Grease in the office? It’s more common than you think—and more problematic than it seems. From grimy kitchenettes to sticky door handles and oily fingerprints on shared electronics, grease can quietly accumulate and impact cleanliness, hygiene, and even morale. If your office has a shared breakroom, on-site cafeteria, or even just employees heating up lunches in microwaves, grease is an issue that needs smart, effective cleaning solutions.
This ultimate guide takes you deep into everything you need to know about office grease cleaning—from identifying problem areas and selecting the best eco-friendly degreasers to establishing a long-term maintenance plan.
Why Office Grease Is More Than Just a Nuisance
Grease isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can:
- Attract pests like cockroaches and ants
- Create a fire hazard in cooking areas
- Cause slips and falls if it spreads to floors
- Damage electronics if not cleaned properly
- Lower employee morale by making the space feel dirty
That’s why understanding where it hides and how to combat it is crucial.
Common Grease Hotspots in the Office
Grease can build up in unexpected places. Here’s where to look:
1. Kitchen & Breakroom Areas
- Microwaves, stovetops, toaster ovens
- Range hoods and backsplash tiles
- Inside and around sinks
- Cupboards above cooking zones
2. Shared Appliances
- Coffee machines and espresso makers
- Refrigerators (handles and top surfaces)
- Dishwashers
3. Furniture and Fixtures
- Office chairs with vinyl or leather padding
- Tables and countertops in eating areas
4. Tech and Electronics
- Computer keyboards and mice
- Touchscreens, tablets, and printers
5. Door Handles & Switch Plates
These high-touch surfaces are magnets for greasy fingerprints.
6. Floors and Baseboards
Grease travels through spills, mopping, and air particles—yes, airborne grease exists!
The Science of Grease: What Are You Cleaning?
Grease is a mix of fats, oils, and dirt. It clings to surfaces and bonds with dust, making it stubborn. There are two main types you’ll encounter:
- Animal-based grease from food prep (e.g., bacon, cheese, butter)
- Petroleum-based residue from machinery or HVAC systems
Grease doesn’t dissolve in water alone, so traditional cleaners often fail. You need emulsifiers, degreasers, or surfactants to break it down.
Best Cleaning Products for Office Grease
Here’s what actually works—and what to avoid.
Top Degreasers (Eco-Friendly & Powerful)
- Simple Green Industrial Cleaner – Non-toxic, biodegradable
- Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner – Great for food-safe surfaces
- Method Degreaser Spray – Plant-based, fresh-smelling
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap – Mix with water + vinegar for a DIY spray
- Seventh Generation Degreaser – USDA Certified Biobased
Tools to Pair With Your Cleaners
- Microfiber cloths (grabs grease better than cotton)
- Scrub brushes with ergonomic grips
- Scrapers for hardened gunk
- Refillable spray bottles (for DIY solutions)
- Degreasing mop heads (machine washable)
DIY Grease-Busting Recipes for the Office
Lemon-Vinegar Degreaser
- 1 part distilled white vinegar
- 1 part water
- Juice of 1 lemon + a few peels
- Optional: 5 drops lemon essential oil
Baking Soda Scrub
- 1 cup baking soda
- Enough water to form a paste
- Add a splash of castile soap for extra cleaning power
Castile Power Spray
- 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
- 2 cups warm water
- 10 drops orange essential oil
Use this for wiping appliances, surfaces, and even office chairs.
Grease Cleaning Strategy: Step-by-Step by Area
1. Kitchen & Breakroom
- Step 1: Clear the area and remove items (coffee makers, dishes, utensils)
- Step 2: Apply your degreaser liberally to stovetops and counters
- Step 3: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes
- Step 4: Scrub with a brush or microfiber cloth
- Step 5: Rinse with water and wipe dry
2. Appliances
- Spray degreaser on exterior, focusing on handles
- Clean the inside of microwaves using lemon water steam bowls
- Scrub gunk from coffee pots with baking soda paste
3. Office Tech
- Spray solution onto cloth (never directly on electronics)
- Wipe gently; use cotton swabs for tight spaces
4. Chairs & Furniture
- Use castile spray on leather or vinyl
- Wipe with dry cloth; repeat weekly to prevent buildup
5. Floors & Walls
- Mop with hot water and degreaser
- Spot treat corners and under cabinets with scrub brush
- Wipe baseboards with vinegar + dish soap mix
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Grease Cleaning Schedule
Daily Tasks
- Wipe down kitchen counters and appliance handles
- Clean microwave interior
- Empty trash and wipe bin lids
Weekly Tasks
- Degrease stovetops, tiles, and fridge doors
- Deep clean coffee machine
- Mop kitchen floor
Monthly Tasks
- Clean inside and behind appliances
- Scrub walls and baseboards
- Replace or wash reusable mop heads and cloths
Training Your Team on Grease Management
Involve employees in basic cleaning to keep grease at bay:
- Provide signage for cleaning after microwave use
- Create a rotating cleaning checklist for the kitchen
- Offer rewards or incentives for tidy habits
- Stock easy-to-use wipes and sprays for self-service
If you have a janitorial team:
- Ensure they use degreasers regularly in kitchen zones
- Ask about their products—push for non-toxic options
Hiring a Cleaning Service? Ask These Questions
- Do you use food-safe degreasers?
- Are your products Green Seal or Safer Choice certified?
- How often do you clean appliances and kitchen tiles?
- Will you customize your schedule based on office layout?
- Can we request fragrance-free or low-VOC products?
Staying Ahead of the Grease: Preventative Measures
1. Use Grease Traps and Mats
Place under microwaves, toaster ovens, or cooking stations.
2. Install a Range Hood or Ventilation System
If you have an office kitchen, invest in proper airflow.
3. Encourage Covered Cooking
Prevent splatter by reminding staff to cover food with paper towels or lids.
4. Store Cleaning Supplies in the Kitchen
Easy access = more likely employees will use them.
Eco-Friendly Disposal of Greasy Waste
Don’t just throw oily rags and grease-soaked paper in the trash:
- Use designated bins for soiled materials
- Compost food waste properly
- Recycle containers once rinsed
- Check local guidelines for grease trap disposal
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Office Grease
Skipping regular degreasing can lead to:
- Expensive appliance replacements
- Professional deep cleaning fees
- Slip-and-fall injury liability
- Health inspection violations (if food is served)
Proactive cleaning saves money—and face.
Grease Cleaning in Open-Concept vs. Traditional Offices
Open-Concept Spaces
- Grease can travel faster—more shared spaces = more risk
- Use air purifiers and diffusers
Traditional Offices
- Designate a proper eating zone
- Close kitchen doors to contain grease
Final Thoughts: Win the Battle Against Office Grease
Grease is sneaky. It builds slowly, spreads quietly, and can quickly make your office feel grimy. But with the right tools, habits, and eco-conscious products, you can stay ahead of the mess.
From vinegar sprays to microfiber cloths and strategic cleaning schedules, your office doesn’t just need to look clean—it needs to feel fresh and function safely. Empower your team, streamline your cleaning, and enjoy a sparkling workspace that reflects your company’s values and professionalism.