TikTok Shares An Oven Cleaner Hack For Greasy Countertops (But Should You Try It?)

Banishing countertop stains can be a tricky thing to do, but one TikTok hack claims to have found an easy fix with oven cleaner. A video by the TikTok user @she_makeitpop demonstrates a simple way to remove grease stains from granite countertops using Easy Off oven and grill cleaner. The end result is a shiny countertop without visible blemishes. It may seem like a magic bullet solution, but the truth is that it may lead to bigger issues down the line. Abrasive cleaners like Easy Off are not safe to use on most countertop materials. Long-term use will likely cause visible blemishes that are much harder to treat than those original grease stains.

In the video, the TikToker coats the entire countertop with the cleaning spray, leaves it to set for 24 hours by covering the surface with a plastic bag, then removes the plastic and wipes it down with a wet cloth. Not only is the oven cleaner itself unsafe for many countertop types, but leaving it to set all day and night could cause even further damage. Let's dive into the effects of oven cleaner on your kitchen surfaces, and effective non-toxic alternatives to try instead.

Although it seems like a quick and effective solution, there are downsides to using oven cleaner on countertops. Over time, it will damage all types of materials, including natural stone surfaces such as marble, quartz, and granite, as well as composite materials such as laminate. In fact, any countertop that is treated with sealant, including wood, is at risk of developing surface damage from oven cleaner.

The effects may not be immediate, but long-term use will likely lead to scratches, discoloration, and fading. That's because abrasive cleaners contain harsh chemical ingredients that deteriorate sealant and cause damage to the stone, particularly marble and granite, especially after prolonged use. This will eventually lead to stains, as the stone will begin to absorb the liquid. The TikTok hack also involves leaving the oven cleaner to set for 24 hours. This is especially harmful for quartz countertops because it could cause a chemical reaction with the stone's materials that leads to visible fading and discoloration.

With all of this being said, there are several other ways to remove stains on your countertop that are gentler and just as effective. The best way to lift oil stains on granite countertops is to create a paste with baking soda, water, and optionally, hydrogen peroxide. This also works well on engineered materials and other types of natural stone. There are other unconventional ingredients you can use to clean stained marble, such as vodka. Deeper stains should always be looked at by an expert, as professional treatment and re-sealing may be necessary.