Keeping your backsplash clean is an important part of maintaining your kitchen. The backsplash behind the stove tends to get greasy and grimy from cooking splatters and steam. With regular cleaning, you can keep your backsplash looking fresh and new. Here are some tips on how to effectively clean the backsplash behind your stove.

Why It’s Important to Clean Behind the Stove

The backsplash behind your stove takes a beating. Oil, grease, food splatters, and steam condensation build up on the backsplash over time. This not only looks unsightly, but it can also become a haven for bacteria and germs.

Regular cleaning is essential for a few key reasons:

Aesthetics – Grease and grime make your kitchen look dirty and dingy. A clean backsplash makes your whole kitchen appear cleaner.
Hygiene – Built-up grease is a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular cleaning helps kill germs and keep your kitchen more sanitary.
Prevent Damage – Grease splatters can stain and discolor grout and natural stone backsplashes. Cleaning helps preserve the backsplash.
Avoid Cooking Fires – Grease on the backsplash is a fire hazard. Cleaning removes the grease before it can ignite from stove heat.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning the backsplash behind a stove requires having the right tools and supplies on hand. Here are some must-have items:

Gloves – Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh cleaners.
Old toothbrush or other small brush – This is great for scrubbing in crevices and grout lines.
Cleaning sprays or wipes – Opt for grease-cutting formulas made to tackle kitchen messes.
Baking soda – Baking soda helps remove grease and freshens the area.
Vinegar – Helps cut through grime. Combine with baking soda for light scrubbing.
Small bucket or spray bottle – For applying cleaning solutions to the backsplash surface.
Sponge or soft cloths – For wiping down the backsplash.
Step stool – To reach higher areas comfortably.

Cleaning Methods and Steps

There are a few different methods you can use to effectively clean the backsplash behind a stove:

Daily Light Cleaning

Spray a light daily cleaner or use a grease-cutting wipe to spot clean splatters after each use of the stove. This prevents buildup.
Dip a soft sponge or cloth in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Gently wipe the backsplash surface to remove light grease and grime.
Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

Deep Cleaning

For a more thorough periodic deep cleaning:

Step 1 – Remove Items

Take everything off the backsplash, including pictures, decor items, etc. This allows you to fully access the backsplash.
Remove knobs and controls from the stove if possible.

Step 2 – Mix Cleaning Solution

In a bucket or spray bottle, mix together:
1⁄2 cup warm water
1⁄4 cup dish soap
1⁄4 cup vinegar
1 tbsp baking soda
The baking soda and vinegar will lightly fizz and react together, helping lift grease.

Step 3 – Apply Cleaner

Spray or wipe the cleaning solution liberally over the entire backsplash surface.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so it can penetrate and loosen the grease.

Step 4 – Scrub and Wipe Away

Scrub all areas of the backsplash thoroughly using a brush or sponge. Get into grout lines and crevices.
Wipe away excess grime and suds with a damp cloth.
Rinse the backsplash surface with clean water to remove residue.
Dry completely with a lint-free towel.

Step 5 – Remove Baked-On Grime

For any remaining baked-on splatters, make a paste of baking soda and water. Lightly scrub to lift off stuck-on grime.
Rinse and dry. Stubborn spots can be spot treated with undiluted white vinegar.

Steam Cleaning

Another option is to steam clean the backsplash:

Use a handheld steam cleaner filled with distilled water.
Steam helps loosen and dissolve splatter grease and grime.
Wipe with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

It’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners on the backsplash. These can damage many surfaces over time.

Cleaning by Backsplash Material

Use these tips to safely clean different backsplash materials:

Tile Backsplash

Clean using the methods above. Tile is durable.
Scrub grout gently with a toothbrush and baking soda paste.
Rinse thoroughly.

Stainless Steel Backsplash

Wipe down stainless steel with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a couple drops of dish soap.
Buff dry with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers. These can scratch the finish.

Glass Backsplash

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray glass and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Squeegee or towel dry to avoid streaks. Don’t use abrasives.
Buff carefully when cleaning around edges and seams.

Marble or Stone Backsplash

Use mild dish soap and water. Avoid acidic cleaners which can etch natural stone.
Scrub gently with soft brush to clean grout.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Painted Drywall or Wood Backsplash

Wipe down gently with a soft sponge and mild dish soap solution.
Avoid excessive moisture and scrubbing to prevent damage.
Dry immediately with a clean cloth.

