This seems to be a very common problem for many of you so I thought I’d address it today. Here’s an email from one of my readers:
“We recently moved, and have found a problem that I cannot clean! There is a thick, oily residue on the underside and top of our microwave as well as a rough layer of the same on the cabinets above the microwave. I’ve tried cleaning it with a Magic Eraser and baking soda and it didn’t touch it. If you have any ideas, I would be seriously grateful!“
Unfortunately I know exactly what you’re talking about. When we moved into a rental a few years ago we had the same problem and it was so gross. Fortunately there is a very simple solution for this problem.
White vinegar.
White vinegar is really good at cutting through grease and it is the only thing I’ve found that works for getting rid of the yellow, gooey-grossness.
Here’s how to get rid of it:
3. After the five minutes spray the area again and then use a damp rag, or sponge to scrub it off.
**Depending on how “thick” the grease build-up is, you might have to repeat the process a couple of times.**
After getting all the grease off the cupboards and microwave make sure to get in the habit of wiping those areas down every time you fry something, this will prevent future build-up.
Anna, Love your blog soooo much! I was searching but couldnt find anything about window washing. What is your solution for streak free windows inside and out. I have tried every thing but cant seem to find a good product that works. I would appreciate any tips. Thanks!!!!
Carol here is a post I wrote on washing windows. Basic H is also good for small jobs but if you’re washing all of them inside and out definitely use the method in this post: https://askannamoseley.com/2012/04/spring-cleaning-washing-windows-more/
Anna 🙂
I wondered if this would also work on toasters and other appliances with a plastic type covering instead of stainless steel? I’ve tried everything I could think of already.
On another note – I’ve been trying to sign up to follow on feedburner but the confirmation email doesn’t come through to my hotmail address. Any ideas?
Hmmm, I’m not sure about the Feedburner problem, I would try it again because maybe something was wrong with Feedburner that day. As for the toasters and other appliances I think this would work great for them. Vinegar is a really mild cleaner so it would be safe for any of those things.
Anna 🙂
Thank you so much for this. I travel a lot, and my husband likes fried foods, but doesn’t like to clean up after himself. When I’m gone a for a week or more this stuff hardens into varnish. I have struggled with all sorts of things. This worked.