If you have a kitchen ventilation fan, chances are you’ve experienced the lifesaving relief it provides when it comes to smoke and lingering cooking odors. There’s nothing quite like the sound of that fan kicking into gear just as the fire alarm threatens to disrupt your culinary endeavors.
But when it comes to the maintenance of the cooktop and its accompanying filter, let’s be honest—how often do you actually clean that filter? If your response leans towards “never,” you’re not alone in this common household neglect.
To ensure your range hood continues to function optimally, it’s imperative to prioritize the regular cleaning of the range hood filter. The good news is that cleaning it is a straightforward task, and you probably already possess the necessary materials in your kitchen.
Initiate the cleaning process by gently removing the filter from the ventilation hood. Next, take a sizable pot, fill it with water, and just before it reaches a boiling point, introduce distilled vinegar into the mix. To this solution, add approximately half a tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the filter into this concoction and allow it to soak for a duration of about 6 minutes. Using tongs, retrieve the filter from the solution, and with a toothbrush, meticulously scrub away any accumulated residue. Rinse the filter thoroughly with water, and voilà, you’ll be left with a filter that gleams as if it were brand new. For a visual demonstration of this effective cleaning method, refer to the video below.
Rest assured, the process of cleaning this filter is not at all arduous.
This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on cleansing the filter in your sink using the power of boiling water, baking soda, and a reliable degreasing detergent like Dawn. While some range hood filters may claim to be dishwasher-safe, it’s advisable not to skip this cleaning method, especially if it has been a while since your last filter cleaning session (avoid overwhelming your dishwasher with excessive grease).
So, without further ado, let’s delve into the gratifying task of degreasing your filter, shall we?
How to Revive an Oil-Soaked Ventilation Hood Filter
What You’ll Need:
- Boiling water or very hot water
- Degreasing detergent (Dawn brand detergent is a suitable choice)
- Baking soda
- Non-abrasive brush
- Paper towels or dishcloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove the Filter: Most filters can be effortlessly removed from the extraction hood, often sliding or popping out from the bottom. In my case, I can detach the filter by grasping the metal ring, pushing it upwards, and then sliding it out.
- Prepare the Hot Water: Fill your sink or a bucket with boiling water; the hotter, the better. Depending on your tap water’s temperature, you may suffice with hot tap water. In my routine, I prefer to boil water in an electric kettle and then pour it into the sink.
- Add Baking Soda and Detergent: Incorporate a small amount of degreasing dishwashing detergent along with a quarter-cup of baking soda into the hot water. Give it a good stir with a brush (but don’t use your hands; it’s hot!) until it forms a soapy mixture.
- Submerge the Filter: Place the oil-saturated filter into the soapy water, ensuring it’s completely submerged.
- Allow to Soak: Let the filter soak for approximately 10 minutes.
- Scrub the Filter: After the soaking period, use a non-abrasive brush to scrub the filter. If necessary, apply more detergent to the brush while scrubbing.
- Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the filter with hot water, and then pat it dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
- Replace and Repeat: Return the filter to the extraction hood and consider repeating this cleaning process on a monthly basis as a solid maintenance practice.
Maintaining a clean filter not only ensures a healthier kitchen environment but also prolongs the life of your range hood, making it a worthy endeavor for any home chef.
SOURCE : familyhandyman , Range hood over stove for venting
