Grease, dirt and grime accumulate on the extractor hood. This is the law since it is located directly above the hob and its main task is to extract the smoke or steam given off by the cooked food. Contamination over time is inevitable. What can be avoided, however, is a thick layer of grease that will make the hood less effective. The longer you put off cleaning, the more effort you will have to put into afterwards. So be proactive and learn here how you should clean the range hood filter and do it. However, if that doesn't help, it's time to replace the filter. You can also find out how you should change the extractor hood filter here.
The extractor filters are the fine-mesh grids located at the bottom of the hood. Their purpose is to keep all the grease contained in the cooking fumes out of the extractor hoods to prevent them from becoming clogged and requiring more expensive cleaning work. It is a very simple process to clean the extractor hood filter.
Clean the extractor hood filter – method 1:
- Remove your filters carefully
- Fill your sink, a large pot, or a large bucket (large enough to fit at least half of the filter) with boiling water and mix in baking soda and dish soap.
- Place the filters in the hot water and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes.
- After they have soaked, scrub them gently with a brush (make sure the brush is not too stiff so as not to damage the filters) and rinse occasionally until all the grease is removed.
- If you were only able to fit half of the filter in the water, repeat the process for the other side.
- Rinse the filters thoroughly and pat them dry or allow them to air dry completely.
- Put the filters back into the extractor hood.
The filter is clean, time to clean the hood too. How you do thatfind out here!
Clean the extractor hood filter – method 2:
- Carefully remove the filters
- Place the filters in the dishwasher on the hottest program.
- If the filters are still clogged with grease, repeat the process to remove the grease.
If they are still clogged after a few washes, you should change the range hood filter.
How to change the extractor hood filter
If your range hood's extraction performance is at an all-time low, it's probably time to replace some parts and give it some attention. The replacement is a fairly simple task. Just follow these steps and your kitchen will be steam and odor free again in no time!
Notice: Most range hood filters should be replaced every four to six months.
Changing the extractor hood filter – what do you need?:
- A new filter (grease or carbon filter, depending on the extractor hood model and type of stove)
- screwdriver
- Optional: warm soapy water, rubber gloves
Follow these simple steps
Step 1: Preparation: Before you start replacing your range hood filter, there are a few things you need to do. First, look at your hood and make sure you have purchased a compatible replacement filter. Once you have your replacement filter, you will need to unplug your cooker hood (we don't want any nasty shocks!).
Step 2: Open the hood: Your range hood probably won't open like a car hood, but the principle is the same! Take your screwdriver and unscrew any screws that are blocking access to the filter. (Also put on the rubber gloves now if you don't want dirty, greasy hands).
Step 3: Time to replace! Once your range hood is appropriately disassembled, it's time to take a look at the damage inside. If your hood hasn't been working as it should for a while, it's likely that a nasty layer of grease has built up over the hood filter.
- Unscrew/loosen the existing filter.
- Remove it from the hood and discard it.
- Insert the new filter in its place. If you have a universal filter, you may need to trim it.
- Screw or clamp the new filter into place and make sure it is secure.
Some models of range hoods have a metal grease filter instead of a typical fabric filter. You can remove these filters, rinse them with a warm soapy solution, let them dry and put them back into your extractor hood. Very easy!
