Ditch vinegar and baking soda as there is a better way to clean grease from extractor fans
It is incredibly quick and easy to clean the extractor fan above the stove if you use one common household item you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.
Nobody wants greasy thick stains in their kitchen, but many people can overlook cleaning the extractor fans above their stove which can quickly accumulate bacteria.
Extractor fans are important for everyday use in kitchens to remove smoke, steam or unwanted cooking smells but if not cleaned regularly grease can build up in the filter and be a serious fire hazard.
However, Florie Malapit, an expert from the professional cleaners Sparkle and Shine, has shared that cleaning an extractor fan is very simple and can be done in minutes.
She said: “The kitchen exhaust fan is a crucial part of any home. It's essential for keeping your kitchen clean and free from odours and helps ensure that your home stays healthy.
“Cleaning your kitchen exhaust fan once every couple of months will keep your kitchen smelling fresh and ensure that the air in your home stays clean. It doesn't have to take long, and it's easy to do once you know how.”
How to clean an extractor fan
All you need to thoroughly clean an extractor fan is washing up liquid which has been designed to break down grease and oil so it is highly effective at removing greasy buildup.
What you will need:
- Washing up liquid
- Warm water
- Clean cloth or rags
- Sponge
- Gloves
Method
To begin, make sure the exhaust fan is completely turned off and unplugged if in a wall outlet to avoid any injuries.
Next, put on a pair of globes and open up the extractor fan. Remove the filter hood and wipe away any dust.
Then mix together washing up liquid and warm water in a bucket and clean away as much grease and dirt as possible from the filter hood and exhaust fan filter.
Remove the filters and place them on the sink filled with hot water and washing up liquid. After soaking, clean the filters with a sponge to remove any leftover residue.
Once you have wiped down the fan, gently wipe it with a fresh and dry cloth.
Leave the exhaust fan parts alone for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to dry completely before inserting the parts back into it.
Only when the exhaust fan parts are completely dried can you turn it back on to ensure you have a fresh-smelling kitchen once again.
Make sure to clean out the extractor fans a couple of times a year to avoid any grease build-up in the future.
Florie said: “It's essential to clean it regularly to ensure that your kitchen exhaust fan stays in good working order and doesn't need to be replaced.
“It will ensure that the fan can adequately remove odours from your kitchen and keep them from lingering.”
