Biological degreasing kitchen: removing grease with ozone water

Grease as an organic compound: why ozone water works

Grease consists of glycerol and fatty acids. Fatty acids are carbon-containing compounds that react to the oxidation mechanism of dissolved ozone. The ozone molecules extract electrons from the carbon chains of the fat molecules and thereby chemically break them down. After the reaction the ozone decomposes to oxygen and water without leaving chemical residues on the surface. That distinguishes the action of ozone water on grease contamination from the action of alkaline or surfactant-based degreasing agents that emulsify grease but remain on the surface until rinsed away. More on the basic principle: ozonewater.

Ozone concentration and contact time as determining factors

The effectiveness of ozone water with grease contamination depends on ozone concentration in the water and contact time on the greasy surface. Higher ozone concentration at sufficient contact time gives a more intensive oxidation reaction and thereby more effective breakdown of the fat molecules on the surface. Ozone is volatile: concentration falls after production through off-gassing. Freshly produced ozone water used immediately after production therefore gives the most effective degreasing results in the kitchen.

The thickness of the grease layer determines how much contact time is needed for an effective oxidation reaction. A thin fresh grease film on a worktop after cooking reacts quickly. A thick baked-on grease layer requires longer contact time or a combination of mechanical action followed by ozone treatment. With baked-on grease mechanically loosening the top layer is worthwhile preparation before ozone treatment. More on the ozone water machine: ozone water machine.

The two-cloth method for kitchen surfaces

The two-cloth method is the practical working procedure for biological degreasing in the kitchen. A first cloth is lightly moistened with freshly produced ozone water and moved across the surface to be degreased. The contact time of the ozone water with the greasy surface determines the intensity of the oxidation reaction. After treatment with the first cloth a second dry cloth follows to dry the surface and remove the loosened grease and oxidation residues. The method is applicable to kitchen worktops, tiled walls, appliance surfaces and other solid kitchen surfaces. Read the complete working procedure: two-cloth method.

Kitchen worktops: material suitability

Kitchen worktops are available in a range of materials each with its own suitability for treatment with ozone water. Stainless steel worktops are fully suitable: the oxidation reaction proceeds effectively without damaging the material. Ceramic and composite worktops are also suitable. Laminate worktops are suitable for regular use; avoid intensive moistening of the edges where the laminate is vulnerable to moisture damage.

For worktops of natural stone such as granite or marble caution is advised. The acidity of ozone water can damage the polished layer of certain stone types with prolonged or intensive contact. Test suitability on an inconspicuous part of the surface before regular use. Coated or sealed natural stone is generally more resistant to ozone water treatment than untreated natural stone.

Tiled walls and splash-back areas around the cooking zone

Tiled walls and splash-back areas behind the hob collect grease splashes and steam with grease particles during cooking. For daily cleaning of glazed tiles with fresh grease splashes ozone water via the two-cloth method is effective: contact time is limited and the fresh grease film reacts quickly to ozone oxidation. For grouting between tiles a longer contact time is worthwhile: grouting is more porous than the tile surface and grease can sit deeper in the material.

Daily or frequent treatment of the splash-back area after cooking gives more consistent results than weekly or monthly treatment of accumulated baked-on grease residues. Fresh grease film reacts faster and more completely to ozone oxidation than baked-on polymerised grease residues.

Extractor hood: grilles and housing

The extractor hood is a specific challenge with biological degreasing in the kitchen. Metal grilles and filter plates collect grease residues in higher concentrations than surrounding walls. For removable metal filter plates submerging in ozone water is an effective method: contact time of the ozone water with the grease is in that case longer than with a cloth treatment. Place filter plates in a container with freshly produced ozone water and leave for sufficient time for an effective oxidation reaction. Afterwards rinse and dry.

For the housing part of the extractor hood the two-cloth method is the standard working procedure. On the metal housing of the extractor hood typically stainless steel or coated metal the oxidation reaction of ozone water on grease residues proceeds effectively. Pay attention to the edges and seams of the housing where grease residues can accumulate.

