Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) for Removing Grease: What Works
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and deodorizer that can help remove grease from many household surfaces. It isn’t a powerful degreaser on its own, but it works well when combined with warm water and a little dish soap.
Baking Soda Degreasing Paste
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon warm water
- A few drops of dish soap (optional, but helps cut grease)
Directions
- Mix into a thick paste.
- Apply to greasy areas.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Where It Can Be Used
- Stovetops
- Oven doors (avoid heating elements)
- Range hoods
- Kitchen countertops (if compatible with the material)
- Pots and pans with baked-on grease
- Sink surfaces
Use Caution On
- Natural stone surfaces such as marble or some types of granite, where abrasive scrubbing may dull the finish.
- Delicate or polished surfaces that can scratch.
Safety Tips
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Don’t scrub aggressively, especially on glossy finishes.
- Never mix baking soda with bleach or other household cleaners unless the product label says it’s safe.
For heavy grease buildup, warm water and a quality dish soap are often more effective than baking soda alone, since dish soaps are specifically formulated to break down oils and grease. Baking soda works best as a gentle scrubbing aid rather than a “miracle” cleaner.
