Kitchen grease busters: Affordable ways to clean stubborn stains

Anyone who spends time in the kitchen knows how stubborn grease stains can be. The splattering and steaming grease during cooking settles on furniture, walls, and appliances, affecting their aesthetics. Grease, especially if not regularly cleaned, can cause permanent changes in the structure of wood or plastics. Additionally, when dust accumulates on greasy stains, they become more difficult to remove. So how do you remove stains from different surfaces? Homemade remedies can help in their removal. See what can be used to clean stubborn grease stains.

One of the simplest solutions for greasy stains is using washing-up liquid combined with warm water. This duo is indispensable in everyday cleaning. Simply soak a cloth in the soap and water mixture and wipe the dirty surfaces. With this method, grease stains disappear quickly and effectively.

Bicarbonate of soda is a very effective agent. When mixed with water, it creates a paste that thoroughly cleans grease and removes stains, leaving surfaces clean and fresh. Furthermore, bicarbonate of soda has natural disinfecting properties, meaning it not only cleans but also refreshes surfaces and eliminates bacteria.

Lemons and citric acid are also very effective for removing greasy grime. The acids they contain effectively remove grease, while leaving a fresh citrus scent. Just combine lemon juice with warm water and a bit of soap or washing-up liquid, and use the resulting solution to clean dirty areas.

However, it should be noted that the citrus mixture is not recommended for use on unpainted surfaces, as it can damage them. Therefore, it's always wise to test on a less visible section of the surface to ensure they won't be damaged.

When tackling really tough stains, like baked-on grease on oven doors, you might need slightly more innovative methods. Bicarbonate of soda, combined with hot water and a foil scraper, effectively removes burnt-on and dried grease. Apply the paste of bicarbonate of soda and hot water onto the door and leave it for an hour. Then, gently scrub the glass with aluminium foil to completely remove tough stains without the need for specialised chemical agents.

Another kitchen element that can be difficult to clean is the extractor fan. How to remove grease from the extractor fan? An unexpectedly effective method is using vegetable oil or olive oil to remove dried grease. It may sound strange, but applying fresh oil to dirty parts of the fan helps soften older layers, making them easier to remove later. Just apply oil to the smooth side of a sponge and wipe it over the grille or fan cover.

Another effective way to get rid of grease from the extractor fan is using a dishwasher tablet. Dissolve the tablet in a large pot or pan with warm water and immerse the fan filter. Heat gently for a few minutes. This causes the grease to dissolve, leaving the filter clean.

To avoid the formation of tough stains, grease should be removed regularly. Daily care of kitchen surfaces and regular cleaning using the mentioned home methods will help keep kitchen surfaces and appliances in excellent condition for longer.