Due to the use of oil and spices in the kitchen, dishes quickly become dirty. In addition, stubborn stains accumulate in refrigerators, mixers, ovens, and hoods, which can be labor-intensive to clean. Daily cleaning of these appliances is difficult, and over time they become even dirtier. With daily cooking in the kitchen, the hood filter gradually forms a thick layer of grease due to oil, spices, and smoke.
At first, it just looks dirty, but if not cleaned for a long time, the grease can harden in the filter mesh, making it sticky and dirty. As a result, the hood starts to work incorrectly. However, there is no need to buy expensive chemical cleaners or scrub the filter for hours. Filter cleaning can be simplified by using some items you have at home, without spending a penny.
Hood Cleaning Tips:
Why is aluminum foil useful?
Aluminum foil is often used for storing bread, but it can also be used to clean hood filters. The foil itself does not remove grease from the filter. Its function is to retain the heat of hot water for some time. Hot water softens hardened grease, while baking soda or laundry detergent helps separate the grease from the filter surface. This means the filter does not need to be scrubbed excessively hard.
Recipe with Aluminum Foil and Laundry Detergent
First, lay out aluminum foil in a deep container, bathtub, or sink. Then, pour enough hot water into it so that the filter is completely submerged. Add about two tablespoons of laundry detergent per 1 liter of water and mix thoroughly. Submerge the filter in this solution and leave it for 20–30 minutes. The hot water and laundry detergent will gradually loosen the grease accumulated on the filter. After this, carefully remove the filter and rinse it well with hot water. It can then be cleaned again with regular water.
For Delicate Filters — Baking Soda
If the hood filter is old or its mesh is weak, you can use baking soda instead of laundry detergent. Mix about three tablespoons of baking soda with 1 liter of hot water. A little dish soap can be added. Submerge the filter in this solution and leave it there for some time. Baking soda is gentler than laundry detergent, so its use is considered suitable for fragile filters. If necessary, gently clean the mesh with a soft brush.
How to Dry After Washing
After removing the filter from the solution, it must be thoroughly rinsed with hot water to completely remove any residue of soda and softened grease. Then, wipe the filter with a clean cotton cloth. It is crucial to reinstall the filter in the hood only after it is completely dry. Installing a damp filter can lead to moisture buildup and corrosion of metal parts.
How Often to Clean the Hood Filter?
If cooking is done daily in the kitchen and oil and spices are actively used, it is recommended to clean the filter every 2–3 weeks. Regular maintenance allows the grease layer to be removed before it becomes too thick. However, if very thick and hard grease has accumulated on the filter over several months, one procedure may not suffice. In such cases, re-soaking may be required. For very heavy contamination, specialized degreasers recommended by the hood manufacturer should be used.
What to Pay Attention To When Cleaning
Before starting the cleaning, be sure to turn off the hood and disconnect it from the electrical network. You should also follow the hood manufacturer's instructions when removing and installing the filters.
