The Ingredient That'll Help Clean Up Grease Splatters In The Kitchen

Friends are begging you to make your famous crispy Italian chicken cutlets for the upcoming neighborhood potluck dinner party, but you're hesitant because you know frying all that fowl is going to turn your kitchen into a hot mess. Whether it's cutlets, bacon, or sautéed vegetables, cooking with oil can leave nasty marks on your stovetop, and your backsplash, and your cabinets, and you get the greasy picture. Cleaning oil splatters from virtually every corner of your kitchen can be a real pain unless you unleash the secret powers of a humble pantry staple. A little cornstarch can go a long way to quickly and easily erase grease stains from kitchen surfaces.

The smell of deep-fried anything is highly intoxicating. Unfortunately, the sight of tiny grease droplets peppering your countertops is far less exhilarating. What's more, the longer you allow oil spatters to sit, the harder they are to erase. For most homeowners, cleaning up fat-laden residue means reaching for a bottle of traditional chemical degreaser. However, thanks to the naturally absorbent properties of cornstarch, you can eliminate grease drops in an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way.

The carbohydrate, which is extracted from corn and processed into a powdery substance, contains tiny abrasive granules that make it ideal for soaking up and scrubbing off grease from a variety of kitchen materials, from wood to granite. However, given that the pantry essential is made from corn, if you have a corn allergy, it's best to wear gloves while cleaning with it.

It's hard not to become overwhelmed when seeing hundreds of grease droplets clinging to nearly every inch of your chic kitchen backsplash and countertops. Fortunately, you have a safe remedy in cornstarch that won't damage the finishes on your natural kitchen surfaces. To eliminate grease stains from wood, quartz, marble, or granite, immediately sprinkle a liberal amount of cornstarch on the affected area and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Next, use a mixture of mild soap and water to wipe off the powder. For tougher grease stains, lightly spray the spots with distilled water before dousing them with a thick layer of cornstarch. Allow the paste to dry for at least 24 hours, then scrub with a damp, clean cloth.

When tackling cooktops riddled with grease spots, start by mixing 1 part water with 2 parts of cornstarch to make a thick slurry-like substance. Smear the DIY cleaner on the soiled parts of your range and gently scrub before wiping off any remaining cornstarch with a clean rag. If grease has splattered on neighboring pots and pans during the cooking process, sprinkle a little cornstarch on the oil marks, then scrub the areas with a sponge until the stains lift. Finally, to rid glass of unsightly grease splatters, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and shake thoroughly. Then spritz the oil marks and wipe away with a microfiber cloth.