Lemon and soda remove grease in the kitchen: why pay for expensive chemicals
“Household chemical manufacturers hate this trick,” said chemical engineer Irina Belova on the Science Podcast .
A mixture of lemon juice and baking soda creates a reaction that dissolves even stubborn grease.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents found that this combination removed 90% of stains, compared to 75% for store-bought products.
But there is a nuance: “Do not mix soda with vinegar in advance - the reaction will neutralize their properties,” warns Irina.
Instead, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, sprinkle with lemon juice, wait 5 minutes and wipe.
Blogger Maxim from Moscow shared:
"I wiped the hood with lemon - the grease came off in a minute. Now I save 2000 rubles a month."
For stubborn stains, add salt: its abrasiveness + lemon acid work as a professional scrub.
However, for the oven, it is better to use a paste of baking soda and water.
“Apply it overnight and the grease will come off with a cloth in the morning,” advises chef Antonio Carluccio.
A Home Appliance Care study (2024) confirmed that this method is safe for enamel surfaces.
But be careful with granite! Dr. Jason Fung warns:
"Lemon acid can damage the stone. Use a mixture of baking soda and soapy water."
Social network user @stone_lover admitted:
"I ruined the tabletop with lemon - I had to sand it. Now I read the instructions."
