Experts recommend giving your extractor fan filters a thorough clean every two to three months, though this depends on your cooking habits. If you frequently fry or use large amounts of oil, you may need to clean them more often to prevent excessive grease buildup.
A DIY enthusiast on TikTok has shared a simple method using bicarbonate of soda to remove grease from extractor fan filters in just 15 minutes. Melissa, who posts under the handle @the_daily_diy, revealed her favourite cleaning trick: boiling the filters in a solution of water and baking soda.
To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Gradually stir in a cup of baking soda, adding it slowly to avoid spillage as it fizzes. Then, immerse the greasy cooker hood filters into the boiling mixture. Depending on the size of your filter, you may need to do one half at a time.
Allow the filter to boil for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the grease and grime will begin to float to the surface. After boiling, rinse the filter under hot tap water until the water runs clear. If stubborn grease remains, repeat the process with fresh water.
To prevent future buildup, wipe down the cooker hood grease filter with a cloth or paper towel each time you use the hob, ensuring the fan and hood have fully cooled before cleaning. Regular cleaning between deep cleans will help reduce grease accumulation.
