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The Spruce / Alli Waataja
We’ve all been there: No matter how much elbow grease you put into a gross, grimy oven, sometimes scrubbing and hours of soaking won’t work wonders. That’s why we suggest investing in a trusty and powerful degreaser. Whether it’s a splattered oven, the kitchen range hood, or your dirty car tires, an effective degreaser has plenty of uses.
“Sometimes you just need some extra cleaning power to help cut through the grease and those burnt-on messes,” said Brian Sansoni, senior vice president, communications, outreach and membership at the American Cleaning Institute.
Take one look at the cleaning aisle, and you’ll find that a lot (and we mean a lot) of products are out there. To cut through all that grease, we carefully researched and evaluated a long list of degreasers.
If you have several sticky solutions around the house, we’ve got more cleaning power in store. Check out our top list of degreasers!
Best Overall
Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser
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Amazon
Safe for a variety of surfaces
Foam cleaner is easy to apply
Works on baked-on food
Strong scent
This degreaser is mild enough to work on precious surfaces and kitchen counters. But it still delivers a powerful clean that dissolves grease, oil, and other debris. Goo Gone can also be used on sealed natural stone and granite countertops. It's also safe for dishes and cook surfaces, plus it works well on baked-on food.
We especially like that this cleaner has a foam spray formula. That makes it easy to apply to targeted areas without wasting any of the solution. Debris will lift up, and then you'll just wipe it away. For really sticky or greasy messes, it’s best to let the foam sit on the surface for up to two minutes, and wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
The citrus scent is nice for kitchen spaces, but is pretty strong. If you plan to use it in a bathroom or other closed space, make sure that you have a fan or another way to ventilate.
Price at time of publish: $13
Type: Foaming spray | Amount: 28 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-purpose | Scent: Citrus
Best Budget
Comet Cleaner with Bleach
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Walmart
Works on many surfaces
Deodorizes and cleans
Helps with soap scum, too
Can be harsh on skin
Not safe for non-sealed surfaces
This reliable cleaner from old-school brand Comet is a budget-friendly option that works on a variety of surfaces without scratching. All you need to do is sprinkle the powder on your surface, mix it with a bit of water, and scrub to get rid of grease and oil. It’s also effective on soap scum and stains. Plus, it’s safe for sealed surfaces, including granite, marble, ceramic, porcelain, and stainless steel. And it deodorizes your space, making it a great option for bathrooms and showers.
You'll need to have access to water nearby and a cloth that is made for your surface. The solution can be harsh and irritating to the skin. That's why we think it’s best to wear gloves to protect your hands when using Comet. The bleach in the formula can be strong and makes it a questionable option for non-sealed surfaces.
Depending on what you are cleaning, though, that may not make a difference. Reach for Comet, and you’ll find that it’s a tough, versatile cleaner.
Price at time of publish: $1
Type: Powder | Amount: 21 oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-purpose | Scent: Unscented
Best Multi-Surface
Greased Lightning Super Strength Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser
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Walmart
Versatile
Safe for porous and non-porous surfaces
Cleans various messes
Harsh on skin and eyes
What do we love the most about this degreaser? First, there are plenty of places that you can use the Greased Lightning Super Strength solution, including porous and non-porous surfaces. It also works on a variety of grimy conditions, such as dirt and mud, grease in the kitchen or grill, and food and wine stains on fabrics. It really is a do-it-all cleaner.
Because it is a strong cleaning agent, you should be careful to avoid contact with your skin and eyes. Many people prefer to use it with gloves to protect their skin from potentially irritating ingredients. It’s also important to use it in a ventilated area and rinse surfaces thoroughly after using, especially those that will come into contact with food, such as the kitchen counter or on cook surfaces.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-purpose | Scent: Unscented
Best by Room
Best for Kitchens
Easy-Off Kitchen Degreaser
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Amazon
Works on all kitchen surfaces
Clearly labeled closure
Can take care of a variety of kitchen messes
Strong scent
You can use this degreaser to clean everything in your kitchen where grease splatters and accumulates, including the stove and oven, microwave, backsplash, countertops, and sink. You can also use this solution for everyday cleaning in the kitchen, reducing the need for keeping a lot of extra products on hand. The spray nozzle is clearly labeled on and off, so you can store it in your kitchen without worrying about accidentally spraying it.
