Check out my guide to kitchen hood cleaning tips

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With grease accumulating in the filters and stains on the walls, your kitchen extractor fan no longer sucks as well as it did when it was first installed.

That’s normal: when was the last time you cleaned it?

The secret to a high-performing extractor fan is regular cleaning.

But you also need to know how to go about it.

Because, contrary to popular belief, a superficial cleaning is far from enough. Yes, you’ll need to open your kitchen extractor to give it a thorough clean.

The good news is that by following my cleaning tips, your extractor fan will look as good as new.

Discover in detail the practical tips for cleaning your kitchen extractor:

Summary

SOS Kitchen extractor: problems that can arise without regular cleaning
❌ Proper maintenance of your kitchen extractor: mistakes to avoid
Yoojo's tips for cleaning your kitchen hood
Important information you need to know
Conclusion: Your kitchen hood will last longer!

SOS Kitchen extractor: problems that can arise without regular cleaning

Cleaning an extractor isn’t just about aesthetics.

In fact, a dirty extractor can lead to more serious problems.

And I’m not just talking about frying smells in the kitchen!

Here’s a summary table to help you understand why you need to clean your extractor regularly:

Problems	Description
Grease buildup	Grease and food residue can accumulate in the filter and on the surfaces of the extractor, reducing its efficiency. This can also cause unpleasant smells in the kitchen.
Loss of energy efficiency	A dirty extractor fan often consumes more energy to operate, which can result in higher electricity bills.
Poor air circulation	A dirty extractor can lead to reduced airflow, decreasing its ability to remove steam, smells, and cooking particles. This can make your kitchen less comfortable.
Damage to components	Dirt and grease buildup can damage the extractor’s components, such as the motor or lights, leading to expensive repairs or even a premature replacement of the unit.
Health risks	A dirty extractor can spread contaminants into the air, including bacteria and fungi, which can affect indoor air quality and harm health, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
Fire risk	Accumulated grease is highly flammable. In case of overheating or flames, it could cause a fire, putting your home and its occupants in danger.

❌ Proper maintenance of your kitchen extractor: mistakes to avoid

a cleaner places their cleaning products under a kitchen extractor

Convinced of the benefits of regular maintenance?

Great. Now, let’s get started!

To clean your extractor the right way, you need to avoid some common mistakes first.

Let me explain:

Mistakes to avoid	Description
Not unplugging the extractor	Before you begin cleaning, it’s essential to unplug the extractor from the electrical outlet to avoid any risk of electric shock.
Using the wrong chemicals	Avoid using abrasive or corrosive cleaners that could damage the surface of the extractor. Stick to gentle or homemade cleaning products.
Neglecting the filters	Filters need to be cleaned regularly. Ignoring them can reduce the extractor’s efficiency and lead to grease buildup.
Not wearing gloves	Cleaning products can irritate the skin. It’s advisable to wear protective gloves to avoid direct contact.
Using hot water directly	Hot water can warp some materials or damage electronic components. Use lukewarm water instead.
Forgetting to clean the inside parts	Cleaning should include the inside of the extractor to remove grease residue.
Not following the manufacturer’s instructions	Each extractor has its own cleaning recommendations. Ignoring these can cause damage or void the warranty.
Being too aggressive with scrubbing	Avoid using abrasive sponges or brushes that could scratch or damage the surface of the extractor.
Letting it dry naturally without wiping it down	After cleaning, it’s important to dry all surfaces thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup and mold formation.
Waiting too long between cleanings	Irregular cleaning will make the task harder and require more effort to remove accumulated grease.

The best advice?

Rather than risk damaging your kitchen extractor, hire a professional to take care of the cleaning.

On Yoojo, cleaning experts are used to cleaning extractors. They know exactly how to take care of your unit.

Yoojo's tips for cleaning your kitchen hood

What is the right method for cleaning your hood?

To help you, I asked the best cleaning experts available on Yoojo for their tips on taking care of the 3 main parts of your kitchen hood:

The easily accessible exterior
The interior that requires special attention
And the filters that you'll need to remove

Cleaning the exterior of your kitchen hood

Generally, this is the part you clean most regularly.

