Asked on Dec 31, 2013

Help me get rid of this gross kitchen grease please!

Lulu Dubin
by Lulu Dubin
I have a few kitchen items that "live" on the stove and/or countertop ad they have just collected a layer of disgusting grease. I've tried cleaning them numerous times with regular cleaning products while doing routine kitchen cleaning, but nothing seems to get rid of it and it just seems to keep building up. I can't take it anymore. Here is a picture of my kettle, the worst culprit. It's so gross, I've considered just throwing it out and buying a new one but it was a gift and it's a cool yellow Livestrong kettle so I'd rather just be able to fix the problem. Thanks in advance! Also, I'm happy to hear natural solutions - always prefer those to products whose ingredients are mostly mysteries to me.
Front of the kettle
The greasy kettle
  72 answers
  • If you have a dollar tree nearby go and get some Totally Awesome cleaner (as seen on tv) that stuff is concentrated and I use it on greasy clothes, rags, and anything in the garage or house that has grease. You can dilute it too but I would try it full strength. It is strong smelling but spray and let sit for a few minutes, then start wiping with a scrubby pad. Rinse and repeat. Do not buy the dollar tree brands! this is in a kind of opaque plastic bottle and it is in faded red lettering that says "as seen on tv". I have used it on items I picked up along the way and it works with incredible results. I also use it with baking soda, comet, or barkeepers friend too. I also want to add that leaving things on the stove top just invites this party of grease, dust, and germs. I have a place for most things and leave minimal out on the counters/island so that I do not have to spend extra time cleaning (especially when someone other than me cooks or makes a mess). If you like the kettle out, then I would set it off to the side of the stove on a pretty trivet or something and away from pans when you are cooking. It is less stress on you and helps keep your kitchen clean and clutter free. Just a thought.
    • Crafty2you Crafty2you on Dec 31, 2013
      @The Garden Frog with C Renee I was thinking the same thing, that is the best thing, for just about anything. You have to be careful though, it's very toxic..
  • Love Digging in the Dirt Love Digging in the Dirt on Dec 31, 2013
    Try Barkeepers Friend. Works really well on tough grease! And many other things as well!
  • Dixie Dixie on Dec 31, 2013
    soak in a sink of very hot water and Dawn dish washing liquid. It works for wildlife and tea kettles!
  • Kimberly Gayheart Kimberly Gayheart on Dec 31, 2013
    Power spray (known as degreaser) has always worked well for me but plain old baking soda and soft cloth works well too. Good luck
  • Linda Stone Linda Stone on Dec 31, 2013
    Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, or the generic equivalents, work very well!! My son had asked me about the grease that builds up around the knobs of a stove. While visiting him recently I came across the Magic Eraser and took the knobs off. One wipe across the front of the stove made it 'squeaky' clean. I personally buy the generics. They are great!
  • Annette C Annette C on Dec 31, 2013
    a soak in vinegar or vinegar & soda paste works well with sponge or micro fabric cleaning rag. The Awesome cleaner is the bomb! it works on just about anything, washing machines, rug cleaners, floors the works, I add it to my MrClean for a extra kick. And there is "Power House" oven cleaner, an other 99c store find, works hot or cold but takes lots of rinsing, cleaned my 2 years of baked on gunk first time around.
  • Carole Carole on Dec 31, 2013
    I was thinking baking soda and a little lemon juice. Make a paste and leave it on for a while and clean off with a soft cloth. Either lemon or vinegar should help cut through the grease.
  • Janet Smith Janet Smith on Dec 31, 2013
    Soak in hot water and dishwasher detergent (the kind you use IN your dishwasher). Then scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic eraser. You could also soak in a solution of ammonia and water, but that really smells; however it WILL remove the grease!
  • Gloria S. Navarro Gloria S. Navarro on Dec 31, 2013
    ur not going to believe this. Get an old towel, soak some alcohol on it and wipe off the grease spots.
    • Kelly S Kelly S on Jan 01, 2014
      @Gloria S. Navarro, I agree with you. I used alcohol and paper towels to clean my husband's Paul Revere tea kettle. I saturated the towels with alcohol and wrapped them around the kettle. After a minute I scrubbed it off. Once the towels are dry they can be placed in your regular household trash.
  • Catherine B Catherine B on Jan 02, 2014
    Help answer this question...I woul put the tea kettle and lid IN the dish washer.
