- Avoid spraying directly into electronics: when cleaning microwaves, air fryers, or coffee machines, spray the cloth — not the device — to protect vents and controls.
- Let degreaser work: for baked grease, letting the solution sit 5–10 minutes saves elbow grease and reduces scrubbing.
- Test first: always try a small area on painted or laminated surfaces to avoid discoloration.
Maintenance & prevention
Keeping grease from building up is easier than removing it. Here are practical habits you can add to your family routine:
- Wipe down stovetops and exterior appliance surfaces after each cooking session (a quick 1–2 minute wipe prevents heavy buildup).
- Deep clean range hood filters every 4–6 weeks if you cook often; monthly for heavy use.
- Line oven bottoms with a removable rack tray or use oven liners to catch spills (replace safely — follow manufacturer instructions).
- Use a splatter guard when frying and reduce oil temperatures to limit splatter.
- Keep a small spray bottle of your degreasing solution under the sink for quick touchups.
Quick win: recommended degreasing kit (optional)
If you prefer a ready-made solution to keep under the sink, this compact kitchen degreasing kit contains a concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, and a scrub brush — perfect for busy families who want fast, reliable results.
Want more kitchen care help? You may also like our guides on
cleaning small kitchen appliances,
plus smart maintenance tips from our
Kitchen Tips hub.
If you’re upgrading appliances soon, browse our
Kitchen Appliances Guide
for practical buying advice.
Conclusion
Grease doesn’t need to be permanent — with the right supplies and a short routine, you can keep your appliances clean, safe, and looking like new. Aim for quick daily touchups and a monthly deep clean for the heaviest areas. If you prefer, a small degreasing kit will save time and make the job less messy for busy households. Ready to get started? Gather your cloths, mix your solution, and you’ll be surprised how fast grease comes away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use vinegar on stainless steel?
Yes — diluted vinegar is an effective, safe degreaser for stainless steel. Wipe it on with a cloth and finish by drying in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.
What’s the best way to clean range hood filters?
Remove the filters and soak them in a basin of hot water and dish soap for 20–30 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. For very greasy filters, add 1 cup of baking soda to the soaking water.
How often should I deep clean my oven?
For homes that cook daily, deep clean the oven every 2–3 months. For lighter use, every 6 months is usually sufficient. Spot clean spills promptly to avoid baked-on messes.
