Step 2a: Sprinkle baking soda on damp sponge

We've all experienced it: caked-on grease. Whether you've moved into a new apartment and discovered that, while appearing clean from afar, the cabinets or stove have a grimy, sticky film that seems impenetrable. Or perhaps you have a flatmate who just doesn't see the splatters after he or she cooks. I've compiled a simple how-to for cleaning up the mess with basic items you already have in your kitchen.

What You Need

Materials
Vinegar, Baking Soda and/or Vegetable Oil

Equipment
Dishcloth, Sponge and/or Non-Abrasive Scrubber
Spray Bottle

Instructions

1. Cleaning sticky residue from stove tops and cabinets can be done with vinegar. Pour undiluted vinegar into spray bottle and spray onto surface. Let sit for several minutes. Wipe clean with dishcloth or non-abrasive scrubber.

2. To use baking soda as a great non-abrasive cleaner for range hoods and appliances, put some baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe the surface down. Follow with a clean cloth to catch any powder residue.

3. If all else fails, a surprising fact is that grease removes grease. So, a natural vegetable oil on a paper towel can remove a difficult greasy stain on an appliance. Follow with one of the methods above for that like-new sparkle.

4. For really difficult cake-on grease on stove burners, there is a phosphate-free version of TSP (trisodium phosphate) called TSP-PF that is a great replacement for the toxic, heavy duty cleaners that we all want to avoid.

(Images: Michelle Chin)