How to effectively remove grease stains? Ingredients and pH of kitchen cleaning products

Greasy deposits are among the most challenging types of grime found in the kitchen. They appear regularly as a byproduct of frying or cooking, and removing them is often difficult, especially with standard cleaning products. Instead of disappearing completely, the grease smears, creating unsightly streaks and a lingering sticky film.

Effective cleaning in such cases relies on the basics of chemistry, particularly the ability to match the pH of the cleaning agent to the type of stain and the surface. Understanding this relationship allows you to choose a product that will effectively dissolve and remove grease without damaging the surface being cleaned. In this article, we explain how to remove grease stains in the kitchen.

Where do grease stains come from, and why are they so hard to remove?

Grease stains are a direct result of everyday kitchen activities, such as frying or baking. Heated oil settles on various surfaces: countertops, cabinet fronts, walls, ceramic tiles, and even the floor. Grease particles penetrate porous structures, such as grout or unsealed wood, making them difficult to remove later. Over time, the grease undergoes a polymerization process, forming a hard, sticky layer that is resistant to water and standard detergents.

How to remove grease stains in the kitchen?

The basis for effective grease removal is understanding the pH scale, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution on a scale from 0 to 14. A value of 7 indicates a neutral pH. Solutions with a pH below 7 are classified as acidic, while those with a pH above 7 are classified as alkaline. Grease, which is a mixture of fatty acids, is most effectively neutralized and removed by alkaline products.

Alkaline agents react chemically with the fatty acids that make up the dirt. This process, called saponification, converts water-insoluble fats into soluble soaps that can be easily removed with water. Degreasing effectiveness increases as the pH value rises (within the range of 8–14). Professional degreasers rely on strong alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. They also contain surfactants, which are surface-active compounds that aid in the emulsification and removal of dirt.

When are acidic and neutral (pH ≤ 7) cleaners effective, and when should they be avoided for greasy stains?

Acidic cleaners are not effective at removing grease, but they work well on mineral deposits such as limescale or rust. On the other hand, neutral-pH products, such as dish soap, are safe for most surfaces, including delicate materials like laminate flooring or varnished furniture. Their ability to remove fresh, small grease stains stems from their surfactant content, which surrounds grease molecules, allowing them to be washed away with water.

How to remove grease stains from a wall?

In the case of vertical surfaces, such as walls, the problem becomes more complex—especially if the stain wasn’t removed immediately. Therefore, the question of how to remove grease stains from a wall is worth considering in two scenarios. If the grease has just settled, using potato flour may be a good solution. Simply sprinkle it over the fresh stain, wait a few minutes for the flour to absorb the grease, and then gently remove it with a soft cloth or brush. This is a simple and effective method that prevents smearing the grease and making the stain worse.

In the case of older, dried-on stains, the situation is less optimistic. Grease often penetrates deep into the paint’s structure, leaving permanent discoloration that is difficult to remove without damaging the surface itself. In such cases, the most effective solution is to repaint the wall, preferably after first applying an isolating primer or a paint that blocks discoloration.

It’s also worth taking a preventive approach. When planning a kitchen renovation or finish, it’s a good idea to consider installing tiles in areas most exposed to grease, such as around the stove. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and resistant to degreasing agents, which significantly facilitates maintaining hygiene in the kitchen. Then you won’t have to wonder how to remove oil from the wall; simply wipe the surface with a pH-balanced cleaner.

How to remove a greasy stain? Reach for professional cleaning products

Although knowledge of pH and the chemical properties of cleaning products allows for a better choice of cleaning method, in practice, many greasy stains require the use of professional degreasers. The ingredients found in household cleaners cease to be effective when dealing with dried-on grease, multi-layered buildup, or burnt-on food residue. Mediclean 530 Grill is a product designed for cleaning problematic surfaces—grills, grates, and oven interiors—where grease not only dries but also partially chars. Thanks to its high alkalinity and gel formula, the cleaner effectively dissolves grime and stays on the surface long enough to allow for its removal without excessive scrubbing. Mediclean 570 All, on the other hand, is ideal for daily cleaning. It easily washes away fresh oil splatters on the stove or countertops. If you’re unsure how to remove greasy stains, these two products are worth reaching for and keeping on hand at all times.