When preparing a delicious recipe to delight our loved ones, there is a no better companion when it comes to appliances than fume hoods. These appliances are our lifesavers for repelling strong odors and absorbing the steam that makes the heat inside the kitchen unbearable. But there is something we always forget or rather ignore: deep cleaning.
To maintain and ensure its full operation, it is vital to learn how to clean the cooker hood correctly, both externally and internally. Remember that this appliance sits right on top of the stove, so it gets dirty frequently , not to mention the grease that accumulates if you don’t pay enough attention to it!
How to clean the inside and outside a cooker hood
The hygiene of this appliance is vital given its usefulness in ridding the environment of unpleasant odors and smoke caused by cooking food. Keep in mind that long-term grease accumulation completely clogs the filter and affects its operation. At this point, you may be racking your brains thinking about removing this stuck-on gunk in the best way and without so much effort, right?
Don’t get frustrated! You don’t need to be a cleaning expert, much less an appliance expert. You must follow these recommendations carefully and delicately to avoid damaging any of the pieces of this kitchen ally. Take note!
Interior cleaning
- With a specific stainless steel degreaser: Spray the interior with the product of your choice, and let it act for 15 to 20 minutes to soften grease and dirt (or as indicated on the label provided by the manufacturer) and remove the grease with a slightly damp cloth. If necessary, repeat the process.
- With baking soda: Fill two pans with water, add a cup of baking soda and bring them to the fire to boil, then turn on the hood to absorb the steam given off by the boiling mixture, so that the fat will gradually soften.
Wait at least one hour and add more water with baking soda if it runs out and the pot does not burn. Once drops of dissolved grease begin to fall, turn off the heat and clean the inside of the hood with a sponge or cloth.
Note: if, despite that, there is still some area with very persistent dirt, mix half a cup of water with a cup of baking soda, impregnate a sponge, and rub the dirtiest internal surface with this foot. Its abrasive power will be effective in removing the most stubborn greasy layer.
Cleaning the fume hood filters
The extractor hoods have fine meshes underneath them, these are the filters. To clean them, the first step is to disassemble them and wash them in the dishwasher with a wash cycle. But if you do not have this device at home, follow these steps:
- Fill a basin with hot water and add soap, a splash of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Soak the filters and let them soak for 20 minutes or until you can see the grease come off easily.
- With a brush or scouring pad (non-metallic), scrub with medium force until all the dirt is removed.
- Rinse with plenty of water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
If your hood is a recirculation hood, you will not have to perform this procedure since this system cleans itself. On the other hand, carbon filters are not cleaned, but the manufacturer stipulates a reasonable time for a replacement.
Exterior cleaning
To finish, turn it off, disconnect it from the electricity, and clean it with a cloth dampened with soap and water in the same direction so that no marks are left.
If it is very dirty, prepare a homemade cleaner with a cup of white vinegar, detergent, lemon juice, and a couple of tablespoons of baking soda, and apply it to all surfaces with the help of a sponge. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse with a microfiber cloth dampened only with vinegar. It will be sparkling!