How to clean a greasy kitchen hood

Cleaning a greasy kitchen hood can seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it much more manageable. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

• Rubber gloves: To protect your hands.
• Degreasing dish soap or a dedicated degreaser.
• Baking soda.
• White vinegar.
• Hot water.
• Sponges, cloths, and scrub brushes (non-abrasive).
• A container large enough to soak the filters.
• Paper towels.
• A screwdriver (if you need to remove parts).

2. Safety First:

• Turn off the range hood and unplug it.
• If possible, turn off the circuit breaker for added safety.
• Protect surrounding surfaces with newspaper or plastic sheeting.

3. Remove the Filters:

• Most range hood filters slide or pop out. Consult your hood’s manual if you’re unsure.

4. Clean the Filters:

• Soaking:
  • Fill a sink or large container with very hot water.
  • Add a generous amount of degreasing dish soap and/or baking soda.
  • Submerge the filters and let them soak for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Scrubbing:
  • Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining grease.
  • Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
• Alternative: Boiling Water and Baking Soda:
  • For very greasy filters, boil water in a large pot.
  • Add baking soda to the boiling water, then carefully submerge the filters.
  • Let them boil for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• Drying:
  • Allow the filters to air dry completely before reinstalling them.

5. Clean the Hood Interior and Exterior:

• Interior:
  • Apply a degreaser or a mixture of hot water and dish soap to the interior surfaces.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grease.
  • Scrub with a sponge or cloth.
  • For stubborn grease, use a baking soda paste.
  • Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
  • Dry with a clean cloth.
• Exterior:
  • Clean the exterior with a degreaser or a mixture of warm water and vinegar.
  • Wipe dry.
• Fan (If Accessible):
  • If your hood has a removable fan, carefully remove it and clean it using the same methods as the filters.
  • Always ensure the fan is completely dry before placing it back into the hood.

6. Reassemble:

• Once all parts are dry, carefully reinstall the filters and any removed fan components.
• Plug in the range hood and test it.

Tips and Tricks:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your range hood regularly (every 1-3 months) to prevent heavy grease buildup.
• Baking Soda Paste: A paste of baking soda and water is excellent for tackling tough grease stains.
• Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural degreaser and deodorizer.
• Protective Measures: Always wear gloves and consider eye protection.
• Commercial Degreasers: For extremely greasy hoods, consider using a commercial-grade degreaser. Follow the product’s instructions carefully.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your greasy kitchen hood and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.