Cleaning a greasy extractor fan can be done in just 15 minutes using a cheap Tesco Value bathroom soap bar, according to cleaning expert Wendy Mallins, founder of Daisies & Pie. The method combines the soap with washing-up liquid and white vinegar to dissolve tough grease buildup, which can pose a fire hazard if left unattended.
Why Clean Extractor Fans Regularly?
Extractor fans are used daily to remove cooking odors and steam, but over time they absorb grease vapors that clog filters. In summer, open windows let in dust that sticks to greasy residues, increasing the risk of the fan motor overheating and creating a fire hazard. Grease also hardens when heated, forming a sticky layer that is difficult to remove with standard cleaners.
The Cleaning Method
Wendy Mallins recommends using Tesco Value bathroom soap bars because they are surfactants that trap grease, allowing water to penetrate and soften stains. She said: “I buy the Tesco value bars of bathroom soap - they're BRILLIANT at cleaning greasy surfaces and it's always worth keeping a bar in at home.”
Ingredients Needed
- Two teaspoons of washing-up liquid
- 250ml of white vinegar
- One bar of Tesco Value toilet soap
- Three cleaning cloths
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, turn off the electric fan and ensure the cooker hood, lights, and filter are cool. Most fan filters clip out easily, but check the manual if unsure. Fill the sink with hot water, add one squirt of washing-up liquid and the white vinegar, then soak the metal filter and plastic cover for a few hours.
While the parts soak, clean the hood itself. Dampen a cloth, rub it with the white toilet soap until it foams, then wipe the cooker hood. Rinse with another damp cloth, ensuring you clean underneath and surrounding areas to prevent grease splatters. Dry everything with a clean cloth and buff away streaks.
After soaking, remove the filters and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush. The grease should come off easily. Dry the filter with a tea towel, ensuring everything is thoroughly dried before reassembling the extractor fan.
Time and Frequency
Cleaning an extractor fan takes 10 to 15 minutes. Wendy advises doing this at least once in summer to keep the kitchen smelling fresh and to ensure the appliance remains safe to use.
