Grease and grime, the bane of most households the world over, and a real pain to remove. Grease is most commonly found in kitchens, and if not cleaned up immediately, it can dry out and become even trickier to remove, with many house cleaning solutions not even able to shift it.

Grease and grime are both sticky and tricky, but here are some time saving, cost cutting remedies that when applied with a spot of elbow grease (the only kind of grease that is welcome in your home!), can easily cut through grease and grime and rid you of unwelcome stains and spillages:

• Good old vinegar

Cheap, white vinegar, when poured or sprayed onto the affected area and left to sit for a few minutes, works wonders for getting rid of grease and grime that has become dry and sticky. Wipe the vinegar off with a damp cloth, and while you may need a little elbow grease when wiping, you shouldn’t need to exert yourself too much.

• Scrubbing tools with long handles

These are cheap to buy and very effective for removing hardened grease and grime, particularly when used in conjunction with vinegar or warm, soapy water.

• Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing soaps that contain degreasers are fantastic when applied to a rag or cloth that has been soaked in hot water and rubbed and scrubbed onto the affected area. You may need to wipe the area down with water after the first go, and then reapply the dishwashing liquid, but the result will be worth the extra effort.

• Baking soda

Water and baking soda mixed together and applied to stains and spillages with a damp cloth, work wonders, as the soda begins to dissolve the grease and grime quickly with minimal effort on your part. Simply moisten a sponge or cloth, sprinkle with baking soda, and wipe away those mucky messes.

• Cooking oil

Oddly enough, cooking oil can be used to remove oily stains; simply apply vegetable oil to a paper towel and rub it on to the affected area. You’ll need to clean the area with a regular cleaning solution or warm, soapy water afterwards though, otherwise it won’t shine.

• Flour

Immediately after you’ve spilled oil or some grease has built up on a surface or appliance, try sprinkling regular flour onto it and leaving it for 15 minutes. The flour will soak up the spillage and you can simply brush or wipe it away and then quickly clean what’s left with warm, soapy water.

• Ammonia

Ammonia can be intense and dangerous when not used responsibly, but it can make removing grease spots, a cinch. Pour a little ammonia onto the affected area, cover it with plastic wrap to ensure that the fumes don’t overpower your entire home, and leave it overnight. The next morning you should be able to remove the plastic wrap and effortlessly wipe clean the grease.

If these grease and grime busting tips sound like too much hard work for you, then why not use the services of a professional cleaning company, who will gladly degrease your entire home and leave it sparkling and fresh.