It might seem like trying to keep grease away from a kitchen where food is made regularly is near impossible. Sometimes, you're just focused on getting your meals cooked on time instead of keeping track of where the grease ends up—and by the time you finish, it's already sticky.
We won't lie; preventing grease in your kitchen is not an easy task, but it is achievable. Here, you'll find a few effective tips to deal with grease so it doesn't spread to the rest of your kitchen whenever you're cooking. Take a look!
Tip #1. Try other cooking methods
The way you cook plays a crucial role in preventing grease buildup. Opting for techniques that produce less grease or prevent splatters can significantly reduce the amount of cleanup needed afterward.
Here are a couple of cooking habits that will help you lower the chances of spreading grease to your surroundings:
Cook slower
When you rush through cooking, you're more likely to create spills and splatters due to abrupt movements. So, take your time and be patient while cooking. By doing so, you'll have better control overall, reducing the chances of oil and grease splattering around your kitchen.
Also, going slow will increase your chances of spotting any rogue spills that could happen during the process and cleaning them up on the spot. In short, slow cooking allows the oil to stay where it's supposed to be: in the pan, not on your countertops and floors.
Lower temps
When cooking oil reaches a certain temperature threshold, it starts to burn instead of just glistening. As oil starts to burn, it becomes unstable and causes splatters. Keep the heat controlled when cooking to minimize this issue—lower the flame whenever possible.
As a secondary benefit, low temperatures also help food cook more evenly and retain moisture, resulting in delicious meals with less mess to clean up afterward. So, next time you're frying or sautéing, dial down the heat a bit and enjoy a cleaner cooking experience.
Cook different dishes
Another way to combat grease buildup in your kitchen is to diversify the meals you prepare. Instead of meals that require frying, try baking, grilling, or steaming alternatives. This way, you won't only reduce the amount of grease produced but also enjoy healthier alternatives.
By making this simple switch in your cooking routine, you can significantly decrease the amount of grease that accumulates in your kitchen over time.
Tip #2. Keep your counters clear
Grease is pretty sticky, so the more surfaces grease has to fall on, the more you'll have to deal with it. Also, cluttered areas create hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, which further help with grease buildup.
To minimize grease accumulation, keep your kitchen counters as clear as possible. Store items like extra dinnerware, mail or receipts, and unused appliances. Leave out only the stuff you use all the time or not practical to put away and take out every time you need them.
On top of less space for grease to stick, a well-organized kitchen space saves you from bigger messes when cooking. If you happen to spill grease or oil on your counters, there's less chance of spreading to nearby surfaces, as it could happen in a messy environment.
Tip #3. Cover nearby surfaces with aluminum foil
Whenever you're cooking fatty or oily meals, take that aluminum roll out and cover surfaces around your stove. Once you're done cooking, you'll just need to lift the foil and throw it in the trash, leaving your items clean and grease-free.
Although it may sound a little unconventional, you can also place aluminum foil over nearby kitchenware or appliances to protect them from grease splatters and spills.
Tip #4. Put parchment paper on top of cabinets
The top of cabinets can be a hassle to clean regularly due to their height, making it a prime spot for grease accumulation. Save yourself the hassle and cover the top of your cabinets with parchment paper.
Similar to aluminum foil, placing parchment paper on top of your cabinets acts as a barrier, catching grease and preventing it from sticking directly to the cabinet surface. Simply replace the parchment paper periodically to keep your cabinets looking clean and grease-free.
Tip #5. Clean right away after cooking
While it may be tempting to put off cleaning until later, taking a few minutes to clean right after cooking can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
A quick wipe-down of countertops, stovetops, and other surfaces can help prevent grease from building up and becoming more difficult to remove later. It doesn't have to be a deep clean; just a simple wipe with soapy water and a damp cloth will do the trick.
Tip #7. Invest in specialized kitchen items
If you're up for some fancier solutions and don't mind spending a few bucks, there are a couple of options you can choose from. These items will help you keep your kitchen free from greasy messes without much effort:
- Splatter screen. These handy tools sit over your pans while cooking, acting as a barrier to prevent grease from escaping. Not only do splatter screens help keep your kitchen cleaner, but they also reduce the risk of burns from hot oil splashing.
- Oil splash guard. Similar to splatter screens, these items block oil splashes from getting to the areas around your stove. Splash guards come in handy if the dish you're preparing needs constant input. Just set them up while you're cooking and clean them when you're done.
- Range hood. Range hoods prevent grease splattering by capturing airborne grease particles with ventilation and exhaust systems, containing cooking vapors in the hood area, and improving air quality.
- Air fryer. Air fryers use hot air for cooking food, eliminating the need for excess oil typically used in frying. Besides, if you use oil, its enclosed design prevents any exterior messes, and its drip tray makes cleaning these appliances easier!
Extra tip: Let Rain City Maids clean the kitchen!
One more way to keep your kitchen free of grease stains is by cleaning it regularly. If you don't have the time or are not in the mood, we can do it for you! Our cleaning staff follows a thorough checklist that ensures your kitchen (and your whole house) is dirt-free after every visit!
