If you haven't given your kitchen range hood and filter a thorough inspection lately, it's likely in need of cleaning. If the hood is noisy or failing to eliminate smoke efficiently, it's high time to tackle the cleaning of the filter.
A thorough cleaning is crucial for restoring the hood's appearance, scent, and functionality. Moreover, a grimy range hood can compromise a home's HVAC system and pose a fire hazard.
Tools You’ll Need
· Equipment / Tools
· Soft nylon-bristled scrub brush
· Sink, large pot, or glass baking dish
· Materials
· 1/2 cup baking soda
· 1 to 2 tablespoons degreasing dish soap
· Boiling water
· Spray-on degreaser or DIY vinegar solution
· Paper towels or cleaning rags 
How to Properly Clean Your Range Hood and Filter
1. Locate and Remove the Filter
Positioned on the underside of the hood, facing down towards the cooktop, the reusable filter can be accessed by sliding it out or releasing the latch to pop it out.
2. Mix the Cleaning Solution
Pour boiling water into a sink or large pot. Incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons of degreaser-infused dishwashing liquid into the water. Stir in half a cup of baking soda until the solution is well-blended.
3. Allow the Filter to Soak
Place the filter into the cleaning solution and allow it to immerse for a minimum of 15 minutes. Before the water fully cools down and allows grease to redeposit on the filter, remove it from the soaking solution.
4. Clean and Rinse the Filter
Employ a scrub brush to eliminate any remaining grease or food residue clinging to the filter. Thoroughly rinse it with hot water and ensure it is completely dry before reinstalling it in the range hood.
5. Clean the Surfaces of the Range Hood
Ensure the stovetop is free of utensils, then apply a degreaser or homemade vinegar solution evenly over all surfaces. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it clean with a paper towel.
If any particles remain, spray a bit more degreaser onto a nylon-bristled brush and scrub gently. Conclude by wiping away any leftover residue and rinsing thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Frequency of Kitchen Range Hood Cleaning
If you cook daily, monthly cleaning of both the interior and exterior of the hood, as well as the filter, is recommended. For those who don't cook frequently, seasonal cleaning will suffice. However, always remember to clean the filter after preparing a holiday meal, regardless of whether you clean the rest of the hood.
A sign that the hood needs cleaning is when smoke fails to clear from the room even on the highest setting. This could indicate that the filter or ductwork is clogged with grease and requires cleaning.
An additional indication that the hood needs attention is if the motor hums loudly or runs continuously. A loud motor suggests it's working harder than normal, which may mean the motor or fan needs cleaning to function properly.
Extend the life of your range hood by cleaning
Here are some other tips for keeping your range hood clean:
· Use a degreasing cleaning product suitable for the exterior of the range hood and a soft cloth to remove grease. Many under-cabinet range hoods or microwaves with vents come in stainless steel or painted metal finishes.
· To avoid streaking on stainless steel, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth and a few drops of olive oil.
· Dust your range hood weekly and clean it thoroughly once a month to keep it looking great.
· For copper or brass metal range hoods, polish regularly or allow them to develop a natural patina and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for each finish.
Cleaning the Interior and Exterior of a Hood Using a Homemade Degreaser Solution
Tackle grease accumulation on the hood by using a commercial degreaser, a cloth soaked in pure vinegar, or a spray mixture of vinegar and water in a 50/50 ratio.
Vinegar consists of 95 percent water and 5 percent acetic acid, a gentle acid potent enough to dissolve grease without emitting harsh odors or chemicals. While it may have an unpleasant smell initially, the scent fades away within a few minutes.
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