Your range hood has a front row seat when it comes to splashes and mess - it sits directly above the hob and is often hit by the splashes from your pots and pans, leading to a build-up of grease and other sticky messes. If you cook regularly, you should clean this part of your kitchen often. Over time, food residue can build up on the interior and exterior surfaces of the extractor hood and is then difficult to remove. The following simple tips will show you how to clean a range hood to keep it looking new.
How often should you clean a range hood?
If your extractor hood filter is not cleaned regularly, it can become clogged with grease and the air in your kitchen can no longer circulate properly. For optimal device performance, it is best to clean the filter regularly. It is recommended that you clean the extractor hood filter monthly and ensure that the extractor hood is always on when you cook. If you don't turn them on, grease and odors will remain in your kitchen. This in turn makes your kitchen cabinets,the floorand the worktop sticky and greasy.
Cleaning your range hood filter can impact not only the cleanliness of the air, but also all surfaces in your kitchen. You only need 15 minutes per month to get your extractor hood clean again.
Remove filter
The first thing you should do is unplug your appliance or turn off the circuit breaker that powers the range hood. First, locate and remove your cooker hood's grease and carbon filters. On most range hoods, the filters are located at the bottom of the hood. Depending on the model, the filters may have handles that you simply grab and push back to pull them out. Other range hood filters may have a clamping mechanism that you need to squeeze in order to pull them out. If you are unsure where a filter on your device is located or how to properly remove it, consult the user manual. Once you have successfully removed the filters, take them to the sink to inspect them before cleaning.
Clean the extractor hood – grease filter
The metal filter takes the brunt of the grease in your extractor hood and therefore needs to be cleaned carefully. Fill your sink with hot water – the hotter the better. Add about a teaspoon of anti-grease dish soap and about30 grams of baking powderinto the water and completely submerge the filter. There is an alternative: you can soak the filter in water with a dishwasher tablet.
Allow the filter to soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then take your dishwashing brush and clean the filter using firm brush strokes. Do not apply too much pressure as this could damage the filter. Empty the sink and fill with new detergent water if necessary. When the filter is clean again, rinse it and dry it thoroughly with a cloth.
You can also wash the metal filter in the dishwasher. But choose the wash cycle with the highest temperature.
What do you do with the activated carbon filter?
The standard carbon filters cannot be cleaned, so they should be replaced every three to four months. However, you can now find regenerable carbon filters that can be cleaned several times and have a shelf life of around three to four years.
Remove stains from the bottom of the hood
Now it's the turn of the bottom of the extractor hood, i.e. where the ventilation is installed. It is advisable to use a dishwashing brush to remove larger deposits of grease or ash. Clean the underside with a degreasing dish soap or use a mixture of warm water and baking soda.In case of heavy contaminationYou can make the baking soda into a paste and apply it to the bottom of the hood: Baking soda is known to neutralize acidic compounds and can break down some of the bonds that hold fat in place.
Clean the extractor hood: Wipe the outside
The outside of your extractor hood is also exposed to a lot of wear and tear - from smoke and cooking smells to dirt from the hob. And unfortunately, this is the place where you can often notice buildup and stains. To clean the exterior, you can use a mixture of mild detergent and water to support the degreasing process. All you need is a spray bottle with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Take a microfiber cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain for better results when caring for stainless steel. A circular motion can leave scratches on the surface.
If dish soap and water alone aren't enough to clean your stove, make onePaste of vinegar and baking sodathat will help you with this. Cooking oil, for example rapeseed or sunflower oil, is also perfect for removing the fatty film. Simply put it on a cloth, rub, and then wipe with clean water and dishwashing liquid.
