Cooker hoods have long been necessary for kitchens because they facilitate the removal of extra smoke, steam, and grease generated during cooking. They will eventually become greasy as a result, which is an unavoidable effect. In contrast to other typical kitchen appliances found in Singapore, may look difficult to clean as a result. But, there are techniques to make cleaning this kitchen item simpler and less frightening. In this blog, Yeobuild HomeStore shares with you the information you need to know about maintaining a cooker hood.
General Cleaning Guideline for Cooker Hoods
There are a few tips to think about before you begin cleaning a cooker hood that will help you get ready to finish the job. You’ll need to choose the type of cooker hood filter first. The filter, which is a component of the hood, is essential for collecting all the grease, dirt, and debris. Each type of cooker filter acts significantly differently despite having a key role in improving the air quality in your kitchen, necessitating the use of various cleaning tools to achieve a thorough cleaning session.
Type of Cooker Hood Filters
The two varieties of cooker hood filters that require the most care throughout the cleaning process are the following. One of them will be present on your cooker hood, so look for it and decide whether to clean it or replace it. Which are:
1. Metal Filter
While you are cooking, metal filters are excellent at capturing oil, and an exhaust fan can assist get rid of some odours and cooking smoke. Every three to four months, these filters need to be cleaned. Long-term neglect will compromise the efficiency of your cooker hood.
2. Carbon Filter
While cooking, the carbon filter absorbs grease and moisture, eliminating unpleasant odours and deodorising the kitchen. The majority of recirculation cooker hoods come with a carbon filter that needs to be changed every four months.
Tools Required for Cleaning a Cooker Hood
It’s best to have these materials ready before beginning to clean your cooker hood to make the operation go more smoothly:
- Replacement hood filters
- Gloves
- Toothbrush
- Sponge
- Cloth
- Vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Surface cleaning product
The cleaning equipment and techniques mentioned above and below are general ones that may vary depending on the product. Make sure to review the product manual that comes with your cooker hood for a more detailed and precise maintenance approach.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean a Cooker Hood
Cooker Hood Filter
- Remove the cooker hood filter and all other removable components. If you’re unsure, make sure to consult the handbook.
- If necessary, remove and replace the hood filters.
- For a suggested period of time, consult your product instructions or soak metal filters in hot, soapy water with a cup of vinegar.
- After giving the metal filter a soak, gently scrape it with a toothbrush, adding bicarbonate of soda to the tougher grease-filled places.
- When ready, rinse, dry off, and reinstall it on the cooker hood.
Cooker Hood Surface
- On the hood surfaces, apply a surface cleaning solution.
- Cleanse the surfaces by wiping them with a gentle, clean sponge or towel.
- Using a fresh cloth, remove the cleaning agent.
- Brush any obstinate grease off using a toothbrush gently.
It is only right that you give your range hood some tender loving care now and then considering how hard it works to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. These upkeep suggestions will ensure that your hood remains in excellent condition for as long as possible.
1. Keep the metallic grease filter clean
On the front lines of the war for extraction is the metallic grease filter. Because to this, the appliance won’t become clogged by larger smoke and grease particles being drawn up into the stove. Some grease filters come in one piece, while others come in two pieces. Your hood will continue to run effectively if you maintain these clean. The majority can be taken off with the touch of a button or catch—check your user handbook to make sure. As long as they are dishwasher-safe, you may either hand wash them in hot water with dishwashing solutions or put them in the dishwasher. Before replacing them, make sure you pat them dry.
2. Clean the hood interior while the grease filter is out
Grease and other contaminants can leak through the mesh filters and onto the inner surfaces, so this is the ideal time to thoroughly clean the hood interior while they are soaking or in the dishwasher. The interior surfaces of the hood can be cleaned with a sponge and a non-abrasive cleaning solution. Prior to reinstalling it, make sure the filter and interior walls are completely dry.
3. Replace the carbon filter regularly
Your hood will contain carbon filters to cope with odours if it uses recirculation rather than extraction to refresh the air in your kitchen. Depending on how often you cook, you should replace these every three to six months. They will require replacement more frequently if you fry food frequently.
4. Keep exhaust ducts clean
If your hood employs extraction to purify the air in your kitchen, an exhaust duct will connect it to a gap in a wall or window. This duct should be cleaned at least once every six months since over time, grease and other materials can accumulate there. However since this can be a little difficult, you might want to hire professionals such as Yeobuild HomeRepair.
5. Keep the outer surfaces of your hood clean
Your hood’s exterior surfaces come into contact with grease, steam, and smoke, and if left unattended, these can accumulate. The easiest approach to maintain the appearance of your hood is to routinely clean the exterior surfaces because these build-ups can be quite difficult