The fan blades / fins on the Jenn-Air downdraft counter-top stove that was in our house when we moved in several years ago was so caked with grease and unbalanced because of it, that the counter shook when we turned on the fan. Well, that would never do. We removed the fan from its housing and left the intact fan overnight in a bucket of water and dissolved trisodium phosphate. Next day, the grease was dissolved and the fan was fine. Washed it and re-installed it.

WARNING when using TSP: be sure to wear good quality rubber gloves (not the ones that they use at the deli counter or doctor's office) that extend above your wrist. TSP does no favors to your skin. Also, best if no children or pets are around when using TSP. Try a test area if you're going to use it to clean a painted surface as it probably will dull the finish. TSP is a heavy-duty product that works great to remove grease. Just use common sense and you will be fine.

Wow -- am I glad I asked this. I have learned so much. Thank you all!

My father used Simple Green when doing engine work on the cars & truck. I have used it for the last 20+ yrs. Most times diluted but not always. I have used it to clean on oven fan & it worked great.

Have you tried equal parts dawn and HOT white vinegar. I use this on tubs and showers to remove scum. Spray on, let sit about 30", and wipe away. Use a magic eraser if necessary.Rinse with a moist sponge. I use this same mixture for floors, drive tops, etc. My husband even asks me to make him a bottle to clean his boat after a day of deep sea fishing. A spray bottle full of vinegar with 4-5 drops dawn works great on windows, too.

...stove tops, not drive tops...I love this little computer spelling and thinking for me.

I've used this too! Works great for a variety of surfaces and very affordable!

I use"" Oil Eater"" it can be purchased at auto parts stores. You can spray it on the fan on cabinets . It does not strip the finish off but it will melt the grease off . Its is also good for grease on blue jeans or blood . Its a great multi cleaner . I never use any other product.

Hubby and I took charge of a senior center three years ago. The place was badly in need of a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Krud Kutter did wonders! The center had lots of nicotine and grease built up in places. After replacing the drop in ceiling tiles, having the high quality vertical blinds ultrasound cleaned, etc. the building looked great and smelled clean without the chemical odor residue. Good Luck!

I was surprised to learn about this product from a 17 yo cleaner I hired a few months ago. It really works well, but does make me cough when I use a lot.

I'd place your item in a plastic baggie, spray heavily with the product, tightly close the baggie and let it sit a for few hours. Rinse and then try the Dawn dish liquid.

wish I'd seen this sooner, we just did mine.
My dd and my dsil took mine down and I used Dawn and Baking Soda...make a
paste and let it sit a little while.[ATTACH=CONFIG]562265[/ATTACH]
You'll know how long by when you start to clean it...I was using an s.o.s. type
pad and if it's too difficult, wait a little longer.
The grease came off in sheets in places, like it had turned into a funky plastic.
Straight Simple Green eats off paint- ask me how I know!!!
This is all I used.
They took all parts off and we soaked them and that 33 year old exhaust fan
works like new. I hadn't used it in years.
After we were satisfied with the cleanliness, we primed and used appliance
enamel by Rustoleum.
Please keep in mind when viewing pictures, that my "update" is still in progress!
There is tons of advice for cleaning things on pinterest and this is how I learned
about this.
I always add a little baking soda to my dishwater now and my dishes come cleaner.
I have Corelle and would get a little buildup on the back side near that rim...no more.
This is great for bathtubs too.