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Get rid of built-up grime and grease with this handy guide
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A kitchen exhaust fan removes grease, smoke, steam, and odors from the air as you cook. Over time, this grease and debris builds up in the filter, slowly decreasing the effectiveness of your fan and eventually becoming a fire hazard. Thankfully, you can clean your kitchen exhaust fan with just a few household cleaning supplies—dish soap, baking soda, and a sponge. We interviewed house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu to find out how you can degrease and clean your range hood, fan, and filter—read on to learn more!
Tips for Cleaning a Kitchen Hood and Extractor Fan
Turn off and unplug the exhaust fan, then unhook the levers or tabs on the side of the filter to remove it. Sprinkle baking soda over the filter and let it soak for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge, dish soap, and warm water. Wash the hood and fan blades with a cloth dipped in baking soda paste.
Steps
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Turn off and unplug the exhaust fan. During this cleaning process, you will be working close to the electrical components of your exhaust fan. To minimize the risk of injury, fully unplug the exhaust unit before proceeding. [1] X Research source- If you just finished cooking, allow your exhaust fan to cool completely after you turn off the power.
- If your exhaust fan is attached to your microwave, unplug the appliance completely before removing the filter.
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Remove the grease filter. The grease filter is typically located on the underside of the hood or microwave exhaust fan. Unhook any levers or tabs that are holding the filter in place and gently pull the dirty filter out. Most filters come out with little effort, but heavy grease build-up may cause some filters to stick. Slide a butter knife around the edges to loosen up a stubborn filter. [2] X Research source- Depending on your range hood, your filter might have handles you can grab and slide backward to pull it out. Other filters might have tabs to pinch in order to slide out.
- If you have trouble removing your grease filter, consult your owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer's website to find information for your specific make and model.
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Put the filter in hot water with dish soap and sprinkle baking soda. Turn on your hot water tap and fill your sink so the filter is completely covered. Put about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap into the water, then place the filter in the sink. [3] X Research source Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the filter. [4] X Research source- If your sink isn’t big enough, use a sponge to saturate the filter before you add the baking soda. You can also use a deep sheet pan or container instead of the sink.
- Instead of dish soap and baking soda, place a dishwasher tab in hot water and let the filter soak for a couple of hours. [5] X Research source
- Alternatively, boil water with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of dish soap and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda. Pour the cleaning solution over the filter.
- If your filter is dishwasher-safe, place it in your next load of dishes instead. [6] X Research source
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Let the filter soak for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub away the grease. As the filter soaks, the baking soda and dish soap will slowly dissolve the grease. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining grease. [7] X Research source- Try to avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing aggressively—you may damage the grease filter.
- If you have not cleaned your filter in years, you may need to let it soak for up to an hour.
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Rinse the filter off with hot water then let it air-dry completely. Rinse the filter under a steady stream of water or using your sink’s sprayer attachment, then shake it to remove excess water. [8] X Research source Allow it to air-dry completely before placing it back in the hood or microwave—using a cloth or blow drying may damage your filter.- The filter will dry completely after about an hour or two of air-drying.
- House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu says that if grease is still stuck on the filter after drying, repeat the soaking process. [9]
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Expert Source
Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
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Wipe away any visible grease with baking soda, soap, or degreaser. Clean fan blades operate more efficiently, giving you better ventilation and prolonging the life of your blower unit. As you wipe the fan, try to avoid using pressure to prevent your exhaust fan from getting damaged. [10] X Research source- For light grease build-up: Use a baking soda paste and a damp non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away any visible grease.
- For heavy grease build-up: Apply a thin layer of liquid dishwasher soap or a kitchen degreaser to the problem areas. Let the solution soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
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Remove any excess product with a damp sponge and dry with a towel. Try to avoid spraying a cleaning solution into the inner area of the fan—instead, use a damp or dry sponge to clean up the excess product and grease. [11] X Research source Leaving moisture on inner components can result in electrical malfunctions and decrease the lifespan of your exhaust unit.- If you see any loose debris on the fan blades and motor, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove it. [12] X Research source
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Re-insert the clean grease filter and plug the exhaust fan back in. After cleaning the inside and outside of the exhaust fan, re-insert the clean and dry grease filter. Re-attach any locking mechanisms or screws to secure the filter in place. Plug the exhaust fan or microwave back in.- Turn the fan on to make sure everything is operating correctly.
