What to do
- Remove thick grease first with paper, a spatula, or an old scraper.
- Add warm water and a small drop of dish soap to the pan, plate, or surface.
- Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes before you scrub.
- Wipe with a sponge or brush, then rinse with clean water.
This makes the cleaning feel easier because the soap gets time to break up the greasy layer.
Why it works
Water alone does not mix well with grease. Dish soap contains surfactants. One part of a surfactant molecule is attracted to grease, while another part is attracted to water. That helps surround tiny grease droplets so they can be rinsed away.
The useful detail is timing. For normal household grease, a little soap and warm water usually beat cold water plus pressure.
What to watch
More soap is not automatically better. Too much foam can make rinsing slower without adding much cleaning power. For non-stick pans, use a soft sponge instead of an abrasive brush.
Avoid long soaking for wooden handles, wooden boards, and delicate surfaces. Clean them briefly, rinse, and dry them right away.
Quick rule
For grease, use this order: remove the excess, add warm water, add a little dish soap, wait briefly, then wipe. Let the chemistry do the first part.