Extractor fans can build up with grime and grease over time, but a simple kitchen item can restore their efficiency in just 10 minutes. While many homeowners regularly wipe down kitchen worktops, extractor fan upkeep is often neglected. These appliances are essential for eliminating steam and smoke during cooking, yet if left unattended, they can harbour bacteria, grease, and food debris.
Why cleaning matters
Grease accumulation on extractor fans can substantially reduce their effectiveness, leaving your cooker hood struggling to ventilate the kitchen properly. Nick Small, appliance expert at AO, stresses the need for routine cleaning: "Your cooker hood catches all the smoke and steam from preparing your food, but did you know you could open it?"
Without adequate maintenance, these filters - typically found on the underside of the cooker hood - can rapidly become a hotbed of unwanted grime. To maintain performance, specialists such as Nick recommend cleaning the filters no less than every three months, preventing excessive accumulation of grease and grime.
Simple cleaning method
He said: "Ensure you are cleaning this around every three months as it could be full of grease and grime making it not only dirty but less effective", reports the Express. For a straightforward clean, numerous filters are dishwasher safe, though for those that aren't, submerging the filter in hot soapy water for 10 minutes provides an easy remedy.
Keith Ford, a cleaning specialist from Crystal Oven Cleaning, concurs on the value of using washing-up liquid for the job, noting that it is formulated to cut through grease and other residues. He suggests allowing the filters to soak in the soapy solution for 15 minutes or more if required. After the filter has dried, you can simply slot it back into the extractor hood, restoring its performance and airflow.
Preventing future grease build-up
Beyond routine cleaning, implementing measures to stop grease accumulation in future is essential to prevent it becoming more difficult to shift. A splatter guard can prove a worthwhile purchase, particularly if you frequently fry food, as fried dishes are amongst the primary causes of greasy extractor fans. For a swift fix, wiping the grease filters with kitchen roll or a cloth following each use of the hob can also help preserve cleanliness and prevent lasting harm.
