Tips For Cleaning & Maintaining Your Range Hood

Prevention is Key

There is a saying that “prevention is better than cure” and that applies as well to your range hood. Take preventive measures and avoid the hassle of having to troubleshoot problems. Take the time to read your range hood’s manuals and look out for the dos and don’ts.

Choose the Correct Power Setting

Choosing the appropriate setting can prolong the life of your range hood. Your range hood shouldn’t always be on its maximum setting. For example, if you are only steaming or boiling your food, then the lowest setting should do the job. However, if you are deep-frying your food, pan searing or grilling your food, then turn your range hood to its maximum setting.

Use the Proper Tools

For every following step, it would be best to have the proper tools to make it an easy experience for you. Taking note of these extra little tips can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

Clean the Outside Hood

Grease and dirt also stick to the outside of the range hood. If ignored, the grease and dirt buildup on the outside of your range hood can be extremely challenging to remove. Use a thick paper towel or a rag to clean this section. It would be best if you use an anti-grease soap mixed with warm water, this makes it easier to break down the grease.

After cleaning it all up, you can finish up by spraying it with a basic cleaner or a vinegar solution.

Clean the Underside of the Hood

Once you’re done with the outside of the hood, you can begin with cleaning the underside of the hood. Instead of using a paper towel, it would be best to use a scrubbing brush for removing any large grease as range hoods typically get extremely dirty in this area.

Another hack that you can try is mixing baking soda with water in a pan, this can serve as a substitute for grease-cutting soap.

Be Patient

Cleaning your filter requires patience. When trying to take out your filter, be sure to wear gloves if you don’t want to be covered in grease. Fill your sink with hot water and add a combination of baking soda and anti-grease soap. Submerge your filter in the solution and soak it for around 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you let it soak, the easier it will be to scrub off the grease.

When trying to scrub off the grease, be gentle so that you don’t damage your filter. Repeat this process until your filter is clean then rinse it with water and allow it to dry before placing it back.

Make it a Habit

The key to maintaining the value and functionality of your range hood is to clean it regularly. Depending on how often you cook, cleaning it on a monthly or bi-monthly basis should suffice.