I used chalk to clean grease splatter spots on my chestnut uggs. How many times must I do it?

While I do my best to wash the surfaces and make the kitchen "look" clean, some of that sneaky grease splatter may get overlooked. You know the grease culprits: the cracks between the stove and the framing, the side of the microwave, the surrounding cabinet doors, and the underside of the vent hood. Oh, did I forget the walls behind the stove?

Many of us don't have the time to wash everywhere every time we cook so grease has the chance to become dried and built-up. There are all kinds of products out there to clean grease, but I wouldn't bother with most of them. You probably already have products in your cabinet that will effectively dissolve the oil and break through the dried grease from your kitchen surfaces and appliances.

In the following sections, I will outline some simple steps to green clean kitchen grease and make your kitchen healthier and sparkling. The steps can be used safely on most kitchen surfaces, but I would always test a small area first if you are unsure about the effects (especially with natural stone surfaces). Gathering your cleaning supplies.

You are going to want to follow these steps one after another, so it helps to speed up the process if you gather your supplies before you start. You will need a small bucket (a larger bowl will work fine, too). Then find a mid- to large-sized bucket, a sponge, some microfiber cloths or regular cleaning rags, and a towel.

If your whole kitchen is a mess, grab a few towels. Your cleaning products for this greasy job are mild dish soap and some white vinegar. Yes, soap and vinegar.

You do not need any expensive, toxic, eye-burning cleaner to cut through dried-on grease. Prepare the area to be cleaned. So you're done cooking.

Take the time to put away the food before trying to wipe up the grease splatter. Remove the burner plates from the stove and clean them with your dishes. For countertops, move small appliances to another location to allow for easy access.

If your cabinets need to be wiped down too, remove the hardware and soak them in a sink with soapy water. Place towels on the floor under the cabinets to catch any dripping water from the cleaning process. Also, take note of what areas seem to be really disgusting—it is good info for future maintenance.

Prepare your cleaning solution. Get out your small bucket and fill it with a couple pints of hot water. Add two tablespoons of dish soap and give it a good stir.