Is vinegar good for removing grease?

The Real Deal on Using Vinegar to Remove Grease

Vinegar is a versatile and inexpensive cleaning product that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home, such as kitchen countertops, floors, and even windows. When it comes to removing grease, however, vinegar may not be the best option. Here's what you should know.

Why Vinegar Might Not Be Effective for Grease

While vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent, it is acidic. That is, while it can degrade and dissolve certain substances, it may not be effective at removing grease. Grease is composed of fatty acids, and acidic products such as vinegar will not dissolve it effectively. Instead, an alkaline cleaner is required to break down the grease and remove it from your surfaces.

What is More Effective for Grease?

If you want to get rid of grease from your kitchen surfaces, use an alkaline cleaner. Dishwashing liquid or even regular soap can be more effective at removing grease from your dishes and pans. You can also make an alkaline paste with baking soda and apply it to the greasy surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush and rinsing.

When Should You Use Vinegar?

While vinegar may not be the best option for removing grease, it is an excellent product for cleaning and disinfecting other kitchen surfaces. It can be used to clean countertops, floors, and appliances. Because vinegar is a natural disinfectant, it can also be used to clean cutting boards, sponges, and other kitchen tools.

While vinegar is a versatile and inexpensive cleaning solution, it may not be the best choice for removing grease. Grease is composed of fatty acids, and acidic products such as vinegar will not dissolve it effectively. Instead, use an alkaline cleaner, such as dishwashing liquid or even regular soap, to dissolve the grease and remove it from your surfaces. However, vinegar is still an excellent product for cleaning and disinfecting other kitchen surfaces.