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:
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 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.
Vinegar + water spray
Vinegar cuts through grease naturally due to its acetic acid content. When mixed with warm water, it dissolves oil and leaves surfaces streak-free.
Acetone is a great degreaser. Not only does it effectively remove large amounts of grease, but it evaporates quickly without leaving behind extra residue.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, Dawn is one of the most effective degreasers available.
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:
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:
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.
POWERFUL: Acetone is a strong cleaning solvent; one which cuts through grease, waxes, resins and other residuals that can clog machinery or molds.
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.
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.
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.
Use Dawn dishwashing liquid to pre-treat greasy laundry stains, to clean greasy tools and car wheels, and to remove grease and grime from around the house. Dawn is tough on grease, yet gentle.
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.
WD-40 Specialist® Cleaner & Degreaser
It quickly breaks through tough grease & grime and has added corrosion inhibitors to help protect against flash rust. The industrial-strength formula is ready to use — no dilution required.
Scrub with an oil-based solvent such as mineral spirits or naphtha to remove stain. Check at paint or hardware stores for commercial products used in removal of grease stains.
Yes, Dawn is a powerful degreaser. Its highly concentrated surfactant formula is designed to break down and lift oily, greasy build-up.
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.
A powerful, heavy-duty homemade degreaser can be made by combining 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn) in a spray bottle. For maximum strength, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, 1 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup dish soap.
Professional cleaners know that a timesaving secret is to vacuum every floor in the house, including bathrooms and the kitchen. It's the fastest and most efficient way to pick up dust, hair, and all the little bits of debris that like to hide in corners.