Best Grime Removers Ranked: From Kitchen Grease to Garage Floors

Best Grime Removers Ranked: From Kitchen Grease to Garage Floors

Grease, grime, and gunk are the true enemies of a clean home. From stovetop build-up to driveway oil stains, using the right grime remover can save you hours—and a whole lot of frustration.

We tested 7 grime-fighting solutions, including both DIY and store-bought options, and ranked them based on real-world performance. Whether you’re scrubbing kitchen tiles or your garage floor, this guide will help you choose the right product for the job.

🧪 Ranking Criteria

Each product was scored on a 20-point scale using these four factors:

  • Cleaning Power (1–5)
  • Ease of Use (1–5)
  • Cost-Effectiveness (1–5)
  • Surface Compatibility (1–5)

🥇 1. Krud Kutter Original Cleaner & Degreaser

Best For: Kitchen grease, garage grime, outdoor furniture
Overall Score: 18/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★★★
  • Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
  • Surface Safety: ★★★★☆

Tested On: Greasy stovetop, car tire marks on concrete
Results: Dissolved heavy grease in under 5 minutes. Slight scrubbing required on concrete.

Pros: Non-toxic, biodegradable, multi-surface
Cons: Strong scent, needs rinsing on floors

🥈 2. DIY: Baking Soda + Dish Soap Paste

Best For: Ovens, sinks, bathroom tile grout
Overall Score: 17/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★★
  • Surface Safety: ★★★★★

Recipe: Mix ½ cup baking soda with a few squirts of dish soap to form a paste
Results: Effective, especially with a 10–15 minute dwell time. Requires scrubbing.

Pros: Safe, cheap, no harsh fumes
Cons: Manual effort required, not great for outdoor grime

🥉 3. Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner

Best For: Garage floors, tire marks, heavy-duty outdoor grime
Overall Score: 16/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★★★
  • Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★☆☆
  • Surface Safety: ★★★☆☆

Tested On: Oil stain on driveway
Results: Removed most of the oil after two applications. Great for garages.

Pros: Very powerful
Cons: Must dilute, unsafe for indoor use

  1. DIY: Vinegar + Baking Soda Spray

Best For: Kitchen counters, sinks, light soap scum
Overall Score: 16/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★☆☆
  • Ease of Use: ★★★★★
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★★
  • Surface Safety: ★★★★★

Recipe: Spray 50/50 vinegar and water, sprinkle baking soda, scrub after fizzing
Results: Excellent for routine maintenance—not heavy grime

Pros: Safe, eco-friendly, quick
Cons: Weak against baked-on messes

  1. Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser

Best For: Stainless steel, bathroom faucets, glass stovetops
Overall Score: 15/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
  • Surface Safety: ★★★☆☆

Tested On: Burnt pan, bathroom metal fixtures
Results: Restored shine quickly. Caution on delicate surfaces.

Pros: Excellent on metal, no residue
Cons: Can scratch with abrasive pads

  1. Zep Industrial Purple Degreaser

Best For: Commercial kitchens, restaurant equipment, garage use
Overall Score: 14/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★★★★
  • Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
  • Surface Safety: ★★☆☆☆

Tested On: Restaurant grill tray
Results: Cut through grease instantly. Highly concentrated.

Pros: Extremely effective
Cons: Harsh chemicals, must wear gloves, ventilate

  1. DIY: Lemon Juice + Salt Scrub

Best For: Polishing copper, brass, and cutting boards
Overall Score: 12/20

  • Cleaning Power: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
  • Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
  • Surface Safety: ★★★★★

Tested On: Tarnished brass and cutting board stains
Results: Great polish, but not a grime-buster

Pros: Natural, smells great
Cons: Not for deep cleaning

 

📊 Final Rankings Summary

RankProductBest ForScore
🥇 1Krud KutterAll-around grime18/20
🥈 2DIY Baking Soda PasteKitchen & Bath17/20
🥉 3Purple PowerGarage & Driveway16/20
4Vinegar + Baking SodaRoutine Maintenance16/20
5Bar Keepers FriendMetal Surfaces15/20
6Zep DegreaserCommercial/Heavy Use14/20
7Lemon + SaltSpecialty Uses12/20

Final Thoughts

The best grime remover depends on what you’re cleaning—and how often.

  • For everyday jobs in kitchens and bathrooms, Krud Kutter and the DIY baking soda paste give the best results with minimal risk.
  • For garages and driveways, Purple Power works wonders but should be used carefully.
  • Natural options like vinegar and baking soda are great for maintenance, while Bar Keepers Friend shines on metal.

Need a hand with deep cleaning?

📞 Call Here 2 Clean — we’ve tested it all so you don’t have to.

Disclaimer

This blog post is based on independent product testing and publicly available information. None of the products listed are sponsored, promoted, or affiliated with Here 2 Clean LLC. Results may vary depending on surface type and condition. Always spot-test in a hidden area before full application, and follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

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