Home hood cleaning is a frequent topic of inquiry. We are a commercial cleaning company so we cannot clean residential hoods. We cannot use our pressure systems or methods for residential hood cleaning. We can offer some suggestions on cleaning your hood at home.
Are dirty filters ruining your mealtimes? Three effective solutions to range hood filter cleaning using expert tips from a professional cleaner.
Regular cleaning of your exhaust fan, vent hood or range hood filter is essential to ensure that the filter functions properly.
These parts are easy to clean and don’t require complicated formulas. These solutions typically contain one to two ingredients already found in most households’ pantry.
A dirty range hood is warm, sticky, and greasy. This is where pathogens like bacteria and viruses thrive. The growing bacteria is also fed by the tiny food particles that settle on the filters and are carried along with the fumes.
Regular Hood Cleaning Makes Things Simple
Although it might not be the most efficient way to spend your time, it is important to ensure that your range hood filters are clean. Broan, a top manufacturer, recommends that filters be cleaned at least once per month.
If you’re like most homeowners, that’s a lot of cleaning. Many people haven’t cleaned their filters for years. Some even for a decade. However, as a Broan expert, I can confirm what they are saying. For the following reasons, it is important to clean your filters regularly:
In Just a Few Steps, How to Clean a Range Hood Filter
It is important to clean metallic grease filters regularly. These grease filters are made of aluminum, or sometimes stainless steel. These filters can be either mesh filters, or baffle filters. They are often visible at the base your range hood.
Although it may seem tedious, depending on how filthy your range hood filters and the cleaning method you use, it could take up to an hour to clean them. The actual cleaning time is less than 15 minutes.
The combination of support and fasteners is the easiest type of attachment you will come across. It’s not difficult, but there are models with the rotating flap in an awkward position that makes it hard to place your fingers. To rotate the flap, you might need to use a spoon or screwdriver.
Note: I will go from the most efficient cleaning method to the least. This is to save time, and to ensure that you don’t miss any important information.
Dish soap and grease remover are not the best options. Instead, dishwasher detergent will be used. You could also try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
This simple method uses soapy water and ammonia, even if you have been cleaning on a regular basis.
If you haven’t cleaned them regularly, the filters could be clogged with grease and dirt. It is unlikely that they will be cleaned by simply putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, you will need to use one of the three methods described above.
The filters are made of metallic material so I wouldn’t recommend blow drying them. This could lead to electroshocks in some cases. It is best to allow them to dry properly. Be sure to dry them completely before you put them back into place. You don’t want any moisture in the wiring of your range hood.
Oil and grease deposits are likely to form on parts of the range hood that are directly above the cooktop, as well as around the grease filters. These areas can be easily cleaned with a mild degreaser.
You will need a napkin to spray the degreaser on and then wipe it off. Before you spray, make sure you read the directions. Some degreasers are concentrated so you will need to mix them with water.
Spray bottles don’t contain enough degreaser to dilute. Spraying degreaser in large quantities of water can be counterproductive. Concentrated degreasers must be diluted with hot water in order to work. Zep industrial purple is very similar to the one used by professionals.
A good dishwasher detergent can be used if your sink is big enough to soak the filters. The automatic dishwashing powder works well for soaking, and it will loosen and lift any grease from hard-to-scrub places.
The Comment Section
“In most cases, I find that the dishwasher works well for cleaning these extractor filter. Just make sure they are completely dry before you re-fit them otherwise corrosion could occur.”
“My filter was terrible. It was soaked overnight with dish soap. Next, I soaked it for an hour using dish soap. The dish was clean, but there were a few spots. Next, I used the vinegar-baking soda method. It came out sparkling clean.
“Excess grease and oils can build up on your dishwasher, and could cause damage.” This method is recommended if your range hood needs to be cleaned every six months.
“Remember, commercial hood cleaning firms cannot clean your filters or hood.”
Use a degreaser and a rag to reach into the duct. Although you might not be able reach the hood for more than a few feet, it will provide a cleaner cleaning experience than if you leave grease behind.