But it does have a lemon fresh scent that some people may find overpowering. You can easily open a window or run a fan to increase the ventilation to your kitchen while you clean.
Price at time of publish: $4
Type: Spray | Amount: 16 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-purpose | Scent: Lemon
Best Automotive
Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser
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Amazon
Works on a lot of car surfaces
Refill is cost-effective
Great for tools, too
Needs to be rinsed after cleaning
The Chemical Guys have a great range of cleaning products for automotive needs. The Orange Degreaser is a spray that works on tires, engines, and car exteriors. It is also safe for tools and equipment, as well as other garage surfaces and work spaces. It works by breaking down grease and other debris. You'll need to rinse the surface when you are done.
The 16-ounce spray bottle is a bit pricey, but it is very effective. You can also buy a gallon liquid solution concentrate refill. We think it's a cost-effective way to refill the bottle. The rinsing step is easy when you are outside, but may be difficult if you are trying to clean your car in the garage.
Price at time of purchase: $10
Type: Spray | Amount: 16 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Cars, Tools, Garage spaces | Scent: Orange
Best Outdoor
Oil Eater Original Cleaner Degreaser
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Amazon
Works for large-scale cleaning
Can be used with laundry
Affordable in large quantity
Needs to be diluted
Requires a separate application method
If you need to clean greasy outdoor spaces, such as grills, garages, and others, it’s likely that you’ll need a larger quantity of cleaning solution. The one gallon concentrate from Oil Eater is perfect for large-scale application or for mixing in a smaller spray bottle. You can use it on floors and walls, grills, stovetops and vent fans, patios and porches, and even on laundry as a pre-wash treatment for grease and stains.
You'll need a sprayer as well as a way to dilute concentrated solution. It's also safe for use in pressure washers to get a deep clean on decks and even boats. Because it is a concentrated solution, make sure to take care not to get it in your eyes or on your skin.
Price at time of publish: $12
Type: Liquid | Amount: 1 gallon | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-purpose | Scent: Fresh Lemon
Best by Type
Best Eco-friendly
Method Heavy Duty Degreaser
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Amazon
Natural cleaning agents
Nice scent
Works with line of Method cleaning products
Expensive
You can get great degreasing power while still keeping eco-friendly ingredients in the formula. The degreasing agent is citric acid, which is derived from lemon juice and common as a cleaning agent and disinfectant. The lemongrass scent comes from essential oils, which may be easier for people with sensitivities to chemical fragrances.
For its size and cleaning power, Method is a bit more expensive than some other solutions. It works with other Method cleaning products in the line, including some that are specifically formulated for surfaces, such as granite or glass.
Price at time of publish: $6
Type: Spray | Amount: 28 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-surface | Scent: Lemongrass
Best Disinfectant
Spray Nine Heavy-Duty Cleaner and Degreaser and Disinfectant
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Amazon
Works on grease, bacteria, mold, and mildew
Safe for many kinds of surfaces
Cost-effective
Larger size requires separate spray bottle
This Spray Nine solution gets rid of germs as well as grease with just one solution. One spray bottle can get rid of dirt, germs, mold and mildew, grease, and stains, and deodorize when it’s all done. It is safe for a variety of surfaces, such as vinyl siding, rubber tires, plastic trash cans, stainless steel grills, and concrete foundations. It can also be used on upholstery in your car and interior surfaces.
