Cleaning experts share the best way to clean a greasy kitchen backsplash

The right kitchen backsplash can add some style to your space. But it can also be a magnet for oil splatters and other grime. We tapped cleaning experts to explain how to clean grease off your kitchen backsplash.

'Grease doesn't just collect on countertops and cooktops. Airborne grease particles can settle on backsplashes over time, creating a sticky film that's easy to miss until it becomes difficult to remove,' said Noah Pinsonnault of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab.

Different backsplash surfaces require different cleaning methods and products. Natural stone is porous, so you'll want to be especially careful when cleaning it. Glazed tile, glass, and vinyl backsplashes are a bit tougher, but you'll still want to avoid damaging the surface with abrasive cleaners.

Below, experts explain the best ways to get grease off your kitchen backsplash, no matter what type of surface you're working with. If you're planning a deep clean of the kitchen, read up on the best way to clean greasy kitchen cabinets, the easiest way to clean a microwave, and the expert guide to cleaning an oven inside and out.

How to clean different backsplash materials

Natural stone backsplash

This category includes marble, granite, quartz, and brick.

What to avoid: Because natural stone is porous, make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals and acidic cleaning solutions such as vinegar and lemon. Additionally, stay away from abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch the stone's surface and make it more susceptible to stains and permanent damage. 'If your backsplash is made from natural stone, keeping it properly sealed can make a big difference,' says Pinsonnault. 'A good sealer helps limit grease absorption and makes routine cleaning easier.'

What to use: Use a mild, pH neutral dish soap such as Fairy Liquid, which effectively cuts through grease and a non-abrasive cleaning sponge or microfibre cloth. Alternately, you can use a commercial cleaning solution specifically designated for natural stone.

Cleaning method:

1. Add warm water to a clean spray bottle, then add a couple of drops of mild washing-up liquid and shake well to combine.
2. Generously spray the greasy backsplash with the solution from top to bottom, ensuring even coverage.
3. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for a minute or so.
4. Grab a clean, dry microfibre cloth or non-abrasive sponge and dampen it with warm water, then start wiping down the backsplash, working in sections from top to bottom. Make sure to rinse the cleaning cloth with warm water after every couple of sections to make sure you're not spreading grease around.
5. Lastly, take a clean, dry microfibre cloth and wipe the backsplash dry to prevent water spots from forming.

Glazed ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile backsplash

Glazed ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles are not porous in the same way as natural stone, so they're easier to maintain. Note that ceramic tile that is not glazed is porous and different from glazed ceramic tile. The right cleaner is key, Pinsonnault says. 'For glazed tile and glass backsplashes, a low-residue cleaner can help maintain shine and reduce the amount of buffing needed after cleaning,' he says.

What to avoid: Do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools to prevent surface scratches and damage.

What to use: Use a tile-specific all-purpose cleaning spray or make your own cleaning solution using washing-up liquid and warm water, or equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water.

Cleaning method:

1. If you're making your own cleaning solution, mix it directly in a clean spray bottle, either combining warm water with a couple of drops of washing-up liquid or equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Shake well to combine.
2. Generously spray the backsplash from top to bottom and allow the cleaning solution to sit for a minute or so.
3. Grab a non-abrasive sponge or a microfibre cloth dampened with water and wipe down the sprayed backsplash, working in sections from top to bottom. Rinse the cloth as needed.
4. Take another microfibre cloth, dampen it with warm water, and wipe the kitchen backsplash clean to remove any residue.
5. Lastly, immediately dry the backsplash with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to avoid water spots from forming on the surface.

Vinyl peel-and-stick backsplash

A vinyl peel-and-stick backsplash is both easy to install and clean. Before you start cleaning, be sure the product is in fact waterproof. In the case of a vinyl backsplash, since the "tiled" and "grout" portions are made of the same material, there is no need to clean the grout separately before you clean the tile.

What to avoid: Do not use any abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch and damage the vinyl surface.

What to use: Use an all-purpose cleaning spray or make your own cleaning solution using water and mild washing-up liquid or equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar.

Cleaning method:

1. Start by spraying the vinyl backsplash either with a store-bought all-purpose cleaning spray or your own cleaning solution. If you are making your own, start with a clean spray bottle and either fill it with warm water and a couple drops of mild washing-up liquid, or equal parts of warm water and distilled white vinegar.
2. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for about a minute.
3. Take a dampened microfibre cloth and wipe the backsplash, working from top to bottom and rinsing the cloth as needed.
4. Grab a clean, dry microfibre cloth and wipe the vinyl backsplash dry to make sure unsightly water spots don't form.

Don't forget to clean the grout

Cleaning the grout is an important pre-step to cleaning the greasy backsplash itself. Whatever material the backsplash is made of, you can either make a cleaning paste by adding enough warm water to bicarbonate of soda to make a spreadable paste, or add a couple of drops of mild, pH neutral washing-up liquid to water and combine to create a sudsy mixture.

Dip a soft bristled brush in either the paste or washing-up liquid solution, and gently scrub the grout, working your way from the top to the bottom of the backsplash. Dampen a clean microfibre cloth with water, and wipe the grout clean. 'Many bathroom cleaners can also be effective in kitchens, particularly for lifting stains and discolouration from grout lines,' Pinsonnault says.

How to clean stubborn grease spots

If you come across any particularly stubborn grease spots or stuck-on dirt, they'll require a little extra attention. In a small bowl, add just enough warm water to bicarbonate of soda to make a thick but spreadable paste. Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dampened microfibre cloth to apply the paste to the stubborn grease spot. Gently rub the dirty area, then wipe it clean with a new microfibre cloth that's been dampened with water.

Tips for keeping your backsplash clean

• Regularly clean the backsplash to prevent any grease build-up. Once grease starts to accumulate, it becomes harder to clean, plus it dulls the appearance of the material and can even cause permanent damage. For best results, make the chore part of your weekly cleaning routine.
• Whenever you notice fresh grease on the backsplash after cooking a meal, clean it immediately.
• Turn on the range hood vent when you're cooking on the stove. It absorbs grease particles to reduce buildup on surfaces, including the backsplash.
• If you're frying food on the hob, use a splatter guard to reduce the amount of grease that escapes from the pan and onto the backsplash and beyond.
• Keep a non-scratch scrub pad on hand, too. 'When you need a little extra scrubbing power, use a non-scratch scrub pad that's safe for delicate surfaces. It can help loosen stuck-on grease without damaging the finish,' Pinsonnault says.
• If you have a natural stone backsplash, make sure you keep up with regular maintenance. This includes sealing the porous surface every six to 12 months.
  
  

Reviewed byCarolyn Forté

Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.