Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean is no easy task, especially with sneaky culprits like the range hood hiding grease and grime. Fear not! This detailed guide will walk you through how to clean a greasy range hood, ensuring your kitchen shines and smells fresh.
Here’s How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood the Right Way
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s understand the “what” and “why” behind our greasy adversary.
What Is a Range Vent Hood?
A range vent hood, commonly just called a range hood, is a kitchen appliance installed above your stove or cooktop. It houses a mechanical fan, whose job is to pull in and extract pollutants from the air while you’re cooking. This includes steam, smoke, odors, and the main culprit—grease. Ranging from sleek designs to more traditional styles, they often come in stainless steel, making them both a functional and aesthetic centerpiece in many kitchens.
Why Do Vent Hoods Get So Dirty?
Understanding the mechanics is simple. As you cook, especially when frying or sautéing, oil particles become airborne and are pulled into the vent hood. While the fan works to push these particles out of your kitchen, many of them settle on the hood’s surfaces, both inside and out. Over time, this accumulation leads to thick layers of sticky, stubborn grime.
Exterior Cleaning Steps
The outside of the range hood is what we see daily and tends to gather a film of grease that can attract dust and other kitchen debris.
- Preparation: Safety first! Always begin by switching off the range hood. Protect your stove by placing a cloth or paper towels over it.
- Natural Degreaser: A natural degreaser for range hoods is a go-to for many homeowners. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This mix not only helps in cleaning but also in deodorizing.
- Wiping Down: Spray the natural degreaser on the hood’s exterior, letting it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the entire surface.
- Stubborn Spots: To get grease out of a stainless steel vent hood, especially stubborn spots, apply a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a cloth or soft brush.
- Final Touch: Once the grime is gone, give the exterior another once-over with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning residue. Buff dry with a fresh cloth to ensure a streak-free shine.
Cleaning Under the Range Hood
This area often gets overlooked but can be just as greasy.
- Detail Cleaning: Arm yourself with a toothbrush! Dipped in your chosen cleaner, it’s perfect for scrubbing corners and tight spaces.
- Degreasing: Using the best degreaser for range hood cleaning can make this task more manageable. Opt for a commercial kitchen degreaser or a mix of dish soap and hot water for more natural cleaning.
- Final Steps: As always, after cleaning, rinse with a damp cloth to remove any soap or degreaser residue. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or future buildup.
How to Clean Vent Hood Filters
Arguably the most critical part of the range hood, the filters bear the brunt of the grease.
- Removal: Carefully remove the filters. Most will slide or pop out with ease.
- Soaking: Fill a basin or sink with hot water, a good squeeze of dish soap, and a quarter cup of baking soda. Immerse the filters and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub-A-Dub: Using a non-abrasive scrub brush, gently scrub each filter, paying special attention to particularly greasy spots.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly under hot water. It’s essential to let the filters air dry completely before reinstalling them.
How Often Should a Range Hood Be Cleaned?
For optimal performance and cleanliness, wipe the exterior of your hood weekly. Deep cleaning, including filter washing, should be done at least once a month, or more frequently if you do a lot of heavy cooking.
Knowing how to clean a greasy range hood properly should help you restore its function and your kitchen’s aesthetics. If, after these steps, you think your range or oven might need a professional touch, remember: Best Service Company is there for all your oven and range repair needs!
