How To Remove Grease Stains From Stoves

No matter what you cook or how often you cook, grease will build upon your stovetop.

You’ll get grease stains, grease splatters, greasy areas, an overall greasy build-up, and a greasy film.

All this grease on your stovetop – whether it’s Glass, Electric, or Gas – is unsightly and even unhealthy.

It’s got to go, but do you even know how to remove grease stains from stoves?

It seems like it can be quite overwhelming, but fortunately, there are some easy-to-learn methods using only a few common household items and ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Are you ready to learn some effective options?

Let’s get started!

Items You’ll Need

In this section, we’ll list and discuss the items you’ll need to remove grease stains from stoves.

We’ll provide any alternatives as options for each item, when applicable.

Water
Microfiber Cloths Or Cloths Or Towels Or Sponges Or Brushes
Spray Bottle, Small Bowl, Gallon-Sized Zipper-Lock Plastic Bags, Apron
Liquid dish soap
Baking soda
White Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Commercial grease stain remover
Boiling Water | Single-Edged or Razor Scraper | Coca-Cola | Vegetable or Olive Oil

Water

Hot, warm, and clean water are used to rinse away various stain removers and make various solutions as stain removers.

Microfiber Cloths Or Cloths Or Towels Or Sponges Or Brushes

Microfiber cloths, cloths, towels, sponges, soft scrubber sponges, toothbrushes, soft scrub brushes, paintbrushes, and alternatives are used to wipe stovetops down, to apply various stain removers, to wash stove parts, to rinse off various stain removers, to dry stovetops, etc. – all at various stages of the stain removal process.

I really like the microfiber cloths available here.

Acceptable alternatives are white towel, white washcloth, white cotton cloth, washcloth, absorbent white towel, dry towel, small brush, nail brush, old foot brush, brush, small scrub brush, etc.

Spray Bottle, Small Bowl, Gallon-Sized Zipper-Lock Plastic Bags, Apron

A spray bottle, small bowl, or gallon-sized zipper-lock plastic bags are used for making and mixing various solutions as stain removers.

An apron is used to protect your clothing from messes encountered during the stain removal process.

Liquid Dish Soap

Liquid dish soap is used as a stain remover as it’s an effective grease stain remover from stoves, especially those known for grease-fighting like Dawn or Joy.

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap and Joy Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, Lemon Scent are both available on Amazon.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent grease stain remover for absorbing grease from stoves used in the form of sprinkling directly onto the stains or mixed with a liquid to make a paste.

If you need to order some, click here.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is used as an effective grease stain remover from stoves both directly as a cleaner and stain remover, followed by sprinkled baking soda, mixed with baking soda to make a paste, filled in gallon-sized zipper-lock plastic bags to clean grease from stove parts, and even as a finishing touch.

I really like the white vinegar found here.

Some alternatives are hydrogen peroxide, water, ammonia, and rubbing alcohol, depending on the specific use. (see the steps below for appropriate substitutions).

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is used to make a solution, mixed with vinegar, to fight grease stains on stoves.

Commercial Grease Stain Remover

Commercial grease stain removers are commercial stain removing products made to remove grease stains and safe for use on stovetop surfaces.

Many of these cleaners are already part of your household cleaning toolkit as they are also used to remove grease, and other stains, from surfaces other than stovetops.

There are several commercial cleaner options available for purchase, such as all-purpose cleaners, multipurpose cleaners, kitchen degreasers, oven cleaners, glass cleaners, oil-based cleaners, and even cream cleaners specifically for glass stovetops.

ECOS Non-Toxic Orange All Purpose Cleaner, Oil Eater Original Cleaner/Degreaser, Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser, Easy Off Oven Cleaner, Windex Blue (Original), Murphy’s Oil Soap, Original Formula, and Weiman Glass Cooktop Heavy Duty Cleaner & Polish are available on Amazon.

