Extractor fans are easy to keep clean of grease with one everyday bathroom item: Tesco Value toilet soap. According to cleaning expert Wendy Mallins, founder of Daisies & Pie, this bar soap is "BRILLIANT at cleaning greasy surfaces" and can remove baked-on grease without scrubbing.
Why Extractor Fans Need Summer Cleaning
Cooker hood extractor fans are relied upon daily to eliminate cooking smells and steam. However, they require regular cleaning, especially during summer, when open windows let in more dust. This dust sticks to grease buildup inside the fan, creating a fire hazard. Over time, grease can block filters, cause unpleasant odors, and risk the fan motor overheating.
Wendy Mallins explained that grease is stubborn because it doesn't mix with water, making most conventional cleaners ineffective. Bathroom soap bars act as surfactants, trapping grease so water can penetrate and rinse it away. Combined with washing-up liquid and vinegar, this method cleans an extractor fan in just 10 to 15 minutes.
How to Deep Clean an Extractor Fan
You will need: two teaspoons of washing-up liquid, 250ml of white vinegar, one bar of Tesco Value toilet soap, and three cleaning cloths.
Start by switching off the electric fan and ensuring the cooker hood, lights, and filter are completely cool. Most filters clip out easily, but consult the manual if unsure.
Fill the sink with hot water, add a squirt of washing-up liquid and the white vinegar. Submerge the metal filter and plastic cover, letting them soak for several hours.
Meanwhile, take a damp cloth and rub it with white toilet soap until it lathers. Wipe the cooker hood with the soapy cloth, then rinse with a separate damp cloth. Clean beneath the hood and surrounding areas to prevent grease splattering. Dry thoroughly with a fresh cloth, buffing any streaks.
After soaking, remove the filters and scrub them with a soft-bristle brush. The grease should lift easily. Pat the filter dry with a tea towel and ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling the extractor fan.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Cleaning an extractor fan at least once during summer keeps the kitchen smelling fresh and ensures a safe cooking environment. The process takes only 10 to 15 minutes and eliminates accumulated greasy residue, restoring the fan's functionality.
