Let’s face it: Londoners are busy bees. Between work, commutes, and social lives, who has the time for a deep clean of every nook and cranny? The extractor hood above the stove often falls victim to the packed schedules of capital folk. Unlike splatters on the hob, extractor hood grime builds up slowly, lurking out of sight until – well, let’s say it’s not a pretty picture.
Vapours from soups and stews contain small amounts of grease that accumulate on the hood over time.
The Dirty Truth: Why Regular Cleaning of Your Extractor Hood Matters
As professional home cleaners here in London, we see extractor hoods in all states of disrepair. The good news is a clean extractor hood isn’t just about aesthetics (although, let’s be honest, a gleaming hood makes the whole kitchen feel brighter!). Here’s why regular cleaning is essential:
- Grease buildup: Extractor hoods become magnets for airborne grease particles over time. The buildup not only looks unpleasant, but it can also be a fire hazard.
- Foul odours: Grease traps cooking smells, leading to lingering odours in your kitchen. No one wants their home smelling like last night’s curry!
- Reduced effectiveness: A clogged extractor hood simply can’t do its job properly. Grease buildups equal more steam, smoke, and cooking smells wafting throughout your home.
- Kitchen aesthetics: A grimy extractor hood can drag down the entire look of your kitchen.
Read also: 5 Oven Cleaning Hacks You Wish You Tried Sooner
Follow our cooker hood cleaning method for a kitchen that shines.
The Easiest Way to Clean Your Extractor Hood
Now that you’re convinced, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of cleaning your cooker hood!
Gather Your Cleaning Arsenal:
To conquer your extractor hood grease, you’ll need a trusty team of cleaning supplies. Here’s what to have on hand:
- Protective gear: Rubber gloves will shield your hands from harsh chemicals.
- Gentle cloths: Microfiber cloths are perfect for delicate surfaces, ensuring a scratch-free clean.
- Scrub power: A soft cleaning sponge helps loosen the dirt and tackles everyday grime.
- Reach for the tight spots: An old toothbrush is your secret weapon for those hard-to-reach corners of the appliance.
- Natural cleaning duo: Baking soda, a natural degreaser, handles lighter grease buildup, while white vinegar cuts through grime with ease.
- Everyday essentials: Dish soap and warm water are your workhorses for any kitchen cleaning chore.
- For stubborn grease (optional): A degreaser can be your saviour for tackling heavy grease buildup on hoods, hobs, ovens and other cooking appliances.
- Additional tools for some models of extractor hoods: Depending on your appliance, you might need a screwdriver to remove the filters.
Remember: When dealing with heavy grease buildup, bringing out the big guns is okay! Don’t hesitate to use the degreaser for those incredibly stubborn, sticky old grease stains.
Check also: 8 Things You Should Never Clean with Vinegar
Before cleaning the extractor hood, ensure it is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
Step-by-Step Cleaning of The Cooker Hood:
Here’s the tried-and-tested method to make your appliance shine recommended by our specialists:
- Safety first! Turn off the extractor hood and unplug it from the mains.
- Consult your manual: Most extractor hoods have removable filters. Check the appliance’s user manual for specific instructions on how to remove them.
- Tackle the filters: Here’s the hero of the show! Fill the kitchen sink with warm, soapy water and add a cup of white vinegar. Soak the filters for at least 30 minutes or longer for heavily greased filters. If the grease is particularly stubborn, prepare a thick baking soda and water paste to scrub stubborn areas. Pro Tip: use an old toothbrush for a bit more muscle for those stubborn stains.
- Deep clean the extractor hood: While the filters soak, get to work on the hood itself. Wipe down the entire surface using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water. Pro Tip: For particularly greasy areas, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and use a circular motion to scrub.
- Fight the grease: A degreaser can be your best friend for heavily greased areas. Test the product on a small, inconspicuous hood area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration.
- Rinse and shine: Once you’ve removed all the grease and grime, rinse the hood and filters with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. A sparkling clean hood is just a polish away! A stainless steel cleaner can add a finishing touch, but a simple microfiber buff will do in a pinch.
- Reassemble and relax: Reattach the clean filters and reconnect the hood to the mains. Pat yourself on the back – your extractor hood is back in tip-top shape!
Read also: 4 Simple Steps for DIY Deep Cleaning of Your Washing Machine
Hoods built up in the cabinets can collect dirt that is easier to overlook, so make sure to check the appliance occasionally.
Keeping the Extractor Hood Clean:
Here are a few ways to extend the life between deep cleans:
- Wipe it down regularly: After every few uses, give the hood a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent grease buildup.
- Replace filters regularly: Most extractor hood filters need replacing every 3-6 months, depending on how often you cook.
- Deep clean every few months: Schedule a deep clean of your extractor hood every 3-4 months to prevent a heavy grease buildup.
Check also: Deep Cleaning vs Regular House Cleaning: What’s the Difference
Feeling Overwhelmed? We’ve Got You Covered!
Let’s be honest: London life is hectic. If the thought of tackling your extractor hood fills you with dread, don’t despair! Happy House Cleaning London’s friendly and professional home cleaning team is here to help. We’ll take care of your cooker hood and all your other kitchen appliances, leaving your home sparkling clean and smelling fresh.
Weekends are for living, not scrubbing. Get a spotless kitchen without lifting a finger! Call us today on 020 7101 4326 or use our booking form to request a free quote.
We look forward to hearing from you!
