How to clean your kitchen extractor fan
Your cooker hood plays a key role in keeping your kitchen at its best as it removes grease, steam and unpleasant cooking odours. But, to make sure your kitchen extractor fan is at its most effective, it’s important to regularly give it a thorough clean.How to clean kitchen extractor fan filters
If you notice that you’re finding smells lingering and condensation building in your kitchen, it’s probably time to give your extractor a thorough clean.How to clean cooker hood mesh grease filters
Over time, grease can build up on grease filters and block them. Luckily, they’re generally easy to clean. While it is easy, if you haven’t cleaned your filter in a while, it can take some time.The first step is to remove your filter from the main extractor fan. In most extractor fans, like integrated cooker hoods, you’ll find clips on either side of the extractor fan. These can be used to easily unclip the filter and safely remove it.
If you find the extractor fan difficult to reach, it’s safest to use a step ladder so you don’t have to overextend.
Once removed, simply use warm, soapy water and a sponge to wash the grease off. Washing up liquid is great for this as it has anti-grease properties that will make it easier to remove any built-up grime.
If there’s a particularly large amount of build up, it may be necessary to let your grease filter soak in warm soapy water. You could also add some bicarbonate of soda for added cleaning power. Once it’s sparkling again, dry it with a tea towel or paper towel ready to replace.
Can you clean charcoal and paper filters?
Recirculation extractor fans are fitted with charcoal or paper filters, though charcoal is the more popular choice for its odour-neutralising capabilities. You can learn more in our guide on how to choose an extractor fan.These types of filters aren’t made to be cleaned and should instead be replaced with a brand new filter. A general rule of thumb is to replace your charcoal filter every six months although it will depend on how often you cook.
How to clean an extractor fan motor
Fan motors are what keep your extractor powered, so it’s essential to keep them in good shape. Not every fan motor can be removed so it’s best to check your extractor fans user guide to find out if it can or not.If you’re able to remove the motor, you should also be able to remove the fan blades with a screwdriver. Make sure you note which way the fan blades are pointing, they are directional so need to be replaced in the correct direction.
You can then simply soak them in warm, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher if the user guide advises it’s safe to do so. If your motor blades can’t be removed, use a wet cloth or even a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them. Make sure to test the toothbrush on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t leave any scratches.
You can then replace your charcoal filter and grease filter.
Lost your user guide? You can look up your extractor fan model from our range and download a user guide PDF from the individual product page.
Can extractor fan filters go in the dishwasher?
It depends on the size of your dishwasher, but most metal grease filters can go in the dishwasher. It’s always best to check your extractor fan’s user guide though.You can’t put charcoal or paper filters into a dishwasher as they’re disposable and meant to be replaced completely.
How to clean the outside of your cooker hood and splashback
Once you’ve cleaned your filters and fans, it’s time to clean the outside of your extractor fan. While the outside of your cooker hood won’t impact its performance, keeping it free of grime will keep your kitchen looking its best.How to clean an integrated cooker hood
One reason integrated cooker hoods are so popular is they can be built into your kitchen cabinetry keeping a uniform appearance throughout your kitchen.With an integrated cooker hood, you’ll need to clean the front of the decorative cabinet door in the same way you clean the rest of your kitchen cabinets. It will depend on your cabinet finish what products are safe to use but soapy water and a sponge is normally enough to remove any built-in grime and dust on your cupboard.
You can use this method when cleaning downdraft extractors too.
How to clean chimney hoods and island extractor fans
The outer shell of a chimney hood and island extractor fan will need to be cleaned with warm soapy water to remove grease and dust build-up. Because they have more exposed areas than integrated cooker hoods, there is more space for dirt so this will take a little longer to clean.If your chimney cooker hood has any glass, you can polish it with white vinegar to give it a shine.
How to clean a ceiling extractor fan
The main difference between cleaning a ceiling extractor fan is the sheer height! Other than that, cleaning it is essentially the same. Be extra careful when removing filters and motors as dropping them from this height could be very damaging to both your extractor fan and your countertop!Use warm soapy water to wash any exposed areas and make sure all areas are fully dry before reassembling your extractor fan.
How to clean a cooker splashback
If you have a cooker splashback, your extractor fan won’t be able to keep it completely free of grease. Splashing oil from pans and spilt food will end up leaving their mark.Your splashback is designed to capture grease and save your walls so it’s easy to clean with some soapy water and elbow grease. Acidic foods such as tomato can discolour or permanently mark your splashback, so be sure to clean it as soon as possible to reduce the chances of this happening.
How often should you clean your kitchen extractor fan?
While a build-up of grime and dirt on the shell of your cooker hood may look unsightly, it won’t stop your cooker hood from working. If your extractor fan isn’t kept in check though, it will be less efficient. That’s why it’s important to make sure your filters are kept free of grease and dirt with regular cleaning.How often you need to clean your extractor fan will depend on how often you cook but giving it a wipe down with warm water and soap after every use helps to stop grease accumulating. You’ll still need to give it a full clean every few months.
If your cooker hood has a charcoal filter, we recommend replacing it every six months. It can be harder to see signs of wear on charcoal filters so it’s worth setting a reminder. If you use a paper filter, keep an eye out for when the filter takes on a rusty colour as this is a good indicator it needs changing.
How do you stop your extractor fan from smelling?
Extractor fans that use ducting don’t tend to have charcoal filters fitted, they instead take the air directly outside, which includes the smells. You may notice if you’ve stood outside a house with a ducting extractor fan that you can smell cooking odours outside.This isn’t necessarily a problem when outside because the abundance of fresh air will quickly disperse the smell. If you use a recirculation extractor fan that recycles air back into your kitchen, it’s a bigger issue if your extractor fan isn’t removing cooking odours.
The most likely reason is that your charcoal filter needs replacing, as the charcoal neutralises the smell.
You can find out more about the purpose of extractor fans in our guide “do I need an extractor fan?”