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Cleaning Kitchen Grease Stains

post #1 of 11
11/16/11 at 8:26am
Thread Starter 

So if I were in a professional kitchen, I'd just bust out the stainless steel scrubby and go to town on everything. However since I'm in my private residence ( the flat I'm renting ) I was wondering about some tips.

 

I, unfortunately, have been slacking on my home cleaning. My refrigerator is right next to my stove top so there are these tiny yellow grease stains all over the refrigerator. They are slightly sticky as well.


I've tried using 409 with a sponge scrubbie, I've tried using a Magic Eraser, and I've even tried using a vinegar water solution. Nothing is getting the job done.

 

Need to get this cleaned fairly quickly because I'm moving out and need to get my full security deposit back :D Any domestic goddesses have suggestions?

 

:tux 

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post #2 of 11
11/16/11 at 8:55am

You're looking at plasticized grease.

 

magic eraser and 409 or other grease cutting spray cleaner is a pretty potent combination. I'd give that another try.

 

You might also try a plastic razor blade scraper. I get mine from Lee Valley, but I'm told paint stores often have them too.

 

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=53612&cat=1,43456,43407,53612

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post #3 of 11
11/16/11 at 9:49am

There's no magic to this (unfortunately). 

 

  • First rule:  Hot water, plenty of it, and keep at it!
  • Second rule:  No matter what you're using, repetition usually beats force.
  • In your case:  An inexpensive steamer; plus a cleanser like 409, Mr. Clean, Fabuloso, or whatever; plus a lot of repetition and wiping, will do the trick. 

 

Happy scrubbing,

BDL

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post #4 of 11
11/16/11 at 10:52am

Don't think the third step should even be necessary, Boar, if the OP follows the first two rules. I would add some liquid detergent to the hot water though.

 

If there's a third rule it would be to change or rinse the rag very often. Otherwise you're just moving the crud around, rather than removing it. For that reason, this is a time when paper towels really make more sense than cloth.

 

And hot means hot. If the cold water tap is on at all it probably won't do. And even then it might not, cuz modern hot water heaters are set relatively low (like 120F).

 

Cheftux: Why can't you use a stainless scrubby at home? I'm guessing that if those other things didn't do the job the grease is pretty thick, and you may have to cut through it.

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post #5 of 11
11/16/11 at 11:30am

It's on the paint on the refrigerator. A stainless scrubby would take off the paint probably.

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post #6 of 11
11/16/11 at 4:36pm
Thread Starter 

Hit it right on the head phatch, I'm afraid of "scratching" the paint on the refrigerator. 

And thanks guys, I felt extremely guilty asking for cleaning tips. But I really have tried just about everything and this stuff is stubborn. I'll try hot water and 409 again!

On a side note, anyone know how to circumvent smoke alarms? Other than detaching them? I open windows (sometimes even doors) and have the vent full blast before I even start cooking and the smoke alarm still goes off. I have a VERY clean oven, and sometimes even preheating the oven will set it off. It's like the thing goes off at the sign of heat not smoke. Almost every time it has gone off there has been no smoke in the house. Is it possible that the landlord installed super sensitive smoke alarms?

 

cheers,
:tux

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post #7 of 11
11/16/11 at 4:40pm

Tape or rubber band a plastic sack/bag over them.

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post #8 of 11
11/16/11 at 8:25pm

You need a little chore boy yellow plastic scrub sponge. It scrubs but it doesn't scratch.  You can try bar keepers friend, I've used that with good success however I don't know about plastic.  I hope you've learned your lesson now, clean as you go otherwise you're stuck with a big mess.

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post #9 of 11
11/17/11 at 10:32pm

Castrol super clean.

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post #10 of 11
11/18/11 at 3:59am

Try Gunk ot Fantastic with a plastic scrubber

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post #11 of 11
11/19/11 at 12:35pm

For the smoke alarms I use a shower cap (anyone that you can take from a hotel room stay).  Just don't forget to remove when you have finished cooking! 

Cleaning the "scum":  If it is a white plastic fridge and you have access to SoftScrub, this + HOT water will eventually remove it.  As posted before there is no shortcut for elbow grease.  Also, try an orange based cleaner or adhesive remover often found in auto parts stores.  Both will require a minimum of a few wipes but you will still need to follow up with your Magic Eraser + Soap and H2O Combo..

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