  • Sandy Angel Sandy Angel on Jan 02, 2014
    Put it in a plastic garbage bag with a cup of household ammonia and let sit overnight. Make sure the bag is closed tight. It might take the paint off. You can also try Easy Off oven cleaner.
  • Gretchen Gretchen on Jan 02, 2014
    Crud Cutter (from the big box home improvement stores)
  • Dotty McKinnon Dotty McKinnon on Jan 02, 2014
    Mr Clean Erasers.
  • Dee Dee on Jan 02, 2014
    simple green that's what I use on my greasy stuff but not windows or furniture
  • Lynn Lynn on Jan 02, 2014
    try baking soda or Barkeepers friend. with the Comet in grocery store.
  • Judy Cady Judy Cady on Jan 02, 2014
    Lestoil, is my go to product to cut thick cooking grease. I was staying with someone to help them when their son was born. Anything in a 3' radius of the stove was covered in thick cooking grease. Couldn't stand to touch anything. Brought some Lestoil with me and it cleaned up perfectly. The side of the refridge was even covered and this worked like a charm. She was thrilled. He (who cooked EVERYTHING) in hot oil on the stovetop was unfazed and perhaps a bit perturbed with me, but hey he got over it!
  • Eleanor P Eleanor P on Jan 02, 2014
    I use Stanley Home Products Original Degreaser which is available through the Fuller Brush Company website. My Mom was a Stanley dealer back in the 50's and always loved this degreaser. I was thrilled to find it. It works like a charm!!
  • Eileen Claussen Eileen Claussen on Jan 02, 2014
    At the Dollar Store there is a product called Awesome - and it lives up to it's name. I've cleaned everything in my house with it. Just spray it on and wipe it off.
  • Dee Dee on Jan 02, 2014
    Walmart has a product in the automotive section called Purple power. It cleans EVERYTHING. It is $5.00 for a gallon of the stuff. Be careful it is strong/
  • N. Susan Hart N. Susan Hart on Jan 02, 2014
    Baking soda and vinegar and a Dobie pad.
  • Penny Penny on Jan 02, 2014
    how about johnson's baby oil...i used it one the range hood..it was really disgusting when i moved in my apartment...nothing worked until i discovered the answer on this site...worked like a gem...when you get it all off, wash in hot soapy water and do it more often so it doesn't build up...
  • Laurie Smith Laurie Smith on Jan 02, 2014
    Try ammonia, baking soda and hot water. I used this combination to clean kitchen cabinets that had not been properly cleaned in DECADES and it worked like a champ. I just used a regular cleaning rag so I didn't spend any extra money. Just don't put your face directly over the solution while it it really hot; the ammonia is pretty powerful.
  • Diane Diane on Jan 02, 2014
    Try a product called "Grease Lightening" Works great
  • Irish53 Irish53 on Jan 02, 2014
    I coat my kettle with a thin layer of Dawn and let it sit until I am done with the rest of the dishes. I have a gas stove and if I do this and 'polish" it with dry backing soda to scrub it clean. Looks brand new when done.
  • Linda Weeks Linda Weeks on Jan 02, 2014
    Well, let's hope you don't feel obliged to buy ALL of these recommendations! I intended to suggest just hoss up and scrub those bad boys. It is doable, just take lots of elbow grease. But that's just me. I know exactly what you mean, what would be the easiest and simplest way to do it? Well, let us know how you solved that sticky problem! I have the same issue at my house. Just get motivated every couple of years to really clean 'em.
  • April E April E on Jan 02, 2014
    baking soda and vinegar is what I use for these issues it works excellent and is cheap I would do this in a dish pan as they foam up and soak each side for like 20 min but it will clean it right up and then you can keep it off with a backing soda scrub once a week
  • Accentuations! Accentuations! on Jan 02, 2014
    I would use a citrus based degreaser and a Magic Eraser....you don't want to scratch everything up!
  • Marlene Marlene on Jan 02, 2014
    Fantastic does the job nice!
  • Lulu Dubin Lulu Dubin on Jan 02, 2014
    Wow. Thanks so much for all the ideas and suggestions. I'm definitely going to try a few of these and see how it goes. I'll post an update when I've found the best solution
  • Tina L. F Tina L. F on Jan 03, 2014
    I use Dawn Power Disolver. It is in a spray bottle. I spray it on baked on grease on my rotisserie rack that you would put the whole chicken on to bake. For tough grease leave it in overnight. This a Showtime Rotisserie, not an outdoor grill rotisserie.