The one gallon is the most cost effective, but you'll need to be able to have a separate application method, such as a small spray bottle or a power sprayer. The individual spray bottles are more expensive for the cleaning power and amount, but they won’t require any separate equipment to use.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Liquid | Amount: 1 gallon | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Multi-Purpose | Scent: Unscented
Best Heavy-Duty
Easy-Off Heavy Duty Cleaner Degreaser
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Amazon
Works quickly on stubborn grease
Easy-to-use spray bottle
Quick results
Requires gloves to protect skin
Not safe for all surfaces
The well-known and relied-upon Easy Off formula gets an extra boost that makes it clean grease even more quickly. It breaks up grease and grime, which allows you to wipe and rinse it away within minutes for even the most stubborn messes. The solution comes in an easy-to-use small spray bottle so you don’t need to worry about mixing or diluting. All you have to do is turn the spray nozzle on and start cleaning.
The solution is quite strong, so make sure that you were thick gloves when you use it. It may also be a good idea to wear eye protection while cleaning and ventilating your space. It also isn’t safe for aluminum surfaces. Use it on non-porous surfaces, and make sure that you thoroughly rinse everything with water after cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $7
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 fl.oz. | For Use On/Do Not Use On: Not for aluminum | Scent: Unscented
Our top pick, Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser, is safe and effective on a variety of surfaces and is easy to use with a foam spray formula. Plus, we love how well it works on baked-on food. Comet Cleaner with Bleach is a budget-friendly option that also works on a variety of surfaces and deodorizes as it cleans.
What to Look for in a Degreaser
Type
Degreasers come in liquids, spray formulas, foams, powders, and concentrates. Spray is the most common and easiest way to apply. That's why we love Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser. It's safe and effective on a variety of surfaces and is a cinch to use. Liquids can be used to refill spray bottles and some are concentrated. Powders can be cheaper but need water to be effective.
“You’ll typically just spray on the surface and give it a minute or two to penetrate the heavily soiled surface. Then wipe with a cloth, sponge, or paper towel,” said Brian Sansoni, Senior Vice President, Communications, Outreach and Membership at the American Cleaning Institute. “After wiping up a food contact surface, rinse the surface with water.”
Surface Use
Some of the best degreasers can be used to tackle other messes as well, such as stains, mold, mildew, or general dirt and grime. Heavy-duty solutions can be more effective on grease but may not be safe for all surfaces.
Strength
Just remember that heavy-duty cleaners contain harsh ingredients that make them unsafe for every surface. You may also need to wear gloves or eye protection when using highly concentrated solutions or heavy-duty formulas. Milder options are easier on your skin and can be used around the house, but they might be able to tackle tough grease such as those on cars, grills, or outdoor spaces.
Safety
It’s important to follow all safety precautions, especially when it comes to rinsing. If you use it on a food surface, such as a countertop, it is critical that you rinse before any food comes into contact with the surface. Personal safety, including wearing gloves or eye protection, is a good idea when it comes to using heavy-duty formulas.
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Why do I need a degreaser?
Degreasers work by cutting through and getting rid of grease, baked-on messes and food, and general grime that doesn’t respond to normal cleaners. If you have spaces that tend to get more greasy messes, such as garages or grills, having a degreaser on hand is essential.
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What surfaces can you use degreasers on?
Degreasers can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and garage, and outdoors in most cases. The exact safe surfaces vary depending on the formula. “You can use degreasers on most surfaces, like food preparation areas, oven hoods, pots and pans, stove tops, and countertops. But make sure you check the product label first,” says Sansoni.
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What is the most common feature for degreasers?
A degreasing agent is the most common ingredient in these often water-based solutions. For those with scents, citrus fragrances, such as orange or lemon are the most common. Spray solutions are the most common type, because they are easiest to use.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for degreasers that would work on a variety of surfaces while still being strong enough to tackle tough grease. She also tracked down expert insight from Brian Sansoni, Senior Vice President, Communications, Outreach and Membership at the American Cleaning Institute.