Boiling Water | Single-Edged Or Razor Scraper | Coca-Cola | Vegetable Or Olive Oil

Hot Tea: Boiling water is used as an effective and very eco-friendly grease stain remover from stoves.
Single-Edged or Razor Scraper: A single-edged or razor scraper is effectively used to scrape burnt-on, baked-in, and built-up grease off glass stovetops.
Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola is used as an effective grease stain remover from stoves.
Vegetable or Olive Oil: Vegetable or Olive oil is used effectively to loosen grease from stoves.

Step By Step Instructions For How To Remove Grease Stains From Stoves

#1 Preparing Your Stove For A Stain Removing Solution

The most important step is to make sure your stove and all the burners are turned off and have completely cooled down.

Grease stains and greasy areas are unsightly and unhealthy, so they do need to be removed, but you don’t want to get burned in the process.

Before you start, be sure to check your stove’s owner’s manual to ensure the methods you intend to use are safe for use on your stovetop and to make sure you take any necessary precautions for cleaning regarding your stove’s make and model.
Depending on your type of stovetop – glass, gas, or electric – there are certain ‘preps’ to be done for each prior to cleaning as well as some differences in the cleaning methods and processes for each type.

Your owner’s manual should have specifics for your stovetop’s make and model and give instructions on how to do the preps as well.

Typical ‘preps’ are:

For Gas Stovetops – remove stove burners (metal grates) and cover all gas heating elements.
For Electric Stovetops – remove electric burners (heating coils) and grease drip pans.
For Glass Stovetops – remove electric burners (heating coils) and grease drip pans.

Choose one of the stain removal methods listed in steps #2-6.
Before using any stain remover, test it on a spot in an inconspicuous area of the stovetop to check for any possible discoloration or damage.

If there is discoloration or damage, stop using that stain remover, choose and test another.

If there is no discoloration or damage, proceed with using that stain remover.

Pro Tip:

Do not use bleach or any bleach-based cleaners to clean or remove grease stains from your stovetop.

Bleach is known to damage stovetops, especially black, stainless steel, etc.

#2 Stain Removal Method 1: Liquid Dish Soap And Water (Optional-Choice Of Technique)

Liquid dish soap, especially those specifically formulated to fight grease, such as Dawn or Joy, is made to cut through and break down grease and works safely to remove grease stains on all types of stovetops. The instructions for the different stovetops – glass, electric, and gas – are slightly different due to the different parts that need to be cleaned, i.e., metal grates on one, drip pans on another, etc.

For Electric and Glass Stovetops:

After removing the electric burners (heating coils) from the stovetop, use a microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn or Joy, and hot water to wipe any greasy stains from them.

Be careful not to get the electrical connections wet.

Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.

After removing the grease drip pans, which are obviously covered in grease stains, wash them with a mixture of liquid dish soap and hot water in your sink.

Let them soak in the soapy water for 15 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel.

Using a sponge dipped in the liquid dish soap and hot water mixture, wipe down the stovetop, cutting through any grease stains.
Lightly scrub the grease stains on the stovetop, repeating the process until the grease is gone.
Rinse completely with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.
Replace the grease drip pans, then the electric burners.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this liquid dish soap procedure, choose another stain removal method from steps #3-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #6, Finishing Touches.

For Gas Stovetops:

After removing the stove burners (metal grates) from the stovetop, place them in your sink to soak a mixture of mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn or Joy, and hot water to loosen any grease stains from them.

Let them soak for 10 minutes.

Use a cloth and soft scrub brush or toothbrush to remove any grease stain or caked-on deposits.

Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.

Using a sponge dipped in the liquid dish soap and hot water mixture, wipe down the stovetop, cutting through any grease stains.
Lightly scrub the grease stains on the stovetop, repeating the process until the grease is gone.
Rinse completely with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.
Replace the stove burners (metal grates).
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this liquid dish soap procedure, choose another stain removal method from steps #3-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

#3 Stain Removal Method 2: Baking Soda (Optional-Choice Of Technique)

One of the best types of grease stain removers is an absorbent powder like baking soda.

