How to clean up grease

Step 1: Gather your supplies

The supplies you'll use will vary based on the type of grease stain you have on your hands, but gather up the following supplies to cover every possible situation:

• All-purpose flour
• Grease-cutting kitchen cleaner, like 409
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Murphy's Oil Soap
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Water

Step 2: Clean up recent spills

If you have a grease spill that's still wet, you want to make sure you don't spread the grease around while trying to clean it up. You can accomplish this by sprinkling the spot with flour to help soak up the excess oil. Allow the flour to sit on the spot for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and then sweep or brush off the loose flour before using a paper towel to wipe up the remaining greasy paste. Spray the spot with a grease-cutting kitchen cleaner, and wipe the spot again.

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Step 3: Clean up dried-on stains

In most cases, recently dried grease stains are fairly easy to clean. Simply mix two to three tablespoons baking soda with one cup water. This will create a mildly abrasive cleaning solvent that is safe for all surfaces. Using a light, circular scrubbing motion, rub the greasy spot with a sponge soaked in the solution. The grease should come up without much effort. When you're satisfied that the grease has been removed, use a paper towel soaked with water to wipe up and clean off the surface.

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Step 4: Clean up caked-on stains

For caked-on grease stains clinging to your cabinets or stovetop, you may need to break out a few more supplies. After giving baking soda a try, pour or spray vinegar onto the area and allow it to sit for three to five minutes. Vinegar will help break up grease, enabling easier stain removal. Use a paper towel to wipe down the area before rinsing the spot with water. If the surface you're cleaning is wood, and you're still not satisfied that the grease is clean, grab your bottle of Murphy's Oil Soap. There are several different varieties on the market, so use yours according to the manufacturer's instructions. Murphy's Oil Soap is safe for almost all surfaces and is designed to cut through grease, wax and other build up. After applying the soap, simply give the surface a final wipe down -- even the most stubborn grease-spots should be gone!

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Cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen is easy, effective, and inexpensive, because everything you need is likely in your kitchen!

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