In Indian cuisine, steam and oil are formed during the preparation of dishes with fried spices, frying, and fatty foods, which gradually settle on the filters and body of the hood. If cleaning is not performed in a timely manner, a thick, sticky, black layer of grease forms on the hood, reducing the appliance's ability to draw in air.
Instead of buying expensive cleaning agents or calling a specialist, you can use simple household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap to restore the kitchen hood to its original appearance without extra hassle.
The following components are needed for the process: 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of dish soap or washing powder, and optionally 2-3 tablespoons of caustic soda to combat very stubborn grease. A bucket or basin with boiling water, an old toothbrush or scraper will also be required.
Before starting the cleaning, be sure to turn off the power to the hood and unplug it from the socket. Then, carefully open the fastener and remove the mesh or baffle filter installed under the hood.
Fill a large basin or sink with boiling water so that the filters are completely submerged in the water. Add baking soda, vinegar, and detergent to this water and mix thoroughly. Leave the dirty filters in this mixture for 20-30 minutes; the reaction of hot water and baking soda will help loosen ingrained grease and lubricant.
After half an hour, carefully clean the filters with an old toothbrush or a soft scraper, then rinse them with clean water and dry them. For the exterior part of the hood—the glass and steel body—spray the mixture of vinegar and dish soap, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe it with a microfiber cloth or cotton pad.
If the hood has not been cleaned for a long time, you can add 2 tablespoons of caustic soda to the basin with hot water and leave the filters for 15 minutes (it is extremely important to wear gloves when working with caustic soda). After the filters have completely dried in the air or under the influence of a fan, they should be reinstalled in the hood.