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How to Make-Citrus Degreaser Using Lemons, Oranges, or Limes

How to Make-Citrus Degreaser Using Lemons, Oranges, or Limes

Mar 08, 2025

Grease tends to accumulate on stove tops, rangehoods and benchtops. This degreaser works a charm not only removing grease but also several years of burnt on grime on a stove top. We found an old stove to test the citrus degreaser out on. We were really impressed with how it worked. We have used citrus and baking soda around our homes for ages but we have never tackled anything so bad. The flat surface of the stove was clean after only one go. The element ring had three goes but I don't think we have anything in the cupboard that could do a better job. Now all I have to do is clean the rest of the stove top for the owner.

Photo Above: When we are using citrus and baking soda to clean, we use seasonal citrus.  For example, the photo above was taken in May and shows: Left to Right, Back to front: Villa Franca Lemon, Corsica Mandarin, Kusaie Lime, Limequat, Bearss Lime. 

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, or limes)
  • Baking soda
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Cut the citrus fruits into wedges, include the peel.
  2. Sprinkle baking soda over greasy surfaces such as stovetops, range hoods, or oven interiors.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits onto the baking soda-covered surfaces.
  4. Use the citrus halves to scrub the baking soda and juice mixture into the grease.
  5. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the grease.
  6. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge, rinsing well to remove any residue.
  7. Repeat the process if necessary for stubborn grease and grime buildup.

Photo Above: Villa Franca lemon segments with baking soda and lemon juice on half the element ring with baked on food and grime.

We find that smaller wedges work the best. For example the size of half a small lime. We like to scrub with the pulp and rind sides.

Photo Above: while this is not perfect, using the lemon and lime and baking soda has made a huge difference to how it originally looked. See above photo on the LHS of the ring for what it originally looked like.

Photo Above: On the left hand side you can see the surface which has been cleaned once with the citrus degreaser. The right hand side hasn't been cleaned. It still has a yellow grim on it.