A mild acid solution like vinegar or lemmon juice to clean oily areas. The citric acid will break down the oil. Obviously you have to wash the items that have the residue with the acid solution, then rinse before putting them back in the tank. Any oil at the surface can be collected using a turkey baster, but I wouldn't ever let it be used in the kitchen again. Label it turtle use only. Sometimes oil can be absorbed from the surface using a sponge.

These ideas come from my household kitchen experience and general science background. I have never had a problem with oil residue in my tank. I do have a good filter that runs all the time and several different types of plant that also help to filter the water. I also keep a small school of live fish in the tank at all times.

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