Homemade Degreaser with Bicarbonate of Soda and Washing-Up Liquid

In many kitchens, grease gradually builds up on hobs, tiles and worktops, even when they are cleaned regularly. In these situations, a homemade degreaser with bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid can be a straightforward, inexpensive and easy-to-make option. It can help lift accumulated grease from various surfaces, provided it is used carefully and with a few basic precautions.

What is a degreaser with bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid?

A degreaser made with bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid is a home-prepared cleaning solution containing water, bicarbonate of soda and either mild washing-up liquid or standard washing-up liquid. It brings together the grease-cutting action of the detergent with the mild abrasive and alkaline qualities of bicarbonate of soda, helping to remove grease and food residue.

The mixture can be used on surfaces including hobs, ovens, tiles, cooker hoods and even pans with stubborn dirt. It is often of interest to people wishing to use fewer harsher products, as the concentration can be adapted to the degree of dirt and to the kitchen cleaning routine.

How do you make a powerful degreaser with bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid?

To make a powerful degreaser using bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid, begin with a basic recipe and adapt it to household needs. The solution can provide a good yield for light everyday cleaning as well as deeper cleans; simply alter the amount of each ingredient.

Here is a suggested set of quantities for approximately 500 ml of homemade kitchen cleaner:

• 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda;
• 2 tablespoons of washing-up liquid, preferably mild or clear;
• 500 ml of warm or room-temperature water;
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of white spirit vinegar, if the surface is suitable;
• 1 clean spray bottle or thoroughly washed plastic bottle for storage.

Making it is straightforward: pour the water into the bottle, dissolve the bicarbonate of soda, then add the washing-up liquid gradually while stirring gently. If you choose to use it, add the vinegar last. Shake lightly, label the contents with the preparation date and preferably use within 30 days, shaking before every application.

Where can bicarbonate of soda degreaser be used and what precautions are needed?

Bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid degreaser is generally used in kitchen areas that are regularly exposed to grease. It usually works well when applied straight onto the dirt and left for a few minutes before being scrubbed with a sponge or soft cloth.

Common application areas include the following, always taking the material of each surface into account:

• Hob: the surface, sides and pan supports, while avoiding electronic components;
• Oven: inner walls, door and racks, while observing coating requirements;
• Tiles and walls close to food preparation areas;
• Cooker hood and extractor fan, especially greasy metal sections;
• Worktops and sinks made from stainless steel or granite that are suitable for mildly alkaline products.

Before widespread use, test the mixture in an inconspicuous spot. Avoid using it on marble and highly porous stone, never combine it with bleach, and rinse sensitive metals thoroughly. For buttons and control panels, apply the product to a slightly damp cloth rather than spraying it directly.

How can you improve the degreaser’s effect in your kitchen routine?

To make the degreaser more effective, use it soon after preparing food, while the grease has not yet fully dried. In kitchens where frying is frequent, this small habit change can greatly limit the formation of difficult crusts and reduce the time needed for intensive cleaning.

Another useful point is that combining small measures can substantially improve results: remove excess dirt with kitchen roll, use warm water when rinsing, and leave the product on the most problematic areas for 5 to 10 minutes. Finishing with a microfibre cloth helps create shine, reduce marks and keep hobs, tiles and worktops in better condition over time.