How to Make Kitchen Degreaser at Home: Cut Through Grease Naturally

Kitchen grease is one of the toughest cleaning challenges — it builds up on stovetops, range hoods, backsplashes, and appliances and gets harder to remove the longer it sits. A homemade kitchen degreaser made with the right natural ingredients cuts through grease effectively without harsh chemical fumes. Here are the best DIY degreaser recipes.

What You'll Need

• JohnBee Empty Spray Bottles, 16oz (2-Pack) — for mixing and storing degreaser solutions
• BAMBOO AND BIRCH Pure Castile Soap, Citrus Grapefruit (64 oz) — plant-based soap with excellent degreasing power
• Iberia Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon — cuts through light grease and dissolves mineral deposits
• Lagunamoon Essential Oils Set (Orange, Eucalyptus) — orange oil (d-limonene) is a natural solvent that cuts grease
• Nutricost Baking Soda (2 lbs) — for scrubbing paste for heavy grease
• Distilled water
• Rubbing alcohol (optional — boosts degreasing power)

Understanding Kitchen Grease

Kitchen grease is primarily cooking oil and fat that has been heated and oxidized. Fresh grease is easier to remove; baked-on grease requires more dwell time and scrubbing. The key to effective degreasing is:

• Dwell time: Let the degreaser sit on the grease for several minutes before wiping — this is more effective than scrubbing immediately
• Heat: Warm surfaces release grease more easily; wipe down the stovetop while still slightly warm after cooking
• The right surfactant: Castile soap and orange oil are the most effective natural degreasers

Recipe 1: Everyday Kitchen Degreaser Spray

For daily stovetop wipe-downs, countertops, and appliance exteriors.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• 2 cups warm water
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add water to the spray bottle first
2. Add castile soap gently to avoid excessive foaming
3. Add essential oils
4. Swirl gently to combine
5. Spray on greasy surfaces, let sit 2–3 minutes, wipe with a microfiber cloth
6. Rinse with a damp cloth to remove soap residue

Recipe 2: Heavy-Duty Degreaser (For Baked-On Grease)

For the range hood, oven exterior, and heavily greased surfaces.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 20 drops orange essential oil
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (optional — boosts cutting power)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle
2. Shake well before use
3. Spray generously on greasy surfaces
4. Let sit 5–10 minutes for baked-on grease
5. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge or brush
6. Wipe clean and rinse

Note: Do not use on natural stone surfaces — vinegar etches marble and granite.

Recipe 3: Baking Soda Degreasing Paste (For Stubborn Buildup)

For the worst baked-on grease on stovetop grates, oven interiors, and range hoods.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• Enough water to form a thick paste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients into a thick paste
2. Apply to greasy surfaces with a sponge or brush
3. Let sit 15–30 minutes for heavy buildup
4. Scrub and rinse thoroughly

Pro Tips for Effective Degreasing

• Wipe down after every cook: A quick wipe while the stovetop is still warm prevents grease from baking on
• Don't skip dwell time: Spraying and immediately wiping is far less effective than letting the degreaser sit
• Use hot water for rinsing: Hot water emulsifies grease better than cold
• Microfiber cloths: More effective than paper towels for picking up grease

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vinegar cut through grease?

Vinegar cuts through light grease effectively but struggles with heavy baked-on grease. For heavy grease, castile soap and orange oil are more effective. Use vinegar for daily maintenance and the castile soap recipes for deeper cleaning.

Why is orange essential oil good for degreasing?

Orange essential oil contains d-limonene, a natural solvent found in citrus peel that dissolves grease and oil. It's the same compound used in many commercial degreasers, just in a natural, concentrated form. It's safe for most surfaces and leaves a fresh citrus scent.

How do I clean a very greasy range hood filter?

Remove the filter and soak in very hot water with a generous amount of castile soap and baking soda for 30–60 minutes. The hot water melts the grease, and the soap emulsifies it. Scrub with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before reinstalling.