Grease is best dissolved by surfactants (soaps/detergents), alkaline degreasers (sodium hydroxide), or organic solvents (acetone, isopropyl alcohol). The ideal chemical depends on the surface:
The best grease dissolver depends on the mess, but alkaline degreasers (which break down fat molecules) and surfactant-based cleaners (which lift oil away) are the most effective. For daily kitchen messes, heavy-duty commercial sprays, or natural remedies, here are the top solutions:
To dissolve thick, old grease, use alkaline degreasers (like baking soda or trisodium phosphate) or solvent-based degreasers (like acetone or specialized commercial sprays). The active chemicals break down the fat’s molecular bonds, allowing you to easily wipe it away without scrubbing the underlying surface.
The best solvent for grease depends heavily on the surface you are cleaning. For heavy-duty machinery, use petroleum-based solvents. For household items or auto detailing, opt for alkaline water-based degreasers. For delicate items, use fast-evaporating alcohols.
If you're cooking and have a grease spill, you can clean it up immediately before it becomes a problem later. One easy way is to sprinkle flour over the spill. Let the flour sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease and then you can easily wipe it up.
Yes, Dawn is one of the most effective degreasers available.
To clean years of baked-on grease, ditch harsh scrubbing and use a chemical degreaser (like sodium hydroxide-based oven cleaner) or a heavy-duty degreaser like LA's Totally Awesome. Apply the cleaner, cover the area with plastic wrap to lock in moisture, let it sit overnight, and easily wipe the dissolved grease away.
POWERFUL: Acetone is a strong cleaning solvent; one which cuts through grease, waxes, resins and other residuals that can clog machinery or molds.
Dawn Dish Soap has multiple uses beyond washing dishes. It effectively removes grease without harming skin, making it ideal for cleaning wildlife after oil spills and for household uses like removing grease from hair, softening cuticles, and repelling insects.
Professional cleaners work fast by following strict, systematic routines instead of just cleaning at random. Their speed comes down to three main advantages: eliminating organizing clutter, using a "top-to-bottom, left-to-right" flow to avoid double-working, and letting chemicals do the heavy scrubbing.
The strongest over-the-counter degreasers rely on highly alkaline formulas or potent citrus solvents to break down thick, baked-on buildup. Top heavy-duty options include Super Clean, Zep Industrial Purple, and Ecolab Professional Strength, all of which require dilution for safe use.
Hydrogen peroxide does not dissolve grease on its own. However, because it acts as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, it effectively breaks down grease when paired with a surfactant like dish soap or a mild abrasive like baking soda.
Mechanics remove grease by breaking down the grime with specialized pumice soaps, natural oils, or household DIY scrubs. To prevent clogged drains, they always wipe off excess grease with a shop rag first. The most effective techniques include:
Acetone is a great degreaser. Not only does it effectively remove large amounts of grease, but it evaporates quickly without leaving behind extra residue.
Each one has its strengths, and they're built for totally different kinds of cleaning jobs. Zep is a powerhouse, perfect for heavy-duty messes and industrial-level grime, while Simple Green is all about being versatile, eco-friendly, and safe for everyday use.
Yes, borax is highly effective at cutting through and dissolving grease. Its alkaline pH breaks down grease molecules, while its mild abrasive texture helps scrub away sticky residue without scratching surfaces.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
Best Homemade Degreaser
Use a mixture of hot water, a squirt of dish detergent, a small pour of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of baking soda. Double up on the ingredients you add to your water for really tough grease.
A small amount of Dawn dish soap—which effectively breaks down hydrocarbons—can be used with a soft brush to scrub away soot and debris.
A great tip for cleaning them is to use WASHING-UP LIQUID and warm water to lift the stain; however, if the stain is more stubborn than expected, vinegar is a good grease remover.
The best everyday homemade degreaser combines 1 cup warm water, 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 tbsp baking soda, and a generous squirt (about 1/2 tsp) of natural liquid dish soap. Mix in a spray bottle, shake well, spray the greasy surface, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and wipe clean.
Yes, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is an excellent solvent for breaking down and dissolving grease, oils, and grime. Because it is less polar than water, it easily cuts through hydrophobic substances like fats and quickly evaporates, leaving a streak-free surface behind.
Dish soap. Dish soap is one of the most powerful degreasers in existence. It breaks down oil molecules and dissolves sticky residue quickly. Mix it with warm water for immediate results.
Glass is not well-suited for baking soda, due to its abrasive nature. In fact, you might accidentally scratch your mirrors or windows if you attempt to clean them with baking soda. If you're looking for an all-natural cleaner for these surfaces, vinegar is a better bet.
Now, pick the best stovetop cleaner for your mess: For general burnt-on grime: Mix baking soda and warm water into a paste, apply it to the burnt residue, and let sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive cloth.