We Asked a Cleaning Pro How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Appliances, and It’s So Simple

As much as you try to prevent it, those kitchen appliances start to build up grease and grime from everyday use. Cleaning off those countertop staples like coffee makers, toasters, and blenders can seem like a major obstacle, but it’s as easy as a green cleaner called Citra Solv.

So, how can that cleanser you use degrease kitchen appliances? We spoke to Ashley Kidder, the founder and COO of Dashing Maids, about why this substance can make those devices like brand new.

Why Citra Solv Works Best on Greasy Kitchen Appliances

According to Kidder, Citra Solv is a concentrated, citrus-based green cleansing solution that’s an effective degreaser. The substance contains limonene, which is a natural solvent in citrus oils.

“It’s just that essential oil that is really just cutting through the ground and removing the grease,” she says.

Unlike dish soap, it doesn’t contain surfactants, which can be derived from petroleum.

“It’s just so natural, and it’s just a lot less toxic,” she says. “More people are going to be able to use it, not have any issues, and it’s just such a versatile product. We use it on a lot of heavy buildup areas.”

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Citra Solv Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser, Deodorizer

How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Appliances with CitraSolv

Kidder advises that appliances are easier to clean than you might think, using hot water, Citra Solv, and a towel or Magic Eraser.

“We always love to use hot water,” she says. “It’s just one extra step up to be able to remove that buildup on the kitchen appliances, which a lot of times they’re either plastic or they’re some sort of kind of stainless steel.”

1. Mix one part Citra Solv with four parts hot water.
2. Use a microfiber cloth, Magic Eraser, or a soft terry cloth to apply the mixture to your appliances.
3. Don’t put too much pressure while wiping down or scrubbing.

She warns against scrubbing too hard, though.

“If you put too much pressure and for too long scrub a certain area, it could cause scratching, depending on the surface type,” she says. “Just make sure not to overdo it.”

Other Tricks for Cleaning Greasy Kitchen Appliances

Kidder recommends making the process even easier for yourself by putting some appliance parts in the top rack of the dishwasher—at least the ones that are dishwasher safe.

“That’s just going to make your life a lot easier, especially when there are little crevices and things that can be challenging,” she says.

Kidder also advises that some grease buildup on appliances can be prevented, especially if it’s associated with the appliance’s kitchen placement.

“If you’ve got stuff around the sink or your stove top, it’s just going to get dirtier,” she says. “If you can try to tuck it away—maybe it’s on the side of the fridge, down the cabinet, just out of the way—where isn’t going to have as much potential risk of getting splattered by stuff.”

But if you can’t move that appliance elsewhere, Kidder suggests cleaning parts as you use them, like a toaster oven’s crumb tray or various parts of a blender, rather than letting the grease and grime collect over time.

“If there’s a part that you use regularly, just wash it in the moment,” she says. “If you let things sit, it’s gonna just get harder to clean.”