There are two ways baking soda is typically used to remove grease stains from stovetops – any kind of stovetop, whether it’s glass, electric, or gas – either sprinkled directly onto the grease stains or made into a paste, along with one of the various liquids, then applied to the grease stains.

Either way, the baking soda soaks the grease up off the stovetop, allowing you to wipe it away, much more easily removing the grease from your stovetop.

The sprinkling method is used to remove grease stains from glass, electric, and gas stovetops.

The paste method is used to remove grease stains from glass, electric, and gas stovetops, as well as electric and glass stovetops’ grease drip pans.

Instructions for Sprinkling Baking Soda Directly On Grease Stains (For Glass, Electric, and Gas Stovetops):

Wipe down the stovetop with a damp cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda on the stovetop over the grease stains and greasy areas.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Spray the baking soda-covered grease stains and greasy areas with vinegar or drizzle with hydrogen peroxide.

This will cause fizzing and bubbling, which is a normal interaction between baking soda and vinegar as well as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, wipe the baking soda and grease off your stovetop.

Replace the cloth with a fresh one if it becomes too dirty as you want to clean the grease off the stovetop rather than to just spread more grease around on it.

Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this baking soda sprinkling process, choose another stain removal method from steps #2, 4-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Pro Tip:

It’s a good idea to wear an apron to protect your clothing from the fizzing and bubbling reaction of baking soda mixing with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Instructions for Baking Soda Paste On Grease Stains (For Glass, Electric, and Gas Stovetops):

In a small bowl, mix some baking soda with enough warm water to make a paste.

Make enough paste to generously cover the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop.

Various liquids can be used in place of water to make this paste – liquid dish soap, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide are the best alternatives, which offer additional grease-fighting capabilities for tougher stains.

Apply the paste to the grease stains and greasy areas with a clean cloth, sponge, or paintbrush.
Gently work the paste into the stains and then let it sit anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours while it absorbs the grease from the stains.
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe the paste away and immediately dispose of the paste and grease waste.
Wipe the area clean with another clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this baking soda paste technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2, 4-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Instructions for Baking Soda Paste On Grease Stains (For Glass and Electric Stovetops’ Grease Drip Pans):

In a small bowl, mix some baking soda with enough warm water to make a paste.

Make enough paste to generously cover the grease drip pans completely.

After removing the grease drip pans, which are obviously covered in grease stains, wash them with a mixture of liquid dish soap and hot water in your sink.

Let them soak in the soapy water for 15 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly, then apply the paste to the grease drip pans with a clean cloth, sponge, or paintbrush.
Gently work the paste into the pans, place them in gallon-sized zipper-lock plastic bags, and then let them sit anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours while the paste absorbs the grease from the pans and they ‘self-clean.’
Remove the pans from the bags, return them to your sink and scrub the paste, grease, and gunk away using a soft scrub brush and a microfiber cloth.
Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this baking soda paste technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2, 4-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

#4 Stain Removal Method 3: White Vinegar (Optional-Choice Of Technique)

White vinegar is a common household product widely known as an excellent cleaning agent due to its acetic acid properties, which make it extremely effective at cutting through grease and removing grease stains from stovetops of all kinds.

Vinegar is used in several ways to remove grease stains from stovetops – as a spray with baking soda (see Step #3), mixed with baking soda into a paste (see Step #3), as a spray mixed with water (see Step#4 – this step), as a spray mixed with lemon juice (see Step#4 – this step), and as a finishing touch (see Step#7).

Vinegar is also used to remove grease from gas stovetops’ stove burners (metal grates) by soaking in plastic bags (see Step#4 – this step); ammonia is used as an alternative to vinegar in this process.