  • Lynn Lynn on Jan 03, 2014
    eagerly waiting for results!
  • Penny Penny on Jan 03, 2014
    Spray it with cooking spray - I know it sounds nuts but I read a post about cleaning a nasty range hood and it said it worked - like cleans like. I also use my fruit and veggie washer called Fitt that you can buy at Walmart in the produce section. It cleans my cutting boards so well and many other things too. I use it because I don't want to buy all those nasty chemicals either.
    • See 1 previous
    • Penny Penny on Jan 04, 2014
      @Debi Harper I don't know what kind of cleaner comes with a glass top stove, but I suggested what I did because it is completely non-toxic. Whatever we try, here's to a cleaner house! good luck
  • Diane Carlisle Diane Carlisle on Jan 03, 2014
    rubbing alcohol works wonders on stubborn built up grease layers. I use it to clean the hood over my stove.
  • Paula Perry Paula Perry on Jan 03, 2014
    I keep Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle, just put a sprayer directly on the bottle. I have been amazed at what it will clean and sanitize. I love your tea kettle.
    • Samantha Samantha on Jan 06, 2014
      @Paula Perry I also use hydrogen peroxide, it removes variety of stains and it non-toxic :)
  • Joetta Burton Joetta Burton on Jan 03, 2014
    My kettle is stainless steel and the dishwasher works great! Also, try the new Dawn Platinum Power Clean!
  • Mlr276701 Mlr276701 on Jan 03, 2014
    What do I use for removing stubborn built up grease layers, in a burnt (Pressure Cooker). Several layers of stuck on grease film, from scorching a ham roast. Replies, Thank you!!
    • See 2 previous
    • April E April E on Jan 04, 2014
      @Mlre boil viniger in it as soon as the viniget comes to a boil add a small amount of baking soda (careful it foams) and allow to simmer for 20 min the stuff will come right off
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jan 04, 2014
    The inside of my vent-a-hood was covered in grease so hard I could not scrape it off with a razor blade...I used 409 and it melted it right off! You have nothing to lose to get a bottle and see if it works!
  • Paula Perry Paula Perry on Jan 04, 2014
    I tried the Pam on my tea kettle. It didn't get the "baked" on grease off, but it did give a wonderful shine. After I get it scrubbed, I am going to try spraying it with Pam and them when it does get splattered, spraying it with my Hydrogen Peroxide. (There are just some things I haven't thought about keeping spiffy, lol. Maybe if I get a pretty one.)
  • Carrie Carrie on Jan 04, 2014
    Natural solution would be to use: Cottage & Castle Natural Household Cleaner. http://www.underthewillowshop.com/naturalhouseholdcleaner.html
  • Gina Gina on Jan 04, 2014
    For that baked on grease use a paste of balking soda and water. It will not scratch and after you are done just rinse with water.
  • Stephanie N Stephanie N on Jan 06, 2014
    Try putting it in your oven (warm, not hot) overnight with a small bowl in which you've poured a cup of ammonia. the ammonia fumes work overnight to make it very easy to wipe your oven clean, and if the kettle is in there also, you could kill two birds with one stone.
  • Debbie Yarnall Debbie Yarnall on Jan 06, 2014
    I have inherited a stove that had years of gunk on top of underneath the burner pans, etc. I went to Home Depot and found something called "Rock it Oil Grill & BBQ cleaner". I took all the detachable pieces outside and sprayed them heavily. I came back in about 20-30 minutes and wow this stuff really cut through the gunk like nothing else! Good luck!!
  • April April on Jan 06, 2014
    Use baking soda. You might have to use fingers, but wet a finger in water, dip in baking soda and scrub. The soda acts like scouring powder absorbing the grease and it WILL get your pot clean! I had the same trouble and the baking soda works like a charm. If you don't want to use a finger, dip a paper towel into a little water to dampen it then dip it into the baking soda and rub it. Baking soda also removes coffee stains from cups/mugs like a charm too.