Preventing Future Buildup

Once you’ve got your backsplash clean, there are things you can do to prevent grease from building back up again quickly:

Use stove vent hood when cooking to capture some splatter grease.
Immediately wipe up splatters after cooking before they bake on.
Apply a light everyday cleaner regularly.
Consider applying a backsplash protectant sealant like GROUT BOOST® Tile & Grout Renewer which shields against stains.
When deep frying foods or sautéing meats, try placing overlapping sheets of aluminum foil on the backsplash to catch drips and splatters. Remove foil right after cooking.
Avoid letting steam condensation accumulate by running the vent hood during and after cooking.

When to Seek Professional Help

For backsplashes that are excessively coated in thick grease buildup, you may need to call in a professional cleaning service. Professionals have commercial degreasers and tools that can deep clean severe grease saturation.

Signs it’s time to hire help:

Grease has turned thick and gummy rather than just surface splatters.
Dirt has built up heavily in the crevices of grout lines.
Discoloration or staining has occurred that can’t be removed with standard cleaning methods.
Mold or mildew is present.

Look for an insured professional with experience safely cleaning kitchen backsplashes and ventilation hoods. With regular light cleaning, you can keep your backsplash looking fresh and clean on your own. But if grease and grime get out of hand, call in the cleaning experts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Backsplash Behind Stove

Many homeowners have questions when learning how to clean their kitchen backsplash. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs.

How often should I clean the backsplash?

Lightly clean the backsplash daily or after each use of the stove to prevent buildup.
Deep clean the backsplash weekly or biweekly depending on how heavily it’s used.
Clean any grease splatters immediately before they congeal and bake on.

What’s the best way to clean a tile backsplash?

Use a mix of dish soap, warm water, vinegar and baking soda applied with a soft brush or toothbrush. Scrub grout gently. Rinse and dry. Avoid abrasive chemicals.

How do I get rid of shiny grease spots?

Baking soda or an abrasive scrub sponge can help scour off the glossy grease residue. Rub gently to avoid damaging grout or scratching tile.

How do I clean a stainless steel backsplash?

Wipe down stainless steel gently with a dish soap solution using a microfiber cloth. Rub in direction of grain lines. Buff dry. Don’t use abrasives.

What should I avoid getting on the backsplash?

Don’t allow grease splatters or food residue to sit. Try to wipe up spills before they congeal. Avoid spraying acidic cleaners like bleach. Don’t let moisture pool on surfaces.

Why does my backsplash have dark stains?

Discoloration or staining is often caused by baked-on grease residue or mildew buildup. Try scrubbing with baking soda or apply diluted bleach. Hire a pro for stubborn stains.

Can I use my steam cleaner on the backsplash?

Yes, a handheld steam cleaner works well! The steam helps dissolve grease and grime. Wipe the backsplash down after steaming and allow to fully dry.

Conclusion

Keeping your backsplash clean behind a stove takes regular upkeep but it’s worth it. Follow these tips on applying grease-cutting cleaners, scrubbing, rinsing and using the right tools for the job. Prevent grease buildup by wiping spills immediately and using your vent hood. With proper cleaning methods, you can keep your backsplash sparkling.

How to Clean Backsplash Behind Stove

Introduction

The backsplash behind a stove tends to get dirty and greasy very quickly. All of the steam, grease, and food splatters make cleaning this area a challenge. However, keeping your backsplash clean not only makes your kitchen look nicer but also helps prevent bacteria growth and potential fires. Here we will cover why you should keep this area clean, supplies you’ll need, cleaning steps, tips by material, prevention methods, and when to call a professional. With some simple cleaning techniques, you can keep your backsplash looking fresh.

Why It’s Important to Clean Behind the Stove

Here are some of the top reasons it’s essential to clean behind your stove regularly:

Appearance – Grease splatters look unsightly and dingy. Cleaning keeps surfaces shiny.
Hygiene – Dirt and bacteria accumulate in greasy areas. Cleaning reduces germs.
Safety – Built-up grease is a fire hazard as it can ignite from stove heat.
Preservation – Grimy backsplashes stain more easily. Cleaning protects surfaces.

Regular cleaning not only makes your kitchen look cleaner but also keeps it safer and more hygienic.

Supplies You’ll Need

Gather these supplies before cleaning your backsplash:

Microfiber cloths or sponges
Mild dish soap or degreasing spray
Warm water
Soft brush or toothbrush
Baking soda and vinegar
Small bucket, spray bottle or steam cleaner
Grout sealant (optional)
Step stool

How to Clean Backsplash Behind Stove

Here are methods to clean your backsplash:

Daily Quick Cleaning

Wipe up splatters after each use before grease congeals.
Spot clean with degreasing spray or soapy water.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Remove decor and stove knobs.
Mix dish soap, warm water, vinegar and baking soda.
Apply cleaning solution and let soak 5-10 minutes.
Scrub entire surface with brush.
Rinse and wipe away grime with clean damp cloth.
Remove baked-on splatters with baking soda paste.
Squeegee dry.

