A £1.50 bottle of baby oil could be the key to making cooker splashbacks look as good as new, according to cleaning enthusiasts online. The unusual household item has been praised for its ability to remove tough grease and leave surfaces shiny, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Cleaning fans recommend baby oil
Fed-up homeowners have been turning to a surprising cupboard staple to tackle grimy cooker splashbacks. On the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Hints, Tips, and Tricks Facebook page, one stressed householder asked: "Hi. What’s the best way to get this stainless steel backdrop (behind a cooker) cleaned? Thanks."
The most suggested item was baby oil, with one person replying: "Baby oil," while another added: "Baby oil and kitchen roll, then buff with a clean dry cloth." A third wrote: "After washing with detergent and drying off, use a very small amount of baby oil and wipe over. It will be lovely and shiny and easier to clean next time, too."
Why baby oil works
Baby oil, which costs £1.50 for 500ml on Amazon and at Boots, may sound like an unlikely kitchen helper, but it can be surprisingly effective for getting cooker splashbacks looking fresh again, especially stainless steel and glossy surfaces that show every fingerprint.
After the main clean, a tiny amount buffed in with a soft cloth can lift lingering greasy smears and leave a more even finish, helping water marks and streaks stand out less. The key is to use it sparingly: think a few drops rather than a slick coating, then polish until it no longer feels oily to the touch.
Cost-effective and eco-friendly
It can also stack up as a cheaper, lower-fuss alternative to specialist sprays. A small bottle goes a long way, and because you’re using such a light amount, it can work out more cost-effectively than repeatedly buying branded degreasers and 'shine' products.
There’s an environmental angle too: using a minimal amount of a single product can mean fewer harsh cleaning chemicals going down the drain, and fewer aerosol or trigger-spray bottles being bought and binned over time.
The catch: oil attracts dust
But there is an important catch: oil attracts dust. If you put baby oil onto a splashback that still has loose crumbs, cooking residue or a fine layer of dust, it can make that grime cling and turn into a sticky film that’s harder to shift next time.
Done the right way, you get the shine without creating a dust magnet.