It's understandable: it's the visible part of your hood.

But do you know how to get rid of the most stubborn grease stains? I’m sharing tips to degrease and perfectly clean the exterior of the hood.

Tips to know	Description
Remove removable parts	If possible, remove parts like the filters or grilles to make cleaning easier.
Use a vinegar and water mixture	Mix white vinegar with warm water (50/50) in a spray bottle. This natural solution is effective for dissolving grease and residue.
Baking soda for stubborn stains	For persistent grease stains, make a paste with baking soda and a bit of water. Apply it to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a sponge.
Microfibre cloths	Use microfibre cloths to wipe down the exterior of the hood. They're soft and prevent scratching the surface while capturing dust and grease.
Wipe regularly	To prevent grease build-up, clean the exterior of the hood regularly, ideally after each cooking session. This will make cleaning easier.
Protection after cleaning	To make future cleanings easier, consider applying a protective product suitable for the hood's surface (stainless steel, paint, etc.) after cleaning. This can help prevent grease build-up.

Cleaning the interior of the hood: best tips

Now, let's get to the serious stuff!

To access the interior of your hood, you'll need to remove certain parts. This process is clearly explained in the manual provided by the manufacturer.

Once the hood is opened, here are the cleaning operations to carry out:

Tips to know	Description
Clean the walls	Don’t forget to clean the interior walls of the hood. Use a sponge or cloth to remove grease residues.
Use a steam cleaner	A steam cleaner can be very effective in loosening grease accumulated inside the hood without using chemicals.
Wipe the surfaces after cleaning	After cleaning, wipe down the surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture and prevent mould from forming.
Inspect the lights	Also, check and clean the hood lights. Use a damp cloth to remove dust and grease.

And don't forget the filters!

What makes your kitchen extractor effective are the filters, of course. So, they deserve special attention.

Here are my tips for properly maintaining them:

Filter cleaning steps	Description
Remove the filters	Take out the filters from the hood. Most models have metal or charcoal filters that can be cleaned or replaced.
Cleaning metal filters	For metal filters, soak them in soapy hot water or wash them in the dishwasher. Let them dry completely before putting them back in place.
Replacing charcoal filters	Charcoal filters are generally not washable and need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Important information you need to know

At Yoojo, we love spending time cooking great meals. So we know a thing or two about kitchen hoods!

To complement this guide, I’m sharing some additional tips to make your extractor hood as good as new with a thorough cleaning.

Materials that need extra care

Glass: Glass hoods should be cleaned with non-abrasive products to avoid scratches. Use a soft cloth or a glass cleaner to prevent damaging the surface.
Stainless Steel: For stainless steel hoods, opt for cleaners specifically designed for this material. Avoid harsh chemicals that might tarnish the finish.
Paint: If the hood is painted, use mild cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can erode the paint and cause permanent damage.

3 key elements to check

Charcoal filters: These filters are not washable and need to be replaced regularly (every 6 to 12 months). Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended replacement frequency.
Metal filters: Metal filters can be washed. They should be cleaned regularly to prevent grease buildup. Ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling them.
Fan: The extractor fan should be cleaned to remove grease residues. Make sure to unplug it before cleaning. Refer to the manual to know how to access this part without damaging the components.

Watch out for touch controls!

If your hood has touch controls, be aware that it requires delicate cleaning.

Avoid using water directly on the controls to prevent damage to the electronics. My tip: a slightly damp cloth will do the trick.

Conclusion: Your kitchen hood will last longer!

Now that you're ready to clean your extractor hood, you'll be able to enjoy making some doughnuts. Rest assured, the hood will suck up the grease and smells, and your kitchen will stay cleaner for longer.

But for a proper clean, you’ll need to carefully open the hood and clean its more fragile parts with the appropriate products and tools.

Want to save time?

The best solution for you is probably to hire a professional. On Yoojo, you can easily find people near you who will come to your home.

Discover why:

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