Extractor fans above the stove are often forgotten but if they are not cleaned regularly, they can make a kitchen stuffy. However, cleaners do not need to turn to a chemical cleaner as there is a quicker and easier solution.
The fan above the stove is often overlooked but needs to be cleaned regularly, otherwise, it accumulates a lot of grease and makes kitchens smell horrific.
Extractor fans help remove steam, smoke or cooking smells, and if you are noticing condensation and strong odours in your kitchen then it may be time to give your stove hood a clean.
Keith Ford, a cleaning expert from Crystal Oven Cleaning, said the cooker hood will become “greasier and grimmer” the longer it has not been cleaned, but it is incredibly easy to get it sparkling again.
He said: “With the right match of cleaning solution and scrubbing methods, we are here to help you get that gleaming cooker hood filter back. Here's how to make it sparkle again.”
All you need are a few household staples you likely already have in your kitchen including washing up liquid.
It may seem strange but washing up liquid has been designed to break down and remove grease as well as other residues that can build up in fans.
How to clean an extractor fan
You will need:
- Washing up liquid
- Hot water
- A non-abrasive brush
Method
Carefully remove the grease filters from the hood. They should just pop out but if you are unsure then look at your manufacturer's guide.
Fill the sink with hot soapy water by adding a generous amount of washing-up liquid, and then place the filters in the sink.
Leave the filter to soak for at least 15 minutes but leave it longer if you have any particularly strong grease stains.
Once the time is up, gently scrub the filter and add more washing-up liquid for any grease or grime still on the filter.
Do not use a scourer sponge or anything harsh on your filter or you can risk breaking it. Keith said: “Be gentle with your brushing action to avoid damaging the filters. To avoid damaging the filter surface, do not use coarse scouring tools or pads.”
Wash the other side of the filter and when all the grease is gone, thoroughly rinse it with clean hot water.
Gently pat the filter down with paper towels and then place the filter on your kitchen countertop to dry naturally. Do not apply heat to the filter to make it dry faster and do not refit the filter until it is completely dry.
Only when the filter is dry should you place it back in the extractor hood, and you will have a cleaner and better-ventilated kitchen.
To avoid grease buildup in your cooking fans in the future, consider buying a splatter guard. This will also help if you fry your food often as fried foods are the most common cause of extractor fan grease.
Keith said: “We recommend using a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe down the grease filters each time you use the hob - ensuring the fan and hood are completely cool before you start to clean.”