Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to cutting through stubborn, baked-on or sticky grease. Because it is mildly abrasive and naturally alkaline, it breaks down greasy buildup without scratching most surfaces or requiring harsh chemical fumes.
However, “this way” usually refers to making a baking soda paste, which is the secret to getting it to cling to vertical surfaces and maximizing its grease-lifting power.
Here is how to prepare and use the ultimate baking soda grease-removal paste for different areas of your home:
How to Prepare the Ultimate Grease-Busting Paste
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The Formula: Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water in a small bowl until it forms a thick, spreadable paste (about the consistency of toothpaste or frosting).
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Pro Tip for Tough Grease: Substitute the water with liquid dish soap instead. Dish soap cuts oil, while the baking soda provides the scrubbing power—making an unstoppable grease remover.
How to Apply It to Common Greasy Areas
1. Stovetops and Burner Grates
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Best for: Splatter, baked-on cooking oil, and greasy grime around burners.
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How to use: Spread the paste generously over the greasy surface. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soften the grease. Scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth in circular motions, then wipe clean with warm water.
2. Oven Doors and Interior Walls
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Best for: Thick, carbonized grease and burnt-on food spills.
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How to use: Coat the inside of the oven with the paste (avoiding heating elements). Let it sit overnight (or at least 12 hours). The paste will turn brown as it absorbs the grease. Wipe away with a damp cloth or plastic scraper, and spritz with a little white vinegar to wipe away any powdery residue.
3. Kitchen Cabinets and Range Hoods
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Best for: That sticky, yellowed film of airborne cooking oil that accumulates on wooden or painted cabinets.
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How to use: Caution: Because baking soda is abrasive, use a very gentle touch on finished wood. Mix baking soda with dish soap and warm water into a runny paste, dip a soft cloth into it, wring it out well, and gently wipe down the greasy cabinet doors. Rinse immediately with a clean, damp cloth.
4. Stainless Steel Pans and Baking Sheets
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Best for: Scorched bottom grease and dark brown baked-on oil rings.
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How to use: Apply a thick layer of the paste to the pan, let it sit for 30 minutes, and scrub with a nylon scouring pad. For extra fizz and power, pour a little white vinegar over the baking soda paste before scrubbing.
