How to Maintain an Extractor Hood

A hood is an extremely useful item in the kitchen that requires regular maintenance. Indeed, in order for it to work properly, it must be cleaned at least once a month.

Here are various tips that will allow you to effectively clean your hood.

An extractor hood, also known as a range hood, is a critical appliance in the kitchen. It helps to ventilate cooking fumes and heat, contributing to a comfortable and healthy cooking environment. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your extractor hood functioning optimally and prolonging its lifespan. In this article, we’ll provide a guide on how to properly maintain your extractor hood.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is paramount to maintaining the efficiency of your extractor hood. Over time, grease, dust, and food particles can accumulate on the hood and its components, hindering its performance.

1. Exterior: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the exterior of the hood. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as they can scratch and damage the surface.
2. Filters: Depending on the model of your hood, you’ll either have reusable or replaceable filters. If your filters are reusable, they can typically be cleaned in the dishwasher or with warm, soapy water. If they’re replaceable, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when to change them.
3. Interior: Use a degreasing agent to clean the interior part of the hood, but ensure that the agent is safe to use on your specific model.

Remember to disconnect the hood from the power supply before cleaning it.

Regular Inspection

Inspect your extractor hood regularly to catch any potential issues early.

1. Light Bulbs: Check the light bulbs in the hood. If they’re flickering or have burnt out, replace them promptly.
2. Fan: Listen to the fan when it’s operating. Any unusual noise could indicate a problem that needs further investigation.
3. Filters: Even if you clean your filters regularly, they may still wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Proper Use

How you use your extractor hood can also impact its lifespan.

1. Ventilation: Always turn on the hood while cooking to prevent the accumulation of grease and to ensure proper ventilation.
2. Heat Settings: Use the correct heat settings as per your cooking needs. Overworking the hood can shorten its lifespan.
3. Off After Cooking: Keep the hood running for a few minutes after you finish cooking to ensure all smoke and steam has been cleared.

DEGREASING YOUR HOOD

If you need to clean your hood, here are some tips to make your life easier:

• Turn on your cooker hood and boil some water with lemon juice. This step allows you to rub your hood less and not spend too much energy on it.
• Finally, before cleaning, remember to unplug the hood. If you do not have an apparent socket, remove the lead from the electrical panel.

You can then move on to degreasing. This is the main task in the maintenance of a hood:

• For this step, simply take a sponge and a degreaser such as dishwashing product.
• Never use the sponge scraper, you risk scratching the external parts of your hood.
• The grid can be degreased in different ways: you can soak it with washing-up liquid or a tablet intended for the dishwasher. The grid can even be cleaned in the dishwasher.

CLEAN AND CHANGE YOUR HOOD FILTERS

Having clean filters optimizes the capabilities of your hood. Since there are different types of filters, cleaning instructions vary.

• If your hood has metal filters, these can be washed by hand with water and washing-up liquid or in the dishwasher.
• If your cooker hood has a charcoal filter, you do not need to wash it. On the other hand, you must change it every 4 months.

Once your hood is cleaned, you can shine it. Indeed, the hood is an element placed in height and therefore close to the luminaires.

• To shine a metal hood, use oil. Although there are specific oils, we recommend edible oils, which are just as effective and much less expensive.
• If you have a glass hood, maintenance is very easy: just use window cleaner regularly. This cleans and shines.
• To prevent dirt from settling in too quickly, wipe it down with a sponge or cloth after each use.

Professional Check-Up

While regular cleaning and inspection can catch many potential problems, it’s a good idea to have your hood inspected by a professional periodically, especially if it’s a high-end model or integrated into a custom kitchen setup. They can thoroughly check electrical connections, ductwork, and other components that might be difficult for you to assess.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your extractor hood is crucial to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Regular cleaning, inspection, proper use, and periodic professional check-ups are key elements of a comprehensive maintenance routine. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your kitchen remains a pleasant, smoke-free, and odor-free space for years to come.