Over time, dirt and grease can make your range hood less effective, so regularly cleaning it is important. You can refresh your range hood by washing the filters, wiping the surfaces, and handling grease accumulation.
Regular cleaning not only extends the lifespan of the range hood but also ensures it works properly. This article will teach you a step-by-step guide on how to clean a range hood.
When asked about the recommended process and the frequency of cleaning a range hood, mechanical engineer Colin Young said, “This probably varies from hood to hood and person to person. I would consult the user manual for the specific hood on maintenance intervals.” He added, “As for cleaning, it’s probably best to wipe down the range after heavy use or at least once a month.”
What You’ll Need:
- Bucket
- Empty Spray Bottle
- Soft-Bristled Bush
- Cleaning Rags or Paper Towels
- ½ Cup Baking Soda
- 2 Tablespoons Degreasing Soap
- Boiling Water
Step 1: Preparing the Cleaning Mixture
Start by filling the bucket with boiling water. Then, add ½ cup of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of degreasing soap and mix the solution thoroughly. Once the cleaning mixture is ready, pour some into the empty spray bottle. We will use this cleaning solution on the hood’s inside and outside surfaces.
Step 2: Unplug the Range Hood
Before starting to clean your range hood, turn off the electrical power. Unplug the kitchen appliance and turn off the range hood’s corresponding circuit breaker. Failure to turn off the power completely may result in injury, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Remove the Filter
The next step is removing the filter, the most essential part to clean. This step is for reusable metal grease filters used in ducted range hoods only. Charcoal filters, used in recirculating range hoods, should be replaced after 6 to 12 months of usage.
Removing the filter from the range hood varies from brand to brand and model to model. Make sure to consult the user manual for instructions on filter removal. If you don’t have the user manual, most manufacturers make them available online for free.
Step 4: Clean the Filter
After taking out the filter, place it in the bucket with the cleaning mixture. Leave the filter for at least 15 minutes. Soaking it for a longer period yields better results.
After that, scrub the filters using a soft-bristled brush to clean spots that are still dirty. When scrubbing, you need to be careful as this part of the hood has sharp edges that can accidentally cut your hand. If you need more cleaning solutions to clean the filter thoroughly, go ahead and prepare another mixture. After cleaning, rinse the filter well and let it dry before putting it back in the range hood.
Step 5: Clean the Range Hood Exterior and Interior Surfaces
Use a cleaning rag or a paper towel and the cleaning solution in the spray bottle to clean the surface. Spray the mixture on the exterior surface and use the cleaning rag to wipe out all the dust and dirt that has accumulated in the range hood.
Then, use the cleaning solution to clean the internal surface of the range hood. If you see a grease accumulation in specific locations, you can use a brush to clean the affected area. I suggest not using steel wool pads or other abrasive cleaning materials when cleaning the range hood surfaces, as they can scratch the surface.
Step 6: Dry the Range Hood Surface
After removing the dirt on the inside and outside surfaces, use a dry cloth to wipe off the area and remove any water stains on the surface. This step will help keep your range hood looking polished and clean.
Read more range hood articles:
- Types of Range Hoods
- What is a Range Hood?
- How to Install a Range Hood
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Wall
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Ceiling
- Who Installs Range Hoods?
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Main Photo Credit: AntonioDiaz / Adobe Stock
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