How to clean your cooker hood and filter

It’s caked with spatterings of fat, clogged with settled grease, and sprinkled with an extra helping of dust and microscopic grime from the air. As one of the most hardworking parts of the kitchen, it’s also often neglected. Knowing how to clean cooker hood surfaces can make a big difference to your kitchen aesthetic.

Learning how to clean extractor fan hood parts improves overall hygiene, too, as a clean cooker hood helps remove grease, grime and even bacteria. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to clean an extractor fan filter
• How to clean cooker hood surfaces
• How to clean a stainless-steel extractor hood
• How to clean extractor fan blades
• Tips for keeping a clean extractor filter and hood
• Frequently asked questions

How to clean an extractor fan filter 

They’re the main ‘catchers’ of kitchen grime, – the superhero of the extractor, if you will – so it’s really important to know how to clean extractor fan filters. That way you can help prevent the build-up of gunk, nasty smells and bacteria.  Here’s how to clean an extractor fan filter step-by-step:

1. 

   You’ll need:

• Rubber gloves
• White vinegar
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Hot, soapy water
• A soft brush

1. 

   Remove the filters from your cooker hood. 

2. 

   To get a clean extractor filter, soak it in hot, soapy water with a cup of white vinegar to help break down the grease. 

3. 

   After a good soak, take your soft brush and scrub gently. 
   If there’s anything still stubbornly latching on, the best way to clean your extractor fan filter is to make a paste of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Apply it to the problem area and let it work its magic. 

   Tip

   Whenever trying a new cleaning solution it’s always good to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

4. 

   Rinse thoroughly, pat dry and leave to air dry.  

5. 

   Then simply reattach when your filter is completely dry.

To keep on top of grease and grime, aim to clean extractor fan filters weekly or biweekly, depending on how often you cook. Making this part of your cleaning routine helps prevent stubborn build-up and keeps things manageable.

How to clean cooker hood surfaces

While knowing how to clean extractor fan hood filters is important, the surfaces of your cooker hood need a good clean too. Sure, the casing might not get as grimy as the filters, but it’ll still pick up its fair share of grease, dust, and dirty bits and bobs. 

Below is a simple, effective approach on how to clean extractor fan kitchen hood surfaces:

You’ll need:

• Rubber gloves
• A soft sponge
• Warm, soapy water
• Bicarbonate of soda (optional)
• White vinegar (optional)

Step-by-step: how to clean extractor fan hood surfaces

1. First, protect your hands. Put on your rubber gloves before you begin.
2. To achieve a clean cooker hood, gently wipe the surfaces with your sponge and warm, soapy water. Be careful not to scrub hard, though, as you don’t want to scratch the metal – hence the soft sponge.
3. If the combination of a soft sponge and soapy water doesn’t do the job, you can scrub gently with the vinegar and bicarb paste.
4. Give the surface a good wipe down with kitchen paper to dry it and get rid of any leftover cleaning residue.

Wiping down cooker hood surfaces weekly (or whenever you notice grease splashes) makes extractor fan cleanups quicker and easier. Regular light cleaning prevents grease from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.

How to clean a stainless-steel extractor hood

Giving your stainless-steel extractor hood a little TLC goes a long way. Regular cleaning helps keep fingerprints, streaks and stubborn grime at bay, while maintaining that sleek, just-installed look. Below is a simple, effective guide on how to clean a stainless-steel extractor hood:

You’ll need:

• A soft cloth
• Warm water
• Mild washing-up liquid
• A microfibre cloth
• Specialist stainless steel cleaner (optional)
• Diluted white vinegar (optional)

Step-by-step: How to clean a stainless-steel extractor hood:

1. Firstly, make sure you’ve turned off the power at the source.
2. Wipe the surface using a soft cloth dipped in warm water and mild washing-up liquid to lift everyday grease.
3. For tougher marks, you can use a specialist stainless steel cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution.
4. Always wipe in the direction of the grain (this is key for avoiding streaks).
5. Finish with a dry microfibre cloth to buff it up and restore the shine.

Light, regular cleaning every week helps prevent streaks and build-up. A more thorough clean can be done as needed, especially if your extractor hood sees heavy use.

How to clean extractor fan blades

Finally, the fan blades. This is a task you won’t need to do as regularly as the surfaces and filters, but blades still need occasional attention. Below is a simple guide on how to clean extractor fan kitchen blades.

Step-by-step: How to clean extractor fan blades

1. Make sure the extractor fan is turned off… whenever you’re cleaning it.
2. Remove the blades if you can, or make sure you can reach them comfortably. If you can’t you might have to call for some assistance. Teamwork makes the dream work.
3. Gently wipe the blades with a damp sheet of Plenty Original.
4. Wring it out before wiping so that it’s not soaking wet.
5. Wipe down and dry thoroughly.

Fan blades usually only need cleaning every few months, or whenever you notice visible grease or dust build-up.

Tips for keeping a clean extractor filter and hood

Regular cleaning is good practice when it comes to cleaning cooker hood filters, but there are some things you can do to make the job easier… and reduce the need to do it so frequently:

• Clean the filters thoroughly. They’ll just clog up more quickly otherwise.
• Leave the extractor fan going after cooking. This’ll help blast the grease and odours through, rather than letting them cling to the filters.
• Use the most powerful setting when you’re cooking with food that can produce a lot of grease. Again, this will allow the extractor fan to work efficiently, sucking the particles through, rather than just onto the filters.

FAQs: How to clean extractor fan parts

Why should you clean your extractor filter regularly?
You can ensure your kitchen operates safely and efficiently by regularly cleaning your extractor fan parts like the hood and filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, meaning your extractor has to work harder and becomes less effective at clearing the air. Built-up grease can also increase the risk of fire,¹ so regular cleaning helps keep your kitchen running safely, efficiently, hygienically, and smelling fresh.

How often should you clean your cooker hood and filter?
Extractor fan filters should be cleaned weekly or biweekly, depending on how often you cook. Cooker hood surfaces, including those made with stainless steel, benefit from a light weekly clean or whenever grease builds up. Fan blades need less frequent attention and can usually be cleaned every few months.
 
If your hood or filter looks greasy, sounds louder than usual, or struggles to clear cooking smells, it’s a good sign it’s due a clean. Regular maintenance helps keep your extractor working efficiently and quietly.

How to get grease out of extractor fan blades?
To get grease out of extractor fan blades, start by switching off the power and removing the cover, if possible. Soak the blades in warm, soapy water to loosen any built-up grease, then gently wipe them clean with a soft cloth or sponge, taking care not to bend or damage them. For a heavier build-up of grease, a little bicarbonate of soda can help cut through the gunk. Once clean, dry the blades thoroughly before reassembling, so they’re ready to get back to their grease-fighting duties.

Now that you’ve got a better idea about how to clean cooker hood filters, surfaces and blades you can look forward to more efficient extraction to help you out through even the smokiest kitchen catastrophes.