How do I clean grease from my kitchen ceiling?

Vonny, you probably want to scrub that ceiling with TSP first and rinse. It will (literally) be a pain in the neck, but that should give you a clean surface for painting. If there are any spots that won't clean, cover with some Kilz. Latex semi-gloss tends to be a little easier to clean, but it has an unsettling, glaring effect when used on ceilings. I recommend using ceiling white paint. It is a special white with optic brighteners that enhances the light in a room without causing glare.

I love a product like Krud Kutter. It really cuts through grease. You can also use a water based tsp before you paint and that will help to clean and prep the surface for the paint. Good luck.

TSP is my go to for a job like this. A bit of work, but will be much easier to clean ceilings regularly after you prime and paint.

Tsp or Krud Kutter. Scrape off any peeling paint. Sand and feather the edges with 220 grit sand paper. Prime with Kilz primer then paint. Laura is correct. Use a ceiling paint.

Use a really good primer like Kills. https://www.lowes.com/pd/kilz-original-interior-multi-purpose-oil-based-wall-and-ceiling-primer-actual-net-contents-32-oz/50253813?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-pnt-_-google-_-lia-_-117-_-primers-_-50253813-_-0&kpid&store_code=1859&k_clickID=go_625682584_34615001110_111134763790_pla-258467105646_c_1019250&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3Jvchsrd4QIVV7bACh2KwwmTEAQYASABEgKJn_D_BwE

Vinegar will cut through the grease.

I thank everyone for their answers

Cleaning Grease from a Kitchen Ceiling

Grease from cooking can build up on your kitchen ceiling, especially near the stove. Since ceilings are delicate and harder to reach, you'll need the right cleaning method to remove the grease without damaging the paint or surface.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods

✅ Good for: Painted ceilings, textured ceilings, and tiles

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn, which cuts grease well) with warm water in a bucket.
2. Use a sponge mop or microfiber cloth dampened in the solution to gently wipe the ceiling.
3. For textured ceilings, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub lightly.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a towel or let air dry.

✅ Good for: Painted and smooth ceilings (not recommended for unsealed drywall)

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist the ceiling (don’t oversaturate).
3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry.

✅ Good for: Stubborn grease spots on painted ceilings

1. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
2. Apply it to grease stains with a sponge or soft cloth.
3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub with a damp cloth.
4. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and dry the area.

✅ Good for: Extreme grease buildup on semi-gloss or gloss paint ceilings

1. Mix 1/4 cup ammonia with 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Use a sponge or mop to apply to the ceiling.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
4. Ensure good ventilation while using ammonia!

✅ Good for: Very stubborn grease spots on tile or washable surfaces

1. Use a degreaser like Krud Kutter or Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser.
2. Spray a small amount onto a cloth (not directly on the ceiling).
3. Wipe gently, then rinse with a damp cloth.

Additional Tips

✔ Use a telescoping mop to reach high spots easily.

✔ Work in sections so the cleaning solution doesn’t dry before wiping.

✔ Turn on exhaust fans when cooking to prevent grease buildup in the future.

✔ Avoid excessive water to prevent dripping and potential damage.

I use TSP substitute powder (found at your local home improvement store) in a spray bottle mixed with water and a rag. Cleans grease right off with zero effort.

Hi Vonny, hope this helps you. You can pick up some TSP (trisodium phosphate) and mix a solution of TSP powder with warm water, apply it to the greasy areas with a sponge or scrub brush, and then rinse thoroughly.

1. Mixing the solution:
2. For a general cleaning solution, mix 1/2 cup of TSP with 1 gallon of warm water.
3. For tougher grease, you can increase the TSP to 1/2 cup per 1 gallon of water.
4. Applying the solution:
5. Dip a sponge or scrub brush into the TSP solution.
6. Apply the solution to the greasy areas on the ceiling.
7. Gently scrub the areas to loosen the grease.
8. For stubborn grease, let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
9. Rinsing:
10. After scrubbing, rinse the ceiling thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining TSP solution.
11. Safety:
12. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with TSP.
13. Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
14. Keep TSP out of reach of children and pets.

Thank you! I will try this!

What a paint in the neck cleaning and painting a ceiling is! Clean well with TSP and water and to save your neck a bit purchase a extendable paint rod (a rod that you can attach your paint roller to). It is a life saver for tall walls and ceilings. I agree with Laura about using ceiling paint rather than semi-gloss latex. I agree with those suggesting a good Kilz primer prior to the ceiling paint as well.

Hello Vonny: There are several things to do: One thing you can do is to make a paste from baking soda and warm water. Then use a sponge to apply the paste to the ceiling and scrub the grease away. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that works wonders on grease! If you need a little extra cleaning power, add a few drops of dish soap and a little more water to the paste. Finish by wiping away any residue with a damp cloth. You can also buy a product called Krud Kutter, or make your own cleaner. Check this site for directions:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/homemade-degreaser/

I would use TSP or Purple Power. It is going to be a tedious job. Then prime with a good stain blocking primer. Kilz is a good one. Then paint. I always paint my ceilings semi gloss or gloss. Never use ceiling paint it is the hardest to keep clean.

Maybe Paint Stripper? Or scrape it all off and start again, this time with a Extractor fane and vent.