By Jasman, Co-founder of PureZest | Updated September 2026 | 8-minute read

Key Takeaways

• Kitchen grease turns sticky because cooking oil settles on surfaces, cools, and hardens into a film that traps dust. The sooner you clean it, the easier it comes off.
• You don't need harsh chemical degreasers. Enzyme-based cleaners and plant-based surfactants break grease down so it wipes away.
• Give your cleaner time to work. Letting it sit for 30–60 seconds on greasy spots does most of the scrubbing for you.
• Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner on sealed granite and quartz, and avoid vinegar and lemon on natural stone.
• A quick daily wipe and a weekly deep clean stop grease from building up in the first place.

Why Does Kitchen Grease Get So Sticky?

Every time you fry, sauté, or roast, tiny droplets of oil float into the air and land on your stovetop, backsplash, range hood, and cabinets. When that oil cools, it slowly hardens into a tacky film. Dust and cooking smoke stick to it, and layer by layer it turns into the brownish, gummy grime that's so hard to shift.

In Canadian homes, grease tends to build up faster in fall and winter. Windows stay shut, there's more indoor cooking, and the holiday season means more roasting and frying. Getting on top of it now makes Thanksgiving and holiday cleanup much easier.

What Works Best on Kitchen Grease (and What Doesn't)

How to Clean Grease Off Your Stovetop

Glass and ceramic cooktops

1. Make sure the cooktop is completely cool.
2. Spray a degreasing cleaner over the surface and let it sit for 30–60 seconds.
3. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
4. For baked-on spills, gently lift them with a plastic scraper or a razor scraper made for glass cooktops. Avoid steel wool and abrasive pads, which can scratch.
5. Buff dry for a streak-free finish.

Gas stove grates and burner caps

1. Remove the cool grates and burner caps.
2. Soak them in a sink of hot water with a good squeeze of dish soap for 15–20 minutes.
3. Scrub with a stiff brush, rinse, and dry completely before putting them back.

Stainless steel stovetops

Spray, let it sit briefly, then wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth. Buff dry to avoid water spots.

How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood and Filter

Your range hood catches more grease than anything else in your kitchen, and a clogged filter can't pull smoke and moisture out properly.

The hood surface

1. Turn off the fan and light.
2. Spray the outside and underside, let it sit for up to a minute, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat on thick buildup, then buff dry.

The filter

1. Pop out the metal mesh or baffle filter (check your manual).
2. Soak it in very hot water with dish soap for 15–20 minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse, and let it dry completely.

Aim to clean the filter every one to three months, depending on how often you cook. Some metal filters are dishwasher safe, but aluminum can discolour, so check the manufacturer's instructions. Charcoal filters can't be washed and need to be replaced.

How to Remove Sticky Grease From Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets near the stove often have a layer of grease you can feel more than see.

1. Test first on a hidden spot, especially on painted or wood finishes.
2. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto wood, so you don't over-wet the finish.
3. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain, paying extra attention to areas around handles.
4. For stubborn sticky spots, let the cleaner sit for a minute, then wipe again. A soft toothbrush helps in grooves and corners.
5. Wipe with a clean damp cloth, then dry right away.

More Greasy Spots People Forget

• Backsplash tiles and grout: spray, wait, and scrub grout lines with a soft brush.
• Top of the fridge and cabinets: grease and dust collect here where you can't see it.
• Microwave: heat a bowl of water with a slice of lemon for a few minutes, let it steam, then wipe the inside clean.
• Light switches, fridge handles, and knobs: greasy fingers leave more behind than you'd think.

How to Remove Common Kitchen Stains

Meet PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner: A Natural Degreaser for Your Whole Kitchen

We made PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner for exactly this job: cutting through everyday kitchen grease and stains without harsh chemicals or strong smells.

1. Enzyme-based cleaning power

Instead of relying on harsh solvents, our citrus enzymes break down grease, oil, and food residue so they lift off with a simple wipe. On heavy grease, let it sit for 30–60 seconds and the enzymes do most of the work for you.

2. A true kitchen degreaser

Citrus enzymes, citric acid, and plant-based surfactants work together to cut through sticky grease on stovetops, range hoods, backsplashes, and cabinets.

3. Removes all kinds of kitchen stains

From oil splatter and coffee rings to sauce splashes and sticky spills, it's designed to handle the everyday messes a busy kitchen collects.

4. No added fragrances or dyes

No artificial perfumes, no colouring. Just a light, fresh note from the natural orange essence in the formula. That makes it a great fit for anyone who's sensitive to strong scents.

5. Made with kids and pets in mind

It's formulated without bleach, ammonia, or parabens and is biodegradable, so you can use it with confidence on counters, floors, high chairs, and play areas where little hands and paws go.

6. One bottle, the whole kitchen

It's pH balanced, leaves no sticky residue, and needs no rinsing. Use it on sealed granite and quartz countertops, stainless steel, stovetops, range hoods, fridge handles, and more. Always test on a hidden spot first.

How to use it on grease

1. Spray directly onto the greasy surface.
2. Wait 30–60 seconds on heavy grease or stuck-on food.
3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth. No rinsing needed.

Shop PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner, or save money and plastic with the 1.9L refill pack.

A Simple Routine to Keep Grease From Building Up

Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain

Liquid cooking fat hardens in your pipes and can cause clogs. Let it cool, then scrape it into a sealed container and dispose of it according to your local waste rules. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.

Everything You Need for a Grease-Free Kitchen

• PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner: enzyme-based degreaser for counters, stovetops, hoods, and cabinets
• PureZest Enzyme Dish Soap: for soaking grates and range hood filters
• PureZest Premium Microfiber Cloths: for a streak-free finish
• Kitchen Essentials Combo: Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Enzyme Dish Soap together

New to natural cleaning? Read our Canadian Guide to Natural Cleaning Products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best natural degreaser for the kitchen?

An enzyme-based cleaner with plant-based surfactants is one of the most effective natural options, because the enzymes break down grease and food residue instead of just smearing them around. PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner is designed for exactly this.

How do I remove sticky grease from kitchen cabinets?

Spray a gentle degreasing cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, wipe with the grain, and let it sit for a minute on stubborn spots before wiping again. Test on a hidden area first and dry the cabinets right away.

How do I clean a greasy range hood filter?

Soak metal filters in very hot water with dish soap for 15–20 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse, and let them dry completely. Charcoal filters can't be washed and should be replaced.

Does vinegar cut grease?

Not very well. Vinegar is better at dissolving mineral deposits than grease, and it can damage natural stone. A cleaner with surfactants or enzymes works much better on grease.

Is dish soap a good degreaser?

Yes. Dish soap is great for soaking removable parts like grates and filters. For sprays on counters, stovetops, and cabinets, a ready-to-use degreasing cleaner is faster and leaves less residue.

Is PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner safe around kids and pets?

Yes. It's formulated without bleach, ammonia, parabens, added fragrances, or dyes, and it's biodegradable. As with any cleaner, store it out of reach of children and pets.

The Bottom Line

Kitchen grease is easiest to remove before it hardens. Clean it regularly, give your cleaner a moment to work, and use a gentle, enzyme-based formula that cuts grease without harsh fumes. Your kitchen will stay cleaner, and it'll be safer for the whole family.

Ready to cut grease the natural way? Try PureZest Multi-Purpose Cleaner or get the Kitchen Essentials Combo.

About the author: Jasman is the co-founder of PureZest, a BC-based natural cleaning brand, and previously ran a cleaning services business.