How to Remove Grease Stains from Walls

Removing grease stains from walls can be a frustrating and labor intensive task. You may be tempted to paint over the grease, but you can't do that. Paint won't adhere to grease, so it must be removed. If you plan to paint greasy walls, such as in a kitchen, wash the entire room with TSP and rinse. You may want to prime with an oil based primer before painting also.

Step 1: Determine Type of Wall

What you can use to remove grease from your walls largely depends upon what type of wall it is. You may have flat paint, gloss enamel, wall paper that is vinyl or fabric, paneling or stone or any one of many other types of wall or wall covering. Also the type of grease makes a big difference. The black grease like is used around automobiles and equipment is a different treatment that cooking grease or petroleum jelly type products.

Step 2: Painted Surfaces

An old favorite for removing grease from a painted wall is vinegar and water. Use about 50 percent vinegar to 50 percent warm water. On stubborn stains, you may need to use a slightly higher concentration of bleach. Rub, but don't rub the paint off. When all the grease is removed, dry the wall, don't let it just air dry as it may leave a grease ring. This works for cooking grease or petroleum jelly.

Another good solution for painted walls is to make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grease and allow it to dry completely. Brush the powder off when dry and the grease goes with it. You may have to do this a couple of times to remove old grease.

If you have black grease, one of the best cleaners is TSP which is available at hardware stores and home improvement stores. Mix according to the directions on the box and wear rubber gloves. This is a very strong cleaning agent so be careful with it. It can also be used on tile and glass. It is not recommended for wallpaper, and should be tested on a hidden area on painted surfaces for color fastness of the surface.

Step 3: Removing Grease from Wallpaper

On washable wallpaper, make a paste of either soda and water or cornstarch and water, apply to the grease and let it sit until it dries. Then brush away with a soft cloth or brush. You may need to repeat this process a couple of times.

Vinegar and water will also remove grease from wallpaper that has a heavy, shiny surface. Don't use it on matte finish wallpapers as it may soak through the paper and actually lift it from the wall.

A product called Magic Eraser works very well on wallpaper also.

If your wallpaper is not washable then you need to take extra caution when working with it. Make a paste of cleaning fluid, fullers earth and cornstarch. Apply this paste to the grease and let it dry, then brush it off. This may have to be repeated a few times to get all of the grease.