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Wash the hood with a damp sponge and baking soda paste. Mix ½ cup (136 g) baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of water, adjusting the ratio until you make a spreadable paste. [13] X Research source Scoop up some of the paste with a damp sponge and scrub every part of the hood.- As an alternative to baking soda, house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends using “a couple drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water” instead. [14]
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Expert Source
Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019. - Alternatively, use a sponge and a spray-on kitchen degreaser to clean the outside of the hood. [15] X Research source
- If your hood is removable, wash it in the sink with the baking soda paste or dish soap and water.
- As an alternative to baking soda, house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends using “a couple drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water” instead. [14]
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Expert Source
Raymond Chiu
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Dry the hood thoroughly with a kitchen towel or microfiber cloth . House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends using “a clean cloth or paper towel to remove residue.” [16] X Expert Source Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019. If the hood still feels sticky after drying, wash the hood a second time to remove the leftover grease.- If your hood is made of stainless steel, use a dry microfiber cloth to polish it and remove any hard water spots.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the best way to clean up grease?Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.First, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away as much grease as possible. This will make cleaning the rest of the surfaces much easier. Next, use a mixture of 1/4 cup/60mL of baking soda and 1 teaspoon/5mL of water and apply it to the greasy surface. You can use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the area and use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area after. A couple drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water will also work as a good alternative to baking soda.
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QuestionHow do you properly clean an oven?Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.Always clean a cool oven and unplug it if possible. Next, remove the racking or trays and use a non-foam oven cleaner. Spray oven cleaner on a nonabrasive scrub brush and clean the inside of the oven. Once all the areas are clean, wipe down twice with a damp cloth or paper towel until all the cleaner is gone. You can also use the oven cleaner to clean the racks or trays. Remember to rinse until the cleaner is gone.
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Tips
- Wear gloves when cleaning the filter to protect yourself against any sharp edges. [20] X Research sourceThanks
- If you’re having trouble removing the grease filter, try doing an internet search for the make and model of your unit to see how to remove the filter on your hood or microwave.Thanks
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Warnings
- Simply turning an appliance off is not always enough. As a precaution, always unplug an appliance or flip the appropriate circuit breaker before beginning your maintenance.Thanks
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working with cleaning chemicals. Even if a solution is non-toxic, it can still cause irritation. If exposed, wash thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek immediate medical attention.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth or kitchen towel
- Cleaning gloves
- Eye goggles
- Spray-on degreaser
- A non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush
- Water
References
- ↑ https://www.fisherpaykel.com/download/user-guide/Kitchen/Cook/Rangehoods/105463B-integrated-rangehood-userguide-HPB.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-range-hood-filter/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-often-should-you-clean-a-kitchen
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-range-hood-filter/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-clean-oven-vent-range-hood-grease-article
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cleaning-with-baking-soda-36834886
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-to-clean-a-range-hood
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-range-hood-filter/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/how-often-should-you-clean-a-kitchen
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-range-hood-filter/
- ↑ https://www.fisherpaykel.com/download/user-guide/Kitchen/Cook/Rangehoods/105463B-integrated-rangehood-userguide-HPB.pdf
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean a kitchen exhaust fan, first you'll need to remove the cover over the grease filter. On some fans, the cover at the base of the fan needs to be unscrewed, but your model may also be spring loaded, covered by baffles that need to be slid off, or have a latch holding it in place. Once you've removed the cover, press the grease filter in to compress the spring or pull on the indentation in the frame of the filter to remove it. Then, fill your sink with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Set your filter inside of the sink and let it soak for 15 minutes. When it's done soaking, put on a pair of rubber gloves and scrub the filter with a scouring pad or cloth. For hard-to-remove grease, add a few scoops of baking soda to your dish soap and water. Once clean, rinse the grease filter under a stream of cool water to remove any soap or baking soda residue. For the rest of the exhaust structure, scrub the surface of the exhaust and the interior lip of the exhaust vent with a warm soapy sponge. Use a clean, microfiber cloth to wipe away the excess soap and water. Repeat this process at least once a year to keep your grease filter and exhaust fan clean.
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