Instructions for vinegar as a Spray Mixed with Lemon Juice on Grease Stains (For Glass. Electric, and Gas Stovetops):

In a clean spray bottle, mix 1-part lemon juice with 1-part white vinegar.
Spray the lemon juice and vinegar solution over the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop.
Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub the stains and areas with a damp microfiber cloth, then wipe the grease off your stovetop.
Wipe the stovetop clean with another clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this lemon juice and vinegar solution technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-3, 5-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Instructions for Vinegar to Soak in Zipper-Lock Plastic Bags (For Gas Stovetops’ Stove Burners – Metal Grates):

In a clean spray bottle, mix 1-part white vinegar with 2-parts water.
Spray the vinegar and water solution over the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop.
Wipe the stovetop clean with another clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this vinegar and water solution technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-3, 5-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Instructions for vinegar as a Spray Mixed with Water on Grease Stains (For Glass and Electric Stovetops):

After removing the stove burners (metal grates) from the stovetop, place them in your sink to soak a mixture of mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn or Joy, and hot water to loosen any grease stains from them.

Let them soak for 10 minutes.

Use a cloth and soft scrub brush or toothbrush to remove any grease stain or caked-on deposits.

Place the grates in gallon-sized zipper-lock plastic bags filled with vinegar or, as an alternative, 2 cups of ammonia, and let them sit overnight, breaking down the grease from the grates.
The next morning, remove the grates from the bags, return them to your sink and scrub the vinegar or ammonia, grease, and gunk away using a soft scrub brush and a microfiber cloth.
Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel.
If the grease stains persist or if you’d rather not use this vinegar or ammonia technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-3, 5-6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

#5 Stain Removal Method 4: Commercial Grease Stain Remover (Optional-Choice Of Technique)

An effective grease stain removal method is to use a commercial grease stain remover, which are commercial stain removing products made to remove grease stains and safe for use on stovetop surfaces – especially if your grease stains are stubborn enough to need something stronger to remove them than the already mentioned methods.

Many of these cleaners are already part of your household cleaning toolkit as they are also used to remove grease, and other stains, from surfaces other than stovetops.

Apply the commercial grease stain remover of choice to the grease stains and greasy areas on the stovetop with a microfiber cloth.
Allow the product to sit on the grease for the recommended time per the package instructions.
Wipe the stovetop clean using a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this commercial grease stain remover method, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-4, 6.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

#6 Stain Removal Method 5: Additional Techniques (Optional-Choice Of Technique)

There are quite a few additional stain removal techniques, tricks, and methods for removing grease stains from stovetops worth briefly mentioning, and they are:

Boiling Water – Boiling water makes an effective grease stain remover from stovetops, and it’s 100% eco-friendly and simple to use, but be incredibly careful not to burn yourself as boiling water is extremely hot and can be dangerous.

Gently and extremely cautiously, pour a small amount of boiling water over the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop (any kind).
Let the boiling water sit until it completely cools, enabling the grease to be easily wiped away.
Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the stovetop clean from grease.
If necessary, add a bit of liquid dish soap, like Dawn or Joy, to a sponge and scrub stubborn spots.
Again, with a cloth dampened with clean water, wipe down the stovetop to clean it from all grease.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this boiling water technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-5.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Single-Edged or Razor Scraper – A single-edged or razor scraper can be effectively used to remove burned-on grease stains from glass stovetops.

Wipe the glass stovetop down with a damp cloth to remove any debris and loosen up any burned-on or baked-in grease stains.
Hold the single-edged or razor scraper at a 40-45-degree angle to the surface of the stovetop and apply pressure, but not too much, to scrape away the residue while being careful not to scratch the surface.
Remove the waste by wiping the stovetop with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
With another cloth dampened with clean water, wipe the area again to clean the stovetop of all remaining grease.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this single-edged or razor scraper technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-5.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Coca-Cola – makes an effective grease stain remover from many surfaces, including stovetops.

