Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Cleaning Awards just crowned a new favorite: a water-activated cleaning paste paired with a textured sponge that tackles baked-on grease on stovetops, ovens, grills, and tile. It’s been all over social media since the awards dropped, with people testing it against years-old burnt-on messes. Does it actually live up to the hype?

Why Las Vegas Homes Face This Challenge

Las Vegas kitchens run hot literally and figuratively — high indoor temperatures during summer mean stovetop grease bakes on faster and harder than in cooler climates, since residual heat lingers in the kitchen long after cooking. Combined with our hard water, grease and mineral film can combine into a stubborn double layer that regular spray cleaners struggle to cut through.

That’s exactly the kind of tough, layered grime this award-winning paste was designed for, which makes it a particularly good fit for Las Vegas kitchens dealing with both heat and hard water at once.

Top Products That Actually Work

Water-Activated Cleaning Paste with Textured Sponge

This GH Award winner cuts through baked-on grease on stovetops, ovens, grills, and sinks with just water and light scrubbing — no harsh chemical smell. You can find it here: Water-Activated Cleaning Paste on Amazon.

3-in-1 Stovetop Cleaner

Formulated specifically for glass, ceramic, and stainless stovetops, this cleaner excelled in GH Institute lab tests for cutting grease without scratching. Check it out: 3-in-1 Stovetop Cleaner on Amazon.

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

A quality microfiber cloth buffs stovetops to a streak-free shine after paste or spray cleaners do the heavy lifting. See it here: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths on Amazon.

How to Get the Best Results From the Paste

The GH-winning paste works best with a specific technique, not just a quick wipe:

1. Wet the sponge first, then swirl onto the paste. The paste activates with water, so a damp (not soaked) sponge picks up the right amount of product.
2. Let it sit on the toughest spots for 60 seconds. Baked-on grease from Las Vegas summer cooking often needs a short dwell time before it lifts easily.
3. Work in small circular motions. This lifts grime without scratching glass or ceramic stovetop surfaces.
4. Rinse and buff immediately. Hard water in Las Vegas will re-deposit mineral spots if you let the surface air-dry, so towel-dry right after rinsing.
5. Reapply monthly, not just when visibly dirty. A light monthly pass prevents grease from ever fully baking on in the first place.

Most testers agree the hype is deserved — but the real secret is combining it with a quick hard-water rinse routine, especially in a market like ours.

Final Thoughts

Award-winning products can make a real difference in Las Vegas kitchens battling heat and hard water together, but they work best as part of a consistent routine. If your kitchen needs more than a paste can handle, professional help is one call away.

For professional cleaning help in Las Vegas, visit Vegas Cleaning Professionals.