Why Cleaning Your Cooker Hood Filter is Important
Keeping your cooker hood filter clean is essential for several reasons:
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Grease build-up – Over time, grease from cooking can build up on the metal filter. This grease build-up is a fire hazard if ignited. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
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Eliminate odors – Grease also traps odors and smoke from cooking. A clean filter will help eliminate food odors from your kitchen.
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Improve air flow – Grease and dirt inhibits air flow through the filter, reducing the effectiveness of the cooker hood. Proper air flow is important to properly ventilate your kitchen.
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Extend filter life – Regular cleaning will help extend the life of your metal filter. Grease and dirt wears down the filter over time.
How Often Should You Clean the Filter?
The frequency of cleaning your cooker hood filter depends on how often you use your cooker hood:
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Light use – Clean every 2-3 months. This is if you only use your cooker hood 1-2 times per week.
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Moderate use – Clean every 1-2 months. For using your cooker hood several times per week.
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Heavy use – Clean every 3-4 weeks. If you use your cooker hood daily, the filters will need more frequent cleaning.
Also clean the filter if you notice grease build-up, decreased airflow, or odors coming from the cooker hood.
Methods to Clean the Cooker Hood Filter
There are several effective methods to clean your cooker hood filter:
Dishwasher
One of the easiest methods is to simply place the cooker hood filter in the dishwasher. Use hot water and a detergent. This will help dissolve grease and eliminate odors.
Be sure the filter is dishwasher safe before using this method. Check your owner’s manual.
Hand Washing
Hand washing the filter is also effective. Use hot water and dish soap or degreasing detergent. Let the filter soak for 30 minutes to help loosen grease. Then scrub both sides of the filter with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly.
This may take more elbow grease than the dishwasher but works well. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a non-toxic cleaning solution, mix a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Spread the paste on both sides of the filter and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The acidity in vinegar will help dissolve grease.
Oven Cleaner
Oven cleaners, like Easy-Off, are excellent at breaking down tough, baked-on grease. Place the filter in a black garbage bag and spray oven cleaner liberally on both sides. Seal the bag and let sit for several hours before scrubbing and rinsing. Work outdoors and wear gloves as oven cleaner is caustic.
Tips for Cleaning the Cooker Hood Filter
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Scrub all pleats and crevices of the metal filter thoroughly to remove grease deposits.
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Let very greasy filters soak longer to penetrate the grease.
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Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.
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Allow the filter to dry fully before reinstalling to prevent grease drips.
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Replace very dirty or worn out metal filters.
Conclusion
Keeping your cooker hood filter clean should be part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine. A clean filter will help eliminate odors, grease, and extend the life of your cooker hood. Use dishwasher, hand washing, baking soda, oven cleaner or other methods to remove grease build-up and restore air flow. Refer to your owner’s manual for any specific instructions. A little regular maintenance goes a long way!
