Tools and Materials
Types of Residential Kitchen Exhaust Hoods
Duct Range Hoods
An exhaust ducted range hood is a ventilation system with a duct in the wall. It helps to remove smoke, smells and grease from the air in your kitchen by venting outside. These range hoods are ideal for households located in more humid areas.
Ductless Range Hoods
An exhaust ductless range hood is a ventilation system that does not require ducting installation in your home. It filters out smoke and odors rather than fully eliminating them. These hoods are ideal for multiple kitchen layouts because they do not require ductwork.
Both duct and ductless hoods have the same cleaning procedures. Therefore, you can use the same degreaser solutions and tools for cleaning the kitchen hood. Here are the steps to clean the kitchen exhaust hood.
How to Clean the Kitchen Exhaust Hood
Keeping your kitchen exhaust hood clean is easy and cleaning it regularly will help it function well. Here are 10 steps on how to clean your kitchen hood.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes from water splashing. Wear rubber gloves to avoid getting your hands stained or injured when cleaning. Ensure that you wear an apron. Now, place the ladder on a firm and sturdy surface to avoid the risk of falling.
You can also wear old clothes as it is difficult to get rid of grease stains from the fabric.
Remove the Filters
Turn off and unplug the exhaust system. Ensure that the cooking surface is at a normal temperature. Wear protective gloves or use a filter lifting tool to remove the filter.
Most metal filters slide out easily. Remove these first and put them in the sink to clean. Scrape dried grease off the surface with a scraper.
Remove Large Debris
Use a metal scraper to remove large particles of grease. Scrape slowly and carefully and avoid hitting any surface of the exhaust hood.
Apply Degreaser
Use a degreaser to wash the inner sides of the hood. Let the degreaser solution work on the surface for 5–10 minutes before washing off.
Scrub the Hood
Next, use a scrub brush and steel wool to clean. Scrub all surfaces coated in grease: the sides, the top and the bottom, as well as the vents of the hood.
Press firmly, but don’t roughly rub the metal's surface, as it can bend the surface. Wash the scrubbed areas with clean water.
Clean the Fan Blades
Fan blades collect grease. Scrub each blade with steel wool and rinse them with water once done.
Be careful while cleaning the fans, as they can have sharp edges and be easily damaged. Use minimal force to scrub so that you don’t bend the fans.
Wash the Filters
Clean the filters as they collect all the grease and odors. To clean them, do the following:
- For light grease build-up: Sprinkle baking soda and then use a damp, non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away any visible grease.
- For heavy grease build-up: Apply a thin layer of liquid dishwasher soap or a degreaser to the areas with heavy grease build-up. Let the solution soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Look for Damage
Grease can reach the electrical components of the exhaust through cracks, leading to problems like sparks and short circuits. Look for cracks and dents inside the hood to ensure your unit lasts longer.
Clean the Grease from Surroundings
Grease can leave a residue that accumulates on walls or counters. Wipe these with hot, soapy water to remove the deposits. Use a degreaser if needed.
Place Everything Back
Carefully wipe the surface of the kitchen hood with a dry cloth to remove any solution left behind. Let the filters dry and then place them back on the hood.
Recommended Hood Cleaning Frequency
A thorough range hood cleaning removes all kitchen odors and reduces the risk of fire breakouts.
The frequency at which you should do a kitchen hood cleaning depends on how often you cook and the food you cook. However, it is recommended that you clean your kitchen hood every 3–6 months.