"Does baking soda paste really tackle stubborn grease stains that well?"
Honestly, baking soda paste has saved my kitchen more times than I'd like to admit. Vinegar and dish soap are great for everyday messes, but when the inspector's knocking on the door tomorrow and your stove looks like a war zone... baking soda is your friend. I usually mix it into a thick paste, smear it generously over the grease spots, and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes—sometimes even longer if I'm distracted by other chores (or Netflix). The trick is giving it enough time to break down the grease without drying completely. Then just scrub gently with a damp sponge or cloth, and you're golden.
One time, I forgot about it entirely and left it overnight. Surprisingly, no harm done—just needed a bit more elbow grease to rinse off. So yeah, switching things up might be worth a shot, especially if you're in a pinch. Good luck with the inspection!
Baking soda paste is pretty great, but honestly, if you're really pressed for time, I'd suggest grabbing a magic eraser. Those things are like tiny miracles when it comes to grease and grime. I once had a client whose kitchen backsplash was covered in stubborn oil splatters—nothing seemed to budge them. Baking soda helped a bit, but it took forever. Then I remembered the magic eraser tucked away under my sink...worked like a charm in minutes.
If you don't have one handy, baking soda paste definitely works—just be patient and let it sit long enough. And if you're dealing with stainless steel appliances, a quick polish afterward with some olive oil on a soft cloth makes everything look shiny and new. Good luck with your inspection tomorrow, you've got this!
Magic erasers are handy, but careful on painted surfaces or delicate finishes—they can dull or scratch. If you're worried about damage, vinegar-water spray and microfiber cloth usually does the trick without risking your finish...just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Totally agree about magic erasers—they're great in a pinch, but I've seen them dull finishes more than once, especially on cabinets or glossy paint. Vinegar-water is definitely safer, though sometimes the smell can linger longer than you'd like. If you're sensitive to that, a mild dish soap diluted in warm water works wonders too. Just make sure to rinse with a clean damp cloth afterward to avoid any residue.
Also, if you're really pressed for time before the inspector arrives, focus on the big visual impact areas first—clear counters, shiny sink, and clutter-free floors. Inspectors tend to notice cleanliness at a glance rather than scrutinizing every tiny detail. A quick wipe-down of appliances and handles can make the whole kitchen feel cleaner instantly. Learned this the hard way when prepping for an open house last year...spent ages scrubbing grout lines only to realize no one even glanced down there. Lesson learned!
"Inspectors tend to notice cleanliness at a glance rather than scrutinizing every tiny detail."
This is spot-on. Last summer, I was prepping a rental property and panicked over some stubborn stovetop stains. Spent forever trying every trick in the book...turns out the inspector barely glanced at the stove but commented on how "fresh" the kitchen felt because I'd opened windows to air out cleaning smells. So yeah, quick surface cleans and good ventilation can really do wonders when you're short on time.
