🧂 Baking Soda for Grease: What Actually Works

Baking soda can help remove light grease and oily residue, but the claim that it removes grease from every surface is an exaggeration. Its mild abrasiveness and alkaline nature make it useful for some cleaning jobs. (extension.usu.edu)

🧽 A simple baking-soda paste

For greasy, washable surfaces:

You’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• About 1 tablespoon water
• A few drops of dishwashing liquid

How to use it:

1. Mix into a spreadable paste.
2. Apply a thin layer to the greasy area.
3. Leave it for 5–10 minutes.
4. Gently scrub with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
5. Wipe away with clean water and dry.

The dish soap is important because surfactants are designed to lift and emulsify grease; baking soda mainly provides mild scrubbing and helps with residue.

🏠 Where it can help

• Stovetops and cooktops: For compatible surfaces, use a soft sponge and avoid abrasive scrubbing.
• Kitchen cabinets: Particularly painted or laminate surfaces, after testing an inconspicuous area.
• Range-hood exterior: Useful for light grease buildup.
• Oven surfaces: Can help loosen baked-on residue, although heavy deposits may require a dedicated oven cleaner.
• Plastic food containers: Useful for oily residue and lingering odors.