Kitchen Cleaning Guide: How to Remove Grease, Stains and Tarnish in Indian Kitchens

Indian cooking means oil, masala and steam, and all of it ends up on tiles, chimneys and utensils. A weekly routine and the right cleaner for each surface save hours of scrubbing.

1. Greasy tiles, slabs and chimney panels

Spray a degreasing cleaner, leave it for 2 to 3 minutes so it can loosen the oil, then wipe with a damp cloth. A multipurpose kitchen cleaner spray or foam cleaner works well on vertical surfaces because it clings instead of dripping. Finish with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.

2. Sink and drain

Most blockages come from food bits and oil. Use a sink strainer to catch waste, never pour hot oil down the drain, and use drain cleaning tablets as directed for regular maintenance.

3. Cast iron kadhai and tawa

Avoid soaking cast iron. Clean it while warm with a little water and a cast iron cleaner, dry it on the flame, then rub a few drops of oil on the surface to prevent rust.

4. Copper, brass and silver

Pooja thalis, lotas and silverware lose shine over time. Use a copper and brass cleaner for copper and brass, and an instant silver cleaner for silver. Rinse well and dry immediately with a soft cloth.

5. Hard-to-reach corners

Gaps around the stove, window grills and sliding tracks collect dust and grease. A rotating crevice cleaning brush reaches where a cloth can't.

A simple weekly routine

• Daily: wipe the slab and stove after cooking, empty the sink strainer.
• Weekly: degrease tiles and chimney panels, clean the drain.
• Monthly: polish copper, brass and silver; deep-clean corners and grills.

Always test a new cleaner on a small hidden area first and wear gloves when cleaning. See more cleaning tools in Home & Tools.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to remove oil from kitchen tiles?

Spray a degreasing cleaner, wait 2 to 3 minutes, wipe with a damp cloth and then dry with a microfiber cloth. Regular weekly cleaning stops grease from hardening.

How do I stop my kitchen sink from blocking?

Use a sink strainer, never pour oil down the drain, and clean the drain regularly with drain cleaning tablets used as directed.

How do I clean a cast iron tawa without rusting it?

Clean it warm with minimal water, dry it fully on the flame and apply a thin layer of oil before storing.