When a cookout leaves grease spots behind, many people worry that their stained or painted deck is ruined. The truth is, most grease stains can be cleaned with the right method and a little patience.
Acting quickly matters, but even older stains can be reduced or removed. Dave Kile, Owner and Deck Expert at Trex Protect, recommends wiping spills right away with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. He warns against abrasive cleaners, which can strip away the finish.
He also points out the importance of cleaning drips that may have seeped between boards, where grease buildup often hides unnoticed. This is important regardless if you have stained, painted, or composite decking.
How to Clean Fresh Grease Stains on Deck Boards
If you’ve just finished grilling juicy burgers or chicken breasts, check the area around the grill right away. A quick wipe-down makes it much easier to prevent stains from setting. Fresh grease is much easier to tackle than older, set-in stains.
Start with simple household items before moving to stronger options.
- Get your tools. Fill a small bucket with warm water and add a mild dish soap or deck cleaner. 30 Seconds is one we've used and like. Get a double-sided sponge or sided scouring sponge for both gentle and extra scrubbing power.
- Wash the area. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub the stain in small circular motions. Avoid scrubbing too hard; aggressive pressure can scratch or dull the paint or stain on the boards.
- Rinse away the cleaner. Rinse the spot with clean water and blot it dry with a cotton rag.
How to Clean Older (Set-In) Grease Stains
If the grill left grease stains on the deck days or weeks ago, the cleaning process may take more effort.
Dish soap and water still work, but if it doesn't do enough, sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain. Baking soda absorbs oil, which loosens up the mark and makes it easier to lift.
Let the baking powder sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a soapy sponge and rinse it with fresh water.
You might also try:
- Vinegar solution: mix one part vinegar to two parts water for added cleaning power. (Test it in a hidden area. Not all surfaces respond well to vinegar.)
- Using a Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge for stubborn spots (be wary though; it can affect a painted or stained surface.)
- Light scraping with a flat paint scraper or wooden paint stirrer if residue is thick. (You may need to do touchups if you gouge the finished surface.)
- A wooden tool or silicone tool for picking away crusty bits or errant food pieces lodged between boards.
Avoid bleach and abrasive powders. They can leave permanent marks on painted or stained decks.
Preventing Future Grease Stains from the Grill
Cleaning grease drips from a grill can become a routine chore if there’s no protection in place. Grease often sneaks past a drip tray, removable grease traps, or even a closed cabinet portion under gas grills, so being proactive matters.
Here are a few simple habits that help:
- Place aluminum drip-tray liners or generic liners beneath your hardworking gas grill before cooking. Many drip trays are standard sizes, but refer to your grill manufacturer's recommendations.
- Keep heat-resistant grill gloves handy... especially when swapping a propane tank or handling iron grates and burner hoods.
- Do a grill clean session regularly: remove the center chute and scrape out crusty bits, food residue, and fatty pork drippings.
- For grill cleaning, scrub warm (so stuck-on bits loosen) but only on a cool grill to avoid burns
- Use a cotton rag or damp cleaning cloth for a quick wipe-down after grilling.
- If grease buildup is heavy, grab a sided scouring sponge with extra scrubbing power
- Watch for drips while cooking street corn or chicken breasts, since oils often slip past liners during grill testing
Frequent griller? Your grill need frequent cleaning too, especially after cooking several pounds of meat. Get ready to use some elbow grease.
Will power washing remove grease from a stained or painted deck?
Power washing can help with dirt buildup, but it isn’t the best choice for grease. The force of the water may spread the stain or damage the painted finish. A gentler method with soap, baking soda, or vinegar is safer for the surface.
Can cooking oils cause long-term damage to deck boards?
Yes, if left untreated. Oil seeps into wood fibers or sits on the paint, leading to discoloration or weakening the protective finish. Over time, this can create spots that are harder to cover even with a fresh coat of stain or paint.