  • Columbine Landscaping Columbine Landscaping on Jan 06, 2014
    Old Dutch Cleanser! Or, Bon Ami. I have a stainless steel shelf above my range, and I use a sponge wrung out with warm water, and just sprinkle an ample amount of cleanser on the sponge, wipe, and the grease releases. P.S. Formula 409 did NOT work on caked on grease and dust.
  • Joan Bohonsky Joan Bohonsky on Jan 06, 2014
    Cover with pure Dawn dish soap let set then clean with hot water and net or other abrasive cleaner
  • Sally Sally on Jan 06, 2014
    Ammonia! I use it all the time on my kitchen greasy grime. Yes, I am aware of the smell, but it works like magic. Depending on how thick the grease is, you might have to apply 2 or 3 times. I like to spray some into a paper towel and then wipe. Do not use it with a wet rag or paper towel, it must be dry. I use straight ammonia depending on how thick the grease or you could add a little water to it. On your tea kettle I would suggest applying ammonia to a paper towel, let it sit on the grease for a while to soften and then you could even use a SOS pad gently to scour away the grease.
  • Karen Hustus Karen Hustus on Jan 06, 2014
    Awesome from the dollar store. It really is awesome. Spray on and let it sit for awhile, or overnight if you've got really baked on grease, and the gunk will simply wash off.
  • Maria Besonia Maria Besonia on Jan 07, 2014
    Use ammonia and put the kettle inside those sealed plastic for 24 hours you will see after!!
  • Theresa J Theresa J on Jan 07, 2014
    plain old rubbing alcohol will cut through grease like it was hot butter
  • Linda Logan Linda Logan on Jan 08, 2014
    Use a Baking Soda paste made with water. You can soften the grease with straight Vinegar first, if you want. Rinse the kettle. (I put an old sprayer from an used bottle of Windex into a bottle of Rubbing Alcohol.) Spray with Alcohol and shine.
  • Sandra Hellewell Sandra Hellewell on Jan 09, 2014
    I use original blue Dawn dish soap! I figure if it can clean the crude oil off of wildlife after an oil spill it can get grease & grime off kitchen items! It's the only dish soap I buy!
  • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on Jan 14, 2014
    please can you tell me what is rubbing alcohol?and blue dawn dish soap is it washing up liquid?
    • See 3 previous
    • Lori Snarski Lori Snarski on Jan 21, 2014
      @Felicity Woodruffe Where do you live? I have shipped other soaps and items to people in the past. They in turn have shipped me things we do not have here. Please email me at Allamericanhandywoman@yahoo.com
  • Irish53 Irish53 on Jan 15, 2014
    Rubbing alcohol is used when they gave massages long ago. It is found in most first aid sections in stores. A thin coat of dawn to soften the grease and then soak kettle in a sink filled with steaming hot water to dissolve the grease. This done once a week will keep grease to a minimum. I used Lestoil and hot water to clean the grease in my kitchen from the gas stove.
  • Irish53 Irish53 on Jan 15, 2014
    Dawn is dish soap that most everyone is using now. The blue Dawn is the original variety sold.
  • Annette C Annette C on Jan 15, 2014
    It's funny when you think of it, that we all just take for granted that stores sale the same products world wide, lol Just moving from state to state I have lost my favorite bath soap, no one had even heard of my soap at the new store, lol
  • Crystal G Crystal G on Jan 15, 2014
    We own a janitorial business and use Krud Kutter. It takes care of grease quickly and easily. You can buy it at places like Lowe's and Wal-Mart (usually in the paint area janitorial supplies at Wal-Mart ) Good luck.
    • Felicity Woodruffe Felicity Woodruffe on Jan 16, 2014
      @Crystal G i love the name of this it made me smile we have cillit bang it is very effective but the smell is too off putting to use it
  • Wilma Wilma on Jan 15, 2014
    I use sanitizers wipes I get in dollar store they come with two in a pack cheap it cleans grease pretty easy and keep on counter for wipe downs
  • Kay Haynes Kay Haynes on Jun 08, 2014
    I go to the Auto Parts Stores & buy a spray bottle of SUPER CLEAN, which dissolves grease on contact. I also purchase the 1 gallon refill. It comes in a PURPLE container, but WATCH OUT & get the CORRECT purple container -- SUPER CLEAN.
    • Christa Francis Christa Francis on Jun 20, 2014
      @Kay Haynes Super Clean is the only thing I use to degrease with anymore. It works amazingly well.
