Cooking is a delightful pastime for me, but it invariably leaves behind unsightly stains that I can’t stand. Among these culinary culprits, grease stains from cooking oil are the bane of every kitchen enthusiast’s existence. These stubborn stains have a knack for infiltrating our cabinets, stoves, backsplashes, and countertops, even when we believe our kitchen surfaces are pristine. The good news, however, is that there are uncomplicated yet highly effective methods to banish these greasy invaders from our kitchen spaces.
Let’s commence with the kitchen backsplash, situated just behind your stove and often cloaked in a thin layer of oil. The most straightforward way to tackle this is by spraying some lemon juice onto the affected area. Allow the lemon juice to work its magic for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. It’s advisable to conduct a spot test on an inconspicuous area first, as the reaction of lemon juice with certain backsplash materials or stones can vary.
Moving on to the oven range, begin by dismantling all removable parts, such as grates and burner covers. Submerge these components in a sink filled with hot, soapy water, allowing them to soak for an hour before scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. For those stubborn, burnt-on stains, concoct a paste using baking soda and dish detergent, apply it to the affected surface, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub off the residue and finish by wiping with a damp cloth.
Surprisingly, the best way to combat oil stains on stainless steel appliances is by using oil itself. Dip a soft cloth into a small amount of olive oil and gently wipe down the stainless steel surfaces. The oil will effectively absorb the grease adhering to the stainless steel without causing any harm. Follow up with a microfiber cloth to polish the surface to a brilliant shine.
Given that many cabinets are constructed from wood, oil and grease can seep into the grain over time, leading to unsightly build-up. To remedy this, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to warm water, dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and use it to thoroughly wipe down the cabinets. Finish up by wiping the cabinets with a clean, dry cloth.
And there you have it – your kitchen is now free from the clutches of cooking grease, with these simple yet highly effective cleaning tips. By diligently addressing grease-stained surfaces such as pantry doors, microwaves, stoves, backsplashes, ovens, and even ceiling exhausts, you can breathe new life into your kitchen. We’ve reached out to the experts in cleanliness for some ingenious ways to restore both appliances and surfaces to their original luster, all without the need for arduous scrubbing or harsh chemicals. Here are some brilliant solutions for banishing those stubborn grease stains.
Pantry Doors
If you’ve been neglecting the cupboard door above your cooking area, chances are it’s covered in unsightly stains. Becky Rapinchuk, author of “Simply Clean,” shares a straightforward method to erase those old oil stains. In a bowl, mix one or two drops of castile soap or dish detergent with warm water. Soak a clean microfiber cloth in the soapy solution, wringing it out until nearly dry. Gently wipe along the wood surface, then follow up with a dry cloth. Watch those stains vanish like magic!
Microwave Oven
Rapinchuk also offers a clever technique to eliminate grease stains from your microwave oven while imparting a pleasant aroma to your kitchen. Place 3-4 cups of tap water and a lemon slice in a glass bowl. Carefully position the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 3-5 minutes until the water boils. Leave the microwave door closed for a few minutes, allowing the steam to work its way into the stubborn grease. Remove the hot glass bowl with caution, take out the glass plate, and wash it by hand. Thoroughly wipe down and clean the microwave’s interior. If needed, use white vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner to spray the microwave walls. Wipe away any residual moisture and replace the glass plate. Voilà, your microwave looks brand new again!
Backsplash
For tackling the backsplash, grab another lemon – it’s an all-natural powerhouse. Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert from Merry Maids, swears by this method for grease stain removal. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a measuring cup and transfer it to a spray bottle, pulp and seeds included. Lemons are highly effective at cutting through grease stains. Simply spray the affected area, allow it to sit for a few minutes, wipe it down with a damp cloth, and finish by drying the surface with a clean towel.
With these clever solutions, your kitchen will be transformed into a grease-free oasis where both appliances and surfaces gleam like new, all without the need for excessive effort or harsh chemicals.
source of pictures : SFGate / Getty images , DIY Network , The Creek Line House , Bottega , Lifehacker / the V spot
