How to Remove Grease Stains from Kitchen Surfaces

Kitchen grease is relentless. It splatters from frying pans, drifts as an invisible vapor from cooking oil, and settles on every surface within range — cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, range hoods, and even walls. Over time, this grease film attracts dust and becomes a sticky, yellowish residue that regular wiping does not remove.

The good news is that grease is a solvable problem once you understand the chemistry. Grease is a lipid, and it dissolves when exposed to the right surfactants, alkalis, or solvents. This guide walks you through how to remove grease from every kitchen surface using products you probably already have at home.

Removing Grease from Countertops

Laminate and Quartz Countertops

These are the easiest surfaces to degrease. Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water and wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn grease spots, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and wipe clean.

Granite and Marble Countertops

Natural stone requires extra care. Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic cleaner — acids etch stone surfaces permanently. Instead:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
2. Wipe the greasy area with a soft cloth.
3. For stubborn spots, use a stone-safe degreaser like Method Daily Granite Cleaner.
4. Dry immediately to prevent water spots.

Butcher Block and Wood Countertops

Wood absorbs grease if left untreated. Sprinkle baking soda on the greasy area, spray with white vinegar, and let it fizz for a minute. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Reapply mineral oil after cleaning to maintain the wood's seal.

Removing Grease from Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet grease buildup is one of the most common kitchen cleaning complaints. The cabinets above and beside your stove collect the most grease because cooking vapors rise and settle on the nearest surfaces.

Step-by-Step Cabinet Degreasing

1. Mix your cleaning solution: Combine one tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake gently to dissolve.
2. Spray and wait: Spray the solution onto the greasy cabinet surface. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to break down the grease.
3. Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristle brush or non-scratch scrub sponge to work the solution into the grease. Follow the wood grain direction if your cabinets are wood.
4. Wipe clean: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the loosened grease and soap residue.
5. Dry thoroughly: Wipe with a dry cloth. Moisture left on wood cabinets can cause swelling and finish damage.

For Heavy Buildup

If your cabinets have not been degreased in months (or years), a stronger solution is needed. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then add a tablespoon of dish soap. Apply with a cloth, let it sit for 10 minutes, and scrub. For painted cabinets, test in a hidden area first — some paints are sensitive to vinegar.

Commercial degreasers like Krud Kutter or Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser work well on severely greasy cabinets. Follow the product directions and always rinse with clean water afterward.

Removing Grease from Stovetops and Range Hoods

Gas Stovetops

1. Remove the grates and burner caps. Soak them in hot water with dish soap for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. While they soak, spray the stovetop surface with a baking soda and water paste.
3. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
4. Scrub the soaked grates with a brush, rinse, and dry.
5. Wipe the stovetop clean with a damp cloth and reassemble.

Glass and Ceramic Stovetops

Avoid abrasive scrubbers on glass tops — they scratch. Instead, spray the surface with white vinegar, sprinkle baking soda over it, and lay a hot damp towel on top for 15 minutes. The steam and chemical reaction loosen baked-on grease. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Range Hood and Vent Filters

Range hood filters collect enormous amounts of grease. Remove the metal mesh filters and soak them in a sink filled with very hot water, a squirt of dish soap, and half a cup of baking soda. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse and let them air dry completely before reinstalling.

Clean the hood exterior with a degreasing spray and microfiber cloth. For stainless steel hoods, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

Removing Grease from Backsplashes and Walls

Grease splatters on backsplashes and nearby walls are common, especially behind the stove.

• Tile backsplash: Spray with a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio), wipe with a cloth. For grout lines, apply baking soda paste with an old toothbrush.
• Glass backsplash: Use a glass cleaner or vinegar solution. Buff with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.
• Painted walls: Mix a tablespoon of dish soap in warm water. Use a soft sponge and wipe gently to avoid removing paint. Rinse with a clean damp cloth.

Preventing Kitchen Grease Buildup

• Use your range hood every time you cook — it captures grease-laden vapors before they settle on surfaces.
• Wipe down the stovetop after each use while it is still slightly warm (not hot). Warm grease wipes up easily.
• Clean cabinet fronts weekly with a damp microfiber cloth. A quick weekly wipe prevents the months-long buildup that requires heavy scrubbing.
• Use splatter screens when frying to contain grease within the pan.
• Schedule a deep kitchen cleaning every 3 to 6 months. Services like Otesse include cabinet degreasing, range hood cleaning, and appliance exteriors in their deep cleaning packages.

A Grease-Free Kitchen Is Maintainable

Kitchen grease looks intimidating when it has built up over months, but the right combination of dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar handles the vast majority of grease problems. The key is consistency — a quick wipe after cooking prevents the heavy buildup that takes real effort to remove.

For kitchens that need a reset, a professional deep cleaning gives you a fresh start. From there, regular maintenance keeps grease under control with minimal effort.