Got it! Since baking soda and Dawn didn’t fully remove the stains, it sounds like they might be grease, baked-on food, or discoloration. Here’s a step-by-step approach that usually works for most kitchen surfaces without scratching them:
1. Assess the Surface
- Countertop / laminate / solid surface: Avoid harsh scrubbing; stick to gentle abrasives.
- Ceramic / porcelain / stainless steel: Can handle a bit more scrubbing.
- Wood / butcher block: Avoid vinegar or harsh chemicals; use gentle oils or soaps.
2. Deep Clean for Tough Stains
Materials:
- Baking soda
- Dawn dish soap
- White vinegar
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Optional: hydrogen peroxide (for light-colored surfaces)
Steps:
- Mix a paste: Baking soda + a few drops of Dawn + a little water.
- Apply to the stain and let sit 10–15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft sponge (not steel wool).
- Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
If grease persists:
- Spray a little white vinegar over the paste before scrubbing.
- The fizz helps lift residue.
For stubborn discoloration:
- Dab hydrogen peroxide (3%) on the stain for 10 minutes, then rinse. Works well on light-colored countertops, ceramic, or porcelain sinks.
3. Extra Tips
- Let cleaning solutions sit for a few minutes before scrubbing—it softens the grime.
- Avoid harsh abrasives or metal scrubbers—they can scratch surfaces.
- For recurring tough spots, repeating the paste + vinegar method usually removes what initial cleaning didn’t.
If you tell me the exact surface and type of stain (grease, burnt food, coffee, etc.), I can give a super-targeted trick that often removes it in one try.
Do you want me to do that?