Grease splatters and stains on a kitchen backsplash can make your tiles look dirty and dingy. Over time, grease seeps into the grout lines and becomes difficult to remove. Getting grease out of backsplash grout takes some elbow grease, but it can be done with the right cleaning solutions and techniques.
Why Grease Stains Backsplash Grout
The porous nature of grout allows grease to soak in and stain the surface. Grout is typically made of a cement-based material that is porous and absorbs liquids easily. When grease splatters onto the backsplash from cooking, it begins to soak into the grout right away.
Over time, layers of grease build up and oxidize, turning the grout a yellow or brown color. The grout becomes dingy and discolored. Grease stains on grout are challenging to remove because the grease penetrates the porous surface and bonds to the rough texture of the grout.
Removing grease requires breaking down the fatty acids in the grease at the molecular level. This is why harsh cleaners that can dissolve grease work better than gentle cleaners. However, harsh cleaners can also damage the grout, so a balanced approach is best.
Cleaning vs. Scrubbing: Finding the Right Approach
Getting grease stains out of grout requires some scrubbing and abrasion to lift the grease from the porous surface. However, it’s important not to scrub too hard or use harsh abrasives that can scratch or erode the grout. The key is finding the right balance between cleaning and gentle scrubbing.
Try Cleaning Solutions First
Start with cleaning solutions that can break down and dissolve grease. Letting the cleaners sit for 5-10 minutes allows the active ingredients time to work.
Good options include:
- Dish soap or laundry detergent – the surfactants help cut through grease.
- Baking soda – a mild abrasive that also deodorizes.
- Vinegar – helps break down fatty acids.
- Ammonia – an effective degreaser.
- Hydrogen peroxide – fizzes away stubborn stains.
- Commercial degreasers – contain strong solvents to dissolve oil and grease.
Apply the cleaner and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then try wiping or gently scrubbing with a soft cloth, sponge or nylon brush. Avoid abrasive scrub sponges or stiff brushes.
Use Gentle Scrubbing Motions
If cleaning alone doesn’t remove all the grease, you can scrub a bit harder. But it’s important to use gentle motions that won’t erode the grout.
- Rub side-to-side rather than up and down. This puts less direct pressure on the grout.
- Make slow, repeated passes over the stained area. Quick, aggressive scrubbing can damage grout.
- Use short, circular motions to help lift grease from the porous surface.
- Alternate between cleaning and gentle scrubbing until the grout is clean.
Know When To Avoid Harsh Scrubbing
In some cases, heavy scrubbing does more harm than good:
- On polished or delicate tile, scrubbing can damage the surface glaze.
- For epoxy-based grout, excessive scrubbing can wear down the outer layer.
- Old, cracked or crumbling grout can break away if scrubbed too hard.
If heavy scrubbing seems to remove grout along with the grease, it’s best to avoid this approach. Try an alternative method instead.
Choosing the Right Tools and Materials
Having the right cleaning tools helps get backsplash grout clean while minimizing damage. The key is to use materials that are just abrasive enough to lift grease without eroding the grout.
Best Tools for Scrubbing Grease Stains
- White nylon scrub pads or brushes – won’t scratch grout
- Old toothbrushes – good for scrubbing in crevices
- Stiff kitchen scrub brushes – use gently to avoid damaging grout
- Rags, sponges, or soft scrub pads for wiping
Best Grease-Cutting Cleaning Solutions
- Dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent
- Baking soda or borax paste
- Undiluted white vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia-based glass cleaner
- TSP or other phosphates (follow safety guidelines)
- Degreasing cleaners like Simple Green or Mr. Clean
- Grout-specific cleaners with penetrating formulas
Avoid harsh abrasive powders or scouring pads, which can scratch and wear down grout.
How To Remove Specific Types of Grease Stains
Different types of grease and oils require slightly different removal methods. Here are tips for getting out some common backsplash grease stains:
Bacon Grease
The saturated fat in bacon grease makes it tricky to remove completely. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the grout. Let sit for 10 minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush. The baking soda will help break down and lift off the fatty bacon residue.
Vinegar is another option for dissolving bacon grease. Spray full-strength vinegar and let it soak in for several minutes before scrubbing. The acetic acid in vinegar helps cut through fat.
Vegetable or Olive Oil
For stains from splattered vegetable or olive oil, dish soap is highly effective. Add a few drops of dish soap to water and scrub onto the grout with a stiff nylon brush. The surfactants in dish soap will surround and lift away the oil so it can be rinsed off.
Baking soda or laundry detergent also help degrease vegetable and olive oil spills on backsplash grout.
Butter or Ghee
Butter and ghee stains can leave a sticky, fatty film. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply to the grout. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing clean. The baking soda will help absorb and dissolve the milkfat and butter grease.
Lemon juice is also handy for breaking down butter grease. Let lemon juice soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing the grout clean.
Coconut Oil
The healthy fats in coconut oil can sink into grout and leave an oily stain. Luckily, the same fats that make coconut oil so good for you also make it soluble with rubbing alcohol.
Apply some isopropyl rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The alcohol will break down the oils. Then scrub with an old toothbrush to remove the liquified oils from the grout.