Steam Cleaning

Use a handheld steam cleaner to dissolve grease.
Wipe surface thoroughly after steaming.
Dry completely with lint-free cloth.

Cleaning Tips by Material

Tile – Scrub grout gently with toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.
Stainless Steel – Rub gently in direction of grain; don’t use abrasives.
Glass – Mix equal parts vinegar and water; squeegee dry.
Stone – Use only mild dish soap, avoid acidic cleaners.
Painted – Wipe gently with dish soap; avoid excess moisture.

Preventing Future Buildup

Use stove vent hood when cooking.
Immediately wipe spills after cooking.
Apply a grout sealant.
Place foil on backsplash when sautéing.
Don’t let steam condensation accumulate.

When to Call a Professional

If grease and grime are heavily built up or there is mildew/mold present, contact a professional cleaning service for deep cleaning and degreasing.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your backsplash prevents grease buildup, keeps your kitchen tidy, and protects surfaces. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep this high-use area sparkling clean.

How to Clean Backsplash Behind Stove

Cleaning behind your stove and keeping the backsplash spotless can be a tedious task. The area is prone to oil splatters, smoke stains and sticky residues. However, letting grease and grime build up is not just unsightly, it’s potentially dangerous. Follow these steps to learn how to clean and maintain your backsplash.

Why It’s Important

Here are some key reasons you should keep the stove backsplash clean:

Aesthetics – Grease splatters look dirty and ruin the look of an otherwise attractive backsplash.
Easier Cooking – Messy, greasy walls make cooking feel dirtier. A clean backsplash improves the cooking experience.
Safety – Grease residue is a fire hazard as it can ignite from the open flame. Cleaning removes this threat.
Hygiene – Bacteria and germs grow rapidly in accumulated kitchen grime. Cleaning kills germs.
Preserve Surfaces – Grease stains can discolor grout and erode surfaces over time. Cleaning protects the lifespan of your backsplash.

Supplies You Will Need

Assemble these cleaning supplies before tackling the backsplash grunge:

Old toothbrush or grout brush
Non-abrasive scrub sponge
Rubber gloves
Old rags or lint-free cloths
Warm water
Mild dish detergent
White vinegar or degreasing spray cleaner
Baking soda
Small bucket or spray bottle
Step stool (to reach higher areas)

Cleaning Steps

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your stove backsplash:

Step 1: Remove Decor and Knobs

Start by taking down any wall decorations, paintings, etc. that are hanging on the backsplash. Also remove the stove knobs and any other removable pieces. This allows you to access and clean fully behind them.

Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution

Mix up an all-purpose cleaning solution of:

1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup mild dish detergent
1 tbsp baking soda

The baking soda and vinegar will react together to help cut through grease.

Step 3: Apply Cleaner

Use a spray bottle to liberally apply the cleaning solution all over the backsplash surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so it can penetrate and dissolve the greasy grime.

Step 4: Scrub and Wipe Away

Use your toothbrush or other small brush to scrub the grout lines and crevices where grease loves to hide. Wipe away the cleaning solution with a clean, damp rag or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Step 5: Remove Baked-On Grime

If any stubborn grease spots or splatters remain, make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub these spots away. Rinse and wipe dry with a fresh cloth.

Step 6: Disinfect and Deodorize

As a final step, spray the backsplash with an antimicrobial kitchen cleaner or vinegar solution. This disinfects and removes odors. Wipe dry with a clean towel.

Preventing Future Buildup

Once your backsplash is gleaming again, keep it that way longer by:

Using your stove vent hood whenever cooking
Wiping spills immediately before they congeal
Doing spot touch-ups after cooking
Putting foil on the backsplash when frying foods
Applying a grout sealer annually

When to Call for Professional Help

For excessively greasy backsplashes where grime has really built up, call a professional cleaning service. Look for a reputable company experienced in degreasing kitchen surfaces and ventilation systems. With regular maintenance cleaning, you can keep your backsplash clean yourself. But if things get too gunky, bring in the cleaning pros.

Conclusion

Don’t let your backsplash become a grimy mess. By regularly cleaning this high-use area, you can keep your kitchen looking fabulous. Just remember to use the right cleaning solutions and tools for your backsplash material. With a little elbow grease, you can maintain a spotless backsplash.

How to Clean Backsplash Behind Stove

The backsplash behind a stove is prone to splatters, steam build