  • Janice R Janice R on Jun 09, 2014
    soak in Dawn liguid dish soap... the original blue one
  • Diane Diane on Jun 10, 2014
    "Grease Lightening" works great!
  • Sue Salley Sue Salley on Jun 10, 2014
    I also use a paste of baking soda,works well and quick.And it is cheap.
  • Irish53 Irish53 on Jun 11, 2014
    You can just wet a rag with coke and let it sit on the kettle until the grease softens
  • Jeffrey Landis Jeffrey Landis on Jun 11, 2014
    It seems the primary problem isn't the grease but the fact it has been repeatedly heated when the kettle is used or eve adjacent burners. This baked on stuff is tough as it essentially bonds to the finish. Rather than using anything highly abrasive such as cleaners with gritty texture or metallic scrub pads, I'd suggest a chemical product I learned to appreciate when I was in the commercial food industry. I generally prefer the most natural products when possible, but when it comes to this kind of stubborn crud I use something called GREASESTRIP PLUS from EcoLab. It's generally only available through places that sell products to tho commercial food industry and restaurant supplies but anyone can buy it through many online sources including EBAY. It's expensive as far as cleaners are concerned but a little goes a long way since it is a clinging gel which comes both in gallon jugs and a spray (which is what I recommend). The label suggests heating the metal first and I've found that does help but not too hot. You don't want it to sear, so just about 140-180 degrees is good but it can be applied to the metal at room temp as well. Be sure to read the label—especially the precautionary statements—because it is considered a commercial grade product. Be sure to wear rubber gloves because it's formulated to attack organic matter and be careful not to splash the rinse water in your eyes. The label also notes it will "etch aluminum" finishes so be selective when applying it to some pots & pans as well as the trim on some stoves and appliances. I've used it on many other surfaces and never had a problem, The aluminum used for cookwear is highly alloyed so i've not noticed a problem there but i did get it on a brushed aluminum plate on the front of a stove at work and it left a nasty mark. However, don't let those disclaimers scare you away from using it. I've found it's the only thing that gets that stubborn gunk off of burners and makes cleaning the oven a breeze. In commercial applications we also used it for cleaning floors. Hope that helps. Jeffrey
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Jun 11, 2014
    I use alcohol that you find in the first aid section of most stores and put it in a spray bottle. We use straight isopropyl or denatured alcohol at work to clean electronic parts. My husbands tea kettle looks like that too so I scrub it down with the alcohol every few months in between regular wipe downs with dish soap.
  • Jill P Jill P on Jun 12, 2014
    I found a cleaner at the Dollar General store called Awesome ( only $1) & the name speaks for it's self. Melts cooked on grease like butter. Also use a Magic Eraser for any leftover & you will be surprised how easy.....
  • Debra Grieve Debra Grieve on Jun 15, 2014
    Natural cleaners are possibly the safest for a finish like that. Rubbing alcohol does work great to remove all kinds of grease and oils. Try that first. If it needs a bit more oomph, try: 1/2 gal. of cool water, 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and maybe a teaspoon of dish soap (Dawn is the best). I use this for everything! Larger amounts clean and disinfect floors, greasy stoves, garage floors, toilets, sinks, etc! I love this stuff. In fact, white vinegar and water is cheaper than wallpaper remover and works very well!! Those four are my go to cleaners and they are all cheap!
  • Lesley Lesley on Jun 16, 2014
    Jill is right. That stuff works. They also sell it in the first aisle dollar section at Rite Aid. Read precautions! I also have sprayed with oven cleaner, put them in a garbage bag overnight and just have to rinse them off.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jun 16, 2014
    I have found that the best thing for cutting grease is to use a foaming bathroom cleaner. You will be amazed how easily it works, even the Dollar Tree cheap brand.
  • Devery Little Devery Little on Jun 17, 2014
    Awesome will take care of that, also try baby oil. You will be surprised what baby oil will clean.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 26, 2014
    I agree with Jeffery, The Product I buy to clean stuff like this is Proforce oven, grills and fryer cleaners. Sold at Sam's Club in a three pack. This is a spray not a aerosol. I wear gloves and a mask. And never spray the product directly in the surface but in my Cloth. It will remove baked in grease.
  • Stormie Remus Stormie Remus on Nov 26, 2014
    Baking soda paste. It works when nothing else does:)
  • Vinegar will cut through grease.