Extractor fan filters are designed to collect grease, so it’s no wonder they can become dirty over time, but cleaning them is easier than you may think
You might have a spotless oven at the moment, but if you peek beneath your cooker hood, you could discover a rather different tale regarding your extractor fan filters.
If it’s been ages or you’ve never tackled this task, brace yourself for an unpleasant sight. The role of a cooker hood filter is to trap grease in the kitchen, so if it’s functioning properly, it’s bound to appear and feel oily.
As time passes, the filter can become so clogged with grease and dirt that it stops working effectively, which is precisely why it’s crucial to clean these filters regularly.
A sensible approach is to clean them every two to three months; though, if you use your hob frequently or cook fried food regularly, you might want to increase that to monthly sessions, reports the Express.
However, if you rarely use your hob, you can probably extend this to several more months between cleanings.
Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page, group members revealed their top techniques for cleaning extractor fans properly.
Most suggested using either soda crystals or washing powder to remove grease from extractor fans.
James Barclay-Smith advised: “Dissolve soda crystals in boiling water, add a good squirt of dish soap and use a sponge scourer or soak. Very good degreaser.”
Liz Ede wrote: “Put them in boiling hot water and sprinkle soda crystals on. Leave for five minutes before giving it a rinse.”
Rebecca Palmer shared her method, stating: “I’m very lazy, so soak mine in hot water and soda crystals and liquid for an hour or two. Then drain the water away, give them a rinse, and pat dry, then back up. Don’t need scrubbing or anything else. This does a better job than the dishwasher did on mine.”
An anonymous user suggested: “Take it down and soak it in hot water and soda crystals, a good amount. After about five to 10 minutes, give it a gentle rub with a non-scratch scourer. You might need to use a small brush for the awkward parts.”
Rebecca Mippress advised: “Get a big tub and soak them in hot water and soda crystals for a couple of minutes.”
Sally Oldroyd recommended: “Pour in a cup of washing powder in warm water, just soak them, the grease comes straight off dead easy.”
Matt Del Rio offered his tip, saying: “Soak in biological laundry detergent and hot water in the sink for about half an hour. The grease dissolves and wipes away. Trust me.”
Wendy from Moral Fibres, a natural cleaning expert, suggests using soda crystals and laundry powder together when cleaning anything greasy, particularly extractor fan filters.
“Your extractor fan filter full of grease doesn’t have to be a big job to get it clean. All you need to do is dissolve two large spoons of soda crystals and three large spoons of laundry detergent in hot water.”
She advises soaking your extractor fan filters for around 20 minutes before wiping them down.
She added: “I used to dread this job, but soda crystals really do make it easier without too much elbow grease.”