Best Chemicals for Removing Grease Around the Home

Grease can build up fairly quickly on kitchen surfaces, appliances, tools and other items around the house. Choosing the right grease remover depends on how heavy the build-up is and what material is being cleaned.

Each product works differently. Some are better suited to heavy oil and sticky residue, while others are more appropriate for lighter marks or everyday kitchen cleaning.

In this guide, APC Pure will explain which chemicals are best suited to different types of grease, where they can be used around the home and what to consider before cleaning each surface.

Before You Start

Always test the cleaning product on a small hidden area first! Solvents and stronger cleaning products can damage paint, plastics, varnish, coatings and delicate finishes.

Use gloves where appropriate, keep the room well ventilated and follow the product label. Keep all cleaning chemicals away from children, pets, heat and open flames.

Do not mix cleaning chemicals. Use one product at a time and rinse or wipe the surface thoroughly before using anything else.

D-Limonene for Heavy Grease

D-Limonene is a solvent that can help dissolve grease, oil, wax and sticky residue. It is useful for tougher cleaning jobs where water-based products are not strong enough.

It may be suitable for cooker hoods, splashbacks, tools, metal parts and other hard surfaces affected by thick grease or oil.

D-Limonene should be used carefully on painted, coated or plastic surfaces. Test a small area first and avoid leaving the product on the surface longer than necessary.

After cleaning, wipe away the loosened grease and remove any remaining residue with a clean damp cloth.

Isopropanol for Light Grease

Isopropanol 70% can help remove lighter grease, oily fingerprints and surface residue from compatible non-porous materials.

It evaporates quickly, making it useful for small cleaning jobs where a fast-drying product is preferred. Common examples include glass, stainless steel, small appliances and smooth metal surfaces.

Apply a small amount to a clean cloth rather than pouring it directly onto the surface. Wipe the affected area and allow it to dry fully.

Avoid using isopropanol near flames, heat or electrical equipment that is switched on. Test first on painted, varnished or plastic surfaces.

Acetone for Tough Residue

Acetone 99.5% is a strong solvent that can remove certain types of stubborn grease, oil, adhesive and dried residue from compatible surfaces.

It is better suited to resistant materials such as bare metal, glass and selected tools than everyday kitchen surfaces.

Acetone can damage many plastics, painted surfaces, varnish and protective coatings. It is particularly unsuitable for surfaces made from ABS plastic.

Use only a small amount, keep the area well ventilated and keep it away from heat, sparks and open flames.

Bicarbonate of Soda for Everyday Grease

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, commonly known as bicarbonate of soda, is a gentler option for light grease and dried-on food residue.

It can be mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste and applied to suitable washable surfaces. This can be useful for oven interiors, baking trays, sinks and stainless steel.

Leave the paste briefly, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat if needed rather than scrubbing heavily.

Bicarbonate of soda is mildly abrasive, so avoid using it on polished, coated or delicate surfaces that may scratch.

Which Grease Remover Should You Choose?

For thick grease and oil: D-Limonene can help dissolve stubborn greasy build-up on compatible hard surfaces.

For light oily marks: Isopropanol is useful for fingerprints, thin grease and residue where a quick-drying cleaner is preferred.

For stubborn residue on resistant surfaces: Acetone may be suitable for bare metal, glass and selected tools, but it requires careful surface testing.

For everyday kitchen grease: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate provides a gentler option for light build-up and dried-on residue.

The best choice depends on the surface as well as the stain. Start with the gentlest suitable option before moving to a stronger solvent

What Not to Use on Delicate Surfaces

Strong solvents are not suitable for every material. Acetone, isopropanol and D-Limonene may affect paint, varnish, plastics, rubber, adhesives and decorative coatings.

Avoid using abrasive bicarbonate paste on polished surfaces, non-stick coatings, delicate glass and anything that may scratch.

If the surface is valuable, delicate or unknown, use a cleaner made specifically for that material instead.

Safe Grease Removal

No single chemical is best for every grease stain. Heavy oil may need a solvent such as D-Limonene, while lighter kitchen grease may only require bicarbonate of soda.

Choose the gentlest suitable product, test the surface first and follow the product label. Use one cleaning chemical at a time and keep flammable products away from heat and flames.