Shortening or Lard
For baked-on grease stains from shortening or lard, sprinkle on some baking soda and spray white vinegar over the top. When the vinegar hits the baking soda, it will fizz and bubble. This reaction helps break down the fatty acids. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes then scrub clean. The combined degreasing power of the baking soda and vinegar will lift even baked-on lard or shortening.
Meat Greases
Marbled fatty cuts of meat can leave behind grease splatters containing cholesterol and triglycerides. To cut through these types of fat, make a paste from borax and water. Apply the borax paste to the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing clean. The borax will help dissolve and draw out the fatty meat grease.
Step-By-Step Process for Removing Backsplash Grease
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean greasy backsplash grout:
Step 1: Remove Surface Grime
Start by using hot, soapy water to remove any surface grease or grime. This helps prevent spreading grease further when scrubbing.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the greasy tiles and grout and wipe clean with a sponge or rag. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 2: Apply Degreasing Cleaner
Spray on or apply your chosen degreasing cleaner like vinegar, ammonia, baking soda paste, etc. Completely coat the soiled areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives the cleaner time to break down the fatty acids in the grease.
Step 3: Scrub With Gentle Motions
Scrub the grout gently using circular motions or by rubbing side-to-side rather than up-and-down. Apply light pressure and repeat motions to slowly lift grease from the porous grout.
Use a nylon scrub brush, old toothbrush or other soft abrasive material. Take care not to erode or scratch the grout.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the backsplash tiles thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning solution and grease residue from the surface.
Use a clean rag or sponge to wipe area and make sure no soapy residue remains. This prevents re-depositing grime back onto the grout.
Step 5: Repeat and Dry
Inspect the grout lines. If any grease remains, repeat the cleaning process by applying cleaner, gently scrubbing and rinsing.
When the grout appears clean, wipe the surface dry with a towel to prevent water spots. Allow the grout to dry completely before sealing or applying any protection.
Tips for Preventing Grease Stains on Grout
Preventing grease stains in the first place will save you from having to scrub and scour the grout repeatedly. Here are some handy tips:
- Wipe up spills immediately so grease won’t have time to soak in
- Clean the backsplash routinely to avoid buildup of layers of grease
- Use a backsplash protector like a clear liner or coating to create a barrier
- Apply a grout sealer to fill pores and make grout less stain-prone
- Adjust cooking techniques to prevent grease splatter
- Use splatter screens when pan-frying foods
- Install an effective range hood to capture airborne grease
- Hang towels or cloths to conveniently wipe up messes
With some careful cooking habits and quick cleanup, you can keep backsplash grout grease-free for longer.
When To Call for Professional Grout Cleaning
If DIY methods fail to fully remove all traces of grease from grout, call in a professional grout cleaner. Professionals have access to more powerful cleaners and equipment.
Consider professional grout cleaning if:
- Grout is heavily stained down into the pores
- Discoloration persists after repeated DIY attempts
- Grimy layers have built up over many years
- Grout needs re-sealing after deep cleaning
Pros can use truck-mounted steam cleaners, pressure washers and strong degreasers to thoroughly clean dirty grout and remove years of grease stains. This provides a deep clean that rejuvenates the look of the tiles.
Restore Dingy Grout with Re-Grouting
For old, porous or heavily stained grout, re-grouting provides a like-new finish. Damaged grout is removed and replaced with fresh grout.
Re-grouting involves:
- Removing old grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool
- Cleaning out all debris and grease from grout lines
- Applying new grout with a rubber grout float
- Wiping away excess grout with a damp sponge
- Applying grout sealer when dry
Re-grouting can completely refresh the look of a stained, grimy backsplash. The process removes all grease, dirt and damage, essentially resetting the slate.
Grout-Friendly Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Certain backsplash tile materials and patterns make cleaning up grease spills easier:
Glass subway tile – Nonporous glass doesn’t absorb stains. Wipe up grease before it reaches grout lines.
Metal tile – Stain-proof metal backsplashes just need quick wipe-ups to keep grout grease-free.
Mosaic sheets – Tiny grout lines mean less area for grease to soak into.
Brick pattern – The small grid pattern minimizes visible grout.
Dark grout – Hides grease stains better than white or light grout.
Choosing grout-friendly backsplash materials reduces maintenance and keeps your kitchen looking tidy.
Grease-Fighting Grout Sealer Options
Sealing grout creates a protective barrier that prevents stains from setting in. Sealed grout repels grease and is easier to clean.
Top grout sealers include:
- Silicone sealers for water and stain resistance
- Epoxy resin sealers for a thicker protective coat
- Polyurethane for durability and grease proofing
- Topical fluorochemical sealers for an invisible barrier
Sealers wear off over time so reapplication is needed every 1-2 years. But this extra protection keeps grout looking cleaner between deep cleans.
Maintaining a Grease-Free Backsplash
Keeping backsplash grout free of grease takes some care and elbow grease. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep grout clean and bright.
- Wipe up spills immediately before grease soaks in
- Clean with grease-dissolving solutions like vinegar or baking soda
- Use gentle scrubbing motions rather than aggressive scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
- Apply a grout sealer to protect against stains
- Consider grout-friendly backsplash materials like glass or metal tile
With diligence and regular maintenance cleaning, you can enjoy a grease-free backsplash that stays looking new. Don’t be afraid to put some muscle into removing stubborn grease stains. A little scrubbing is well worth theResults for long-lasting clean and bright grout.