The filter is among the most important parts of a range hood, as it prevents smoke, bad odours and grease in your kitchen. Since the range hood filter captures most of the oily vapours, air borne particles and even dust while you cook, it can clog and become less efficient over time.
Without routine cleaning, the filter’s life span decreases and you need to replace them more than once or twice a year. Dirty range hood and its filter also cost many renters their rental bond because they overlook cleaning the filter while performing bond cleaning in Ipswich.
You can hire professional cleaners to deep clean the fixture for routine sanitation or at
the end of your tenancy. However,
you must learn to clean the kitchen range hood filter to maintain its sanitation and efficiency all year round. Read on to find step by step instructions to clean the filter like a professional.
Take Necessary Safety Measures Before Cleaning
Cleaning the rangehood filter will require opening the fixture and to avoid electrocution you must take the following safety measures.
Turn off electricity supply and remove the plug from the socket.
Ensure the light bulb on the hood is cool and not hot.
Wear personal protective equipment like gloves, a mask and overalls.
Also place towels on the stove to prevent debris from falling on it when you remove the filter.
Remove and preclean the Filter
Usually, range hoods have a baffle or mesh filter. It is best to refer to the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide for removing the filter. However, if you don’t have it, you can remove mesh filters by releasing the clip or sliding the filter out. Baffle filters often require unscrewing or releasing the latches.
Once you have taken out the range hood filter, the next step is to pre-clean it to get rid of loose gunk. Tap the filter or shake it to remove the debris then use a brush or vacuum cleaner to dislodge remaining gunk.
Soak to Degrease the Filter
Since the range hood filter accumulates grease and grime and it is a
place where germs lurk, you need to submerge it in a solution of dishwashing liquid and hot water. You can also add white vinegar or baking soda to the solution and increase its efficacy.
Allow the filter to soak for at least 15-20 minutes to get the best results. If you are performing
end of lease cleaning Ipswich, complete some other tasks while the filter soaks to be efficient.
Scrub And Wash The Filter
After the soak time is over, gently remove the filter from the solution. Using a firm-bristled brush, scrub the remaining grease and debris in a circular motion. Focus on areas where grease and dirt are built-up.
Next, wash the filter using a hose or placing it under running water from a faucet. Inspect the filter for remaining grime and scrub it with the soap solution then rinse again. In addition to the grime, ensure there are no soap residues on the filter.
Dry and Reinstall the Filter in the range hood
Tap the filter to remove as much water as possible then wipe it with a dry microfibre towel. Allow the filter to air dry completely and in the meanwhile, wipe the inside of the range hood to ensure you don’t install the clean filter into a dirty space.
Never make the mistake of placing a damp filter on the hood. It will lead to
mould or mildew causing bad smells and increase risk of household members falling sick.
After air drying the filter, reinstall it in the range hood the same way you took it out.
Establish a Regular Filter Cleaning Schedule
To get the best results and save time, make rangehood and filter cleaning a part of your regular
kitchen sanitation checklist. Your cooking habits and frequency should determine how often you should sanitise the range hood filter. If you cook two to three meals every day, clean the filter at least once a month. Also, inspect the filter and replace it when even with regular clean it isn’t functioning effectively.
Manage Repairs Promptly
Managing repairs immediately when necessary is another thing to keep in mind to have properly functioning range hood filter. If you are a renter, bring the repair work to your landlord’s notice and take necessary measures promptly to avoid losing your
rental bond at the end of the tenancy. Get the filters checked by a professional and heed their advice for cleaning, minor repairs or complete replacement.
Wrapping Up
The range hood filter is often overlooked during regular kitchen cleaning. However, a dirty filter is a fire and health hazard, making it essential to clean it routinely. Thus, use this guide to clean the fixture step-by-step and get results up to professional standards.
