Good ventilation is an important part of any cooking environment. You not only want the kitchen to smell good, but you also want to prevent grease buildup, because that can eventually clog the hood filter and even become a fire hazard.
Besides, if the filters are dirty, your kitchen’s ventilation won’t work as well. So, by cleaning them regularly, you keep the air fresh and lower the fire risk.
Here’s what to do to clean them properly and ensure your kitchen is a safer and more pleasant place to cook in.
First, Gather All Your Cleaning Tools
Tackling the hood filter means getting everything you need for the task ready. It’s not that complicated of a job, really–all you need are the following things:
- Non-abrasive sponge. Nobody wants scratches. Having such a sponge is perfect for scrubbing the grease away without leaving scratches.
- Baking soda. Another non-abrasive cleaner, which is not only cheap and ubiquitous, but also great at cutting through grease and deodorising.
- Dish soap. It helps you clean and get rid of that stubborn dirt.
- Large bowl or sink. Handy for giving the filter a good soak.
This is all you need to clean the hood filter and make the kitchen gleam again.
Remove the Filter Carefully
Alright, you’ve gathered all you need, now it’s time to begin cleaning the filter.
You can start by referring to the manufacturer’s manual, as each hood has its quirks you’ll have to take into account. Alternatively, if you don’t keep it or you can’t find it, you could look it up online on the brand’s site. That will walk you through the specifics.
Next, determine the type of filter you have. Most are either metal mesh or charcoal, and they tend to get greasy after just a few weeks. Once you know that, you’re ready to proceed.
It’s a good idea to also wear gloves—those edges can be sharper than they look, and the grease isn’t exactly pleasant to the touch. Give the filter a quick wipe with a soft cloth to remove as much excess grease as possible.
After that, gently remove the filter by sliding or unscrewing it, as per the manual. If it feels stuck, give it a gentle wiggle to see if it budges.
Don’t try to yank it out if it’s stuck, as you might end up with a cracked frame. Sometimes, you may have to have another look at the manual for any sneaky catches or locks.
Prepare the Perfect Cleaning Solution
To properly clean your kitchen hood filter, you need to create a powerful DIY homemade mixture.
First off, grab a large bowl or just use your kitchen sink—whichever is handy. Fill it up with hot water, but not too hot. You want it warm enough to melt the grease away, but cool enough that you can comfortably dip your hand in.
Next, squirt in a generous glug of dish soap. This ingredient helps cut through grease because it’s a surfactant, which basically means it breaks down the grease so it can be washed away.
Then, sprinkle in a tablespoon of baking soda. It’s a mild abrasive, meaning it gently scrubs dirt off without scratching the surface.
Now, let’s get that filter in the mix. Submerge it fully so every inch gets a good soak. Leave it there for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the solution time to work its magic, loosening all that stubborn grease.
Gently Scrub the Filter
Once you’ve soaked it, it’s time to give the filter a gentle scrub to ditch any leftover grease. Grab a soft sponge and focus on those greasy spots. You must skip the steel wool or abrasive tools here because they will scratch or mess up the filter.
The idea is to be thorough but gentle, so the filter stays in good shape. Clean it right, and it’ll work better and last longer, keeping your kitchen clean and safe.
Air Dry the Filter
Once it’s rinsed, you’ll want to gently pat it dry with a soft cloth to absorb any excess moisture. It’s important to let it air dry completely, so find a spot with good airflow.
Resist the temptation to speed up the process with a hairdryer or by popping it in the oven, as these can definitely damage the filter.
If it happens to be a warm day, just leaving the filter on the kitchen counter should have it dry in about six to eight hours. Doing this every one to three months not only keeps your kitchen smelling fresh but also helps the filter last longer. Before you reattach it, double-check that it’s completely dry. This ensures it works as efficiently as possible.
You also want to have a quick check to ensure the hood filter is not bent or damaged. If it’s all good, re-attach it and make sure it clicks securely into place. That’s it, you’ve cleaned the kitchen hood filter, and it’s ready to be used once more!
Conclusion
So, that’s how to clean a kitchen hood filter!
As you can see, there’s nothing complicated about it. It’s really a simple yet important step that ensures your kitchen has proper ventilation during cooking and that there are no fire hazards due to the built-up grease.
Try to clean your filter every 1 to 3 months to maintain good air flow. Making this little task a habit can really enhance how things work in your kitchen and ensure safety. You’ll definitely see how such a small job like this makes a big impact and cooking dishes so much nicer.