Gently and carefully pour a small amount of Coca-Cola over the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop (any kind).
Let the Coca-Cola sit and fizz on the grease stains for 5 minutes or so.
Scrub the Coca-Cola into the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop with a damp cloth or soft scrubber sponge.
Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the stovetop clean from Coca-Cola and removed grease.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this Coca-Cola technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-5.

If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

Vegetable or Olive Oil – makes an effective grease stain remover from stovetops as the oil will help to loosen up the grease making it easier to wipe away.

Gently and carefully pour a small amount of vegetable or olive oil over the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop (any kind).
Let the oil sit on the grease stains for a few minutes.
Scrub the oil into the grease stains and greasy areas on your stovetop with a damp cloth.
Spray the stovetop with an all-purpose cleaner, like ECOS Non-Toxic Orange All-Purpose Cleaner, which is available on Amazon.

Pro Tip:

Be sure to choose a non-bleach enhanced cleaner or one that does not contain bleach as bleach can be harmful to your stovetop’s surface.

Allow the cleaner to sit, following the recommended package instructions.
Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth, to wipe the stovetop clean from vegetable or olive oil, all-purpose cleaner, and grease.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.
Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the grease stain persists or if you’d rather not use this vegetable or olive oil technique, choose another stain removal method from steps #2-5.
If the grease stain is completely gone, proceed to step #7, Finishing Touches.

#7 Finishing Touches

After using any number of stain removers required to have fully removed the grease stains and greasy areas from your stove, you’re ready to put some finishing touches on your stovetop to make it look sparkling clean and shiny again.

There are a couple of good ideas to finish off your stovetop to make it sparkle.

First, the knobs, if they’re removable and especially if they have some grease build upon them.

Remove the knobs and let them soak in hot, soapy water for a few minutes.
Scrub at the greasy build-up with a toothbrush or soft scrubber sponge.
Wipe them clean with a cloth or sponge.
Rinse the knobs thoroughly, dry them completely, and replace them.

Second, you’ll want to give the stovetop a finishing shine, also removing any streaks or smudges.

Using a damp microfiber cloth, add a little vinegar or rubbing alcohol and wipe down the stovetop.
Take a dry cloth and buff the stovetop for a further shine!

Commonly Asked Questions

How do you get rid of the grease on Stove Eyes (Glass Stovetops)?

-This is a great question!

The stove eyes, or rings around the burners on glass stovetops, make it harder to get rid of grease due to their being so close to the heat of the burners really baking that grease onto the glass of the stovetop.

There are special cleaners specifically for glass stovetops, like Weiman Glass Cooktop Heavy Duty Cleaner & Polish, which is available on Amazon, we have found to be well-suited to this task.

Apply the cleaner, like Weiman Glass Cooktop Heavy Duty Cleaner & Polish, on the greasy stains according to the package instructions.
Let the product sit for a minimum of 5 minutes so it can begin to loosen the grease but follow the product’s package instructions for the appropriate length of ‘sit’ time.
Wipe the stove eyes, or rings, using a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

Pro Tip:

If you need a scrubber to use on a glass stovetop, wrap a plastic spatula in a microfiber cloth and use that instead of anything that could potentially scratch the glass on your cooktop.

Repeat a few times if necessary.
Dry the stovetop with a clean microfiber cloth or towel.

Is baking soda damaging to stainless steel stoves?

-No, baking soda is not damaging to stainless steel, and it’s one of the highest recommended cleaners among common household products, along with vinegar.

Is vinegar damaging to stainless steel stoves?

-No, Vinegar is not damaging to stainless steel either, and it’s also one of the highest recommended cleaners among common household products, along with baking soda.

Conclusion

Have you enjoyed learning how to remove grease stains from stoves?

It doesn’t take too much effort, product, or money to do it yourself – it just takes knowing what to do and what to use!

All of that is better than having to live with yucky, greasy stovetops – possibly affecting your family’s health and sending a bad impression of your kitchen to those who see it.

Make your stove sparkling clean and shiny again!