Top News

A cleaning expert has shared that home cleaners only need one product to battle tough grease stains on hobs. TikToker Ann Russell, 60, has worked as a cleaner for more than 20 years and has become a TikTok star, sharing her wisdom to millions of followers.

In a recent video, the cleaning expert was asked to help tackle burnt-on grease stains on ceramic hobs. For Ann, there is one type of product in mind: caustic foam. If you prefer chemical products over natural remedies, this should solve all of your greasy woes.

Fortunately, Ann explained that the resolution was simple. All you need is a caustic oven cleaner.

Caustic soda, a common name for the chemical sodium hydroxide, or lye, is a strong alkaline compound. It's known for its ability to neutralise acids, emulsify fats, and break down organic materials like grease.

Using a caustic-based product will help convert fats, oils, and greases into soluble soap that can be rinsed away. This type of product is beneficial for burnt-on grease stains on ceramic hobs as it won't damage the surface of the appliance.

Ann said: "It won't harm the glass because it's caustic, it's an alkali. That won't attack the glass, and acid might, but that won't."

Firstly, to catch any loose bits of grease or debris with a vacuum. The expert advised to spray the caustic oven cleaner all over the stains liberally and leave to soak for an hour or so.

Once time is up, you can either use a scourer or sponge to wipe away any residue. Follow up with a dry cloth to polish the hob glass. She also advised wearing a pair of rubber gloves while cleaning.

To prevent cloudy stains from foaming on ceramic and metal hobs after cleaning, another content creator recommended using olive oil as a preventative measure. TikToker Clean with Georgia explained that olive oil doubles up as a natural cleanser for stains.

Georgia said: "You just want to take some olive oil and scrunched up paper towels. Stuff that into your stove top and it will help remove those cloudy stains.

"I have no clue what they are, but I've been trying for ages to work out how to remove them."

Olive oil doesn't just tackle grime; it gives a sheen to appliances, doubling as an eco-friendly polish. Olive oil slides through dirt, acting as an easy grime release agent.

Lina DaSilva, a cleaning expert and the owner of Toronto Shine Cleaning, shared with Homes & Gardens: "Olive oil is great for removing smudges and fingerprints from stainless steel appliances without the need for harsh chemicals."

She advised: "Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and rub it over the stainless steel surface, following the grain. Avoid using too much oil to prevent a greasy residue."