A simple £1.50 kitchen cleaning hack could make your greasy cooker splashback sparkle like new, and it's likely you already have some at home. The trick, recommended by cleaning enthusiasts, involves using baby oil to restore stainless steel and glossy surfaces.
How the Hack Works
On the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Hints, Tips, and Tricks Facebook group, one exasperated homeowner asked for advice on cleaning a stainless steel backdrop behind a cooker. The overwhelming majority suggested baby oil, a product typically associated with bathroom storage rather than kitchen cleaning.
One member advised: "Baby oil and kitchen roll, then buff with a clean dry cloth." Another elaborated: "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, costing £1.50 for 500ml at Amazon and Boots, can prove surprisingly effective at restoring cooker splashbacks. Once the initial clean is done, a tiny amount buffed in with a soft cloth can lift stubborn greasy smears and leave a more uniform finish, making water marks and streaks less noticeable.
The key is to use it sparingly: a few drops rather than a generous coating, polishing until the surface no longer feels oily. It also offers a more affordable alternative to specialist sprays, and using a single product means fewer harsh chemicals and fewer aerosol bottles discarded over time.
Important Caveat
However, oil attracts dust. Applying baby oil to a splashback that still harbours loose crumbs or dust can cause grime to cling, forming a sticky film. Therefore, it works best as a concluding step: thoroughly clean and rinse the surface, dry it completely, dust it, then apply the tiniest amount of oil to polish. Done correctly, you'll achieve the lustre without turning it into a dust magnet.