Appliance surfaces in the kitchen

Appliance surfaces such as the exterior of the oven, microwave, fridge and other kitchen appliances are common applications for biological degreasing with ozone water. On most appliance surfaces typically stainless steel, coated metal or hard plastic ozone water is applicable via the two-cloth method. Avoid direct contact of ozone water with ventilation slots, connections or electrical components. Lightly moisten the cloth and work methodically from top to bottom.

Daily routine versus incidental treatment

The frequency of cleaning treatment with ozone water influences the result. Daily treatment of the cooking zone after use while grease residues are still fresh gives more consistent results than weekly or monthly treatment of accumulated baked-on grease residues. Fresh grease film reacts faster and more completely to ozone oxidation than baked-on polymerised grease residues. A daily cleaning routine with ozone water for the cooking zone is therefore practically more effective than occasional intensive treatment. More on the alternative to cleaning products: biological cleaning product alternative.

Combination with other cleaning steps

Ozone water is effective as an alternative cleaning liquid for organic grease contamination in most kitchen applications. For situations with special contamination such as burnt-on residues a combination of a conventional product for preparation and ozone water for the finishing treatment can be worthwhile. More on removing grease: remove grease without cleaning product. Cleaning without chemicals: cleaning without chemicals.

Practical preparation for stubborn grease contamination

With stubborn grease contamination such as baked-on grease on the extractor hood or encrusted grease residues on the oven a mechanical preparation before ozone treatment is worthwhile. A plastic scraper or soft brush loosens the top grease layer from the surface after which ozone water makes more effective contact with the freed underlying layer. The mechanical action does not need to result in a clean surface: the aim is to make the grease layer thinner and more accessible to the oxidation reaction of the ozone water.

Kitchen cleaning without smell

A practical benefit of ozone water as an alternative cleaning liquid in the kitchen is the absence of cleaning smell after use. Conventional kitchen degreasing products based on ammonia, orange extract or other aromatic ingredients leave a smell in the kitchen space. Ozone water decomposes after the oxidation reaction to oxygen and water without leaving a scent trace. In a kitchen also used as a living space that property is a practical benefit for the daily use of the cleaning routine with ozone water.

Frequency and planning of the degreasing routine

The optimal frequency of the degreasing routine in the kitchen depends on cooking intensity and the type of dishes prepared. With daily intensive use of fatty preparations daily treatment of the cooking zone after use is the most effective approach. With less intensive use treatment every other day or three times per week suffices. Regular treatment keeps the grease load on kitchen surfaces at a low level and prevents build-up of baked-on grease residues that are harder to remove.

Ozone water and food contact: no rinsing needed

A relevant aspect of ozone water as a cleaning liquid in the kitchen is the absence of active chemical residues on the surface after use. After the oxidation reaction the ozone decomposes to oxygen and water. No active chemical ingredients remain on the surface that could come into contact with food. That is relevant for worktops and surfaces used directly after cleaning for food preparation. Rinsing after using ozone water is not needed with regular use.

Material test for new surfaces

When using ozone water on a new or unfamiliar material in the kitchen an initial test on an inconspicuous or less prominent part of the surface is a sensible step. Most common kitchen materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, composite and glazed tiles are suitable for use with ozone water. For less common materials or surfaces with a special treatment or coating a test on an inconspicuous area is the most careful approach before regular use begins.

Costs and affordability

Using ozone water for biological degreasing in the kitchen reduces consumption of conventional kitchen degreasing products for the applications for which ozone water is suitable. Cost savings depend on frequency of use and applications. Questions about the approach? get in touch. More information: knowledge guide.

Testimonials

💬 "We now maintain the splash-back area behind our hob daily with ozone water after cooking. Grease residues are easier to remove than when we let them accumulate, and no cleaning product residue remains." — Ozone water installation user

Further reading

Full overview: ozone water knowledge guide. Alternative to cleaning product: biological cleaning product alternative. Remove grease: remove grease without cleaning product. Biological cleaning: biological cleaning with ozone water.