How to Clean Your Extractor Hood in 4 Easy Steps

How to Clean Your Extractor Hood in 4 Easy Steps

Discover how to clean your extractor hood safely and effectively. From cleaning grease filters to maintaining the extraction duct, follow these four simple steps.

How to Clean an Extractor Hood in 4 Easy Steps

A properly functioning extractor hood is essential in every kitchen. Whether you operate a professional restaurant kitchen or regularly cook at home, a clean extractor hood helps remove cooking fumes, grease particles and unwanted odours. However, regular extractor hood maintenance is often overlooked. A poorly maintained extractor hood can not only reduce extraction performance but also increase the risk of kitchen fires.

During cooking, grease particles accumulate in the filters, on the interior surfaces and inside the extraction duct. Over time, these deposits can build up and become a serious fire hazard when exposed to high temperatures or open flames.

Fortunately, many parts of an extractor hood can be cleaned without professional assistance. With the right cleaning products and a regular maintenance schedule, you can keep your extractor hood in excellent condition.

In this guide, HorecaTraders explains how to clean your extractor hood in four easy steps and when professional cleaning is recommended.

How Often Should You Clean an Extractor Hood?

The recommended cleaning frequency depends on how often the extractor hood is used, the type of equipment and the amount of grease produced during cooking.

In professional kitchens where food is fried, grilled or cooked throughout the day, more frequent maintenance is required than in domestic kitchens.

As a general guideline, follow these maintenance recommendations:

  • Metal grease filters: Clean approximately every 1 to 2 months during normal household use. Commercial kitchens may require daily or weekly cleaning.

  • Aluminium grease filters: Inspect regularly and clean whenever grease deposits become visible.

  • Fabric grease filters: Replace when dirty or saturated with grease.

  • Charcoal filters: Most standard models require replacement every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage.

  • Extractor hood interior: Check and clean regularly to remove accumulated grease.

  • Extractor hood exterior: Ideally clean weekly or more frequently when cooking intensively.

  • Extraction duct: Arrange a professional inspection at least once a year and clean as required. Commercial kitchens may require more frequent servicing.

These are general recommendations. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and applicable fire safety and insurance requirements.

Step 1: Clean the Extractor Hood Grease Filters

Grease filters are among the most important components of an extractor hood. They capture grease particles from cooking fumes before they enter the extraction system.

Over time, grease accumulates inside the filters, restricting airflow and reducing extraction efficiency. Excessive grease deposits can also increase the risk of fire.

Before cleaning, identify which type of filter your extractor hood uses. Switch off the appliance and allow it to cool completely.

How to Clean Metal Grease Filters

Metal grease filters, including stainless steel filters, are commonly used in extractor hoods. Many models are dishwasher-safe, making them relatively easy to maintain.

  1. Carefully remove the metal grease filters from the extractor hood.

  2. Apply a suitable degreasing cleaner and allow it to work according to the product instructions, for example for approximately 10 minutes.

  3. Place the filters in the dishwasher if permitted by the manufacturer, preferably with the dirtiest side facing downwards.

  4. Select a suitable intensive washing programme. Depending on the filter specifications, temperatures of approximately 60 to 75°C may be appropriate.

  5. Allow the filters to dry completely before reinstalling them.

Some metal filters may become slightly discoloured after dishwasher cleaning. This does not necessarily affect their performance, but always confirm that the cleaning method is suitable for the filter material.

How to Clean Aluminium Grease Filters

Aluminium grease filters are lightweight and commonly found in kitchen extractor hoods. However, aluminium can react with aggressive cleaning chemicals, so careful cleaning is essential.

Remove the filters and apply a mild degreaser specifically suitable for aluminium. Allow the product to work according to its instructions before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.

For stubborn grease deposits, gently use a soft brush to remove remaining dirt.

Dry the filters completely before placing them back into the extractor hood.

Avoid strongly alkaline cleaning products unless the manufacturer specifically approves their use.

Replacing Fabric Grease Filters

Some older extractor hood models use disposable fabric or synthetic grease filters.

These filters are generally not designed to be washed or reused. Once they become saturated with grease, they must be replaced.

Check their condition regularly and always use replacement filters compatible with your extractor hood.

Replacing or Cleaning Charcoal Filters

Recirculating extractor hoods often contain activated charcoal filters. These filters help reduce unwanted cooking odours before the filtered air is released back into the kitchen.

Most standard charcoal filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced periodically.

A common replacement interval is approximately three to six months, depending on cooking frequency and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Some special regenerable charcoal filters, including certain Clean Air models, can be cleaned or regenerated several times.

Whether this is possible depends on the specific manufacturer and filter model.

Important: A charcoal filter does not replace a grease filter. Both components perform different functions within the extraction system.

Step 2: Clean and Degrease the Inside of the Extractor Hood

Once the grease filters have been removed, you can begin cleaning the inside of the extractor hood.

Grease particles do not only collect inside the filters. They also accumulate on internal surfaces, where they can gradually form stubborn layers of grease.

Before starting, switch off the appliance completely and make sure all surfaces have cooled down.

Use a soft microfibre cloth and a suitable degreasing cleaner to wipe accessible interior surfaces.

If grease deposits are difficult to remove, allow the cleaning product to work according to its instructions. For some degreasers, this takes approximately ten minutes.

Carefully remove the loosened grease with a slightly damp cloth.

Make sure that no water or cleaning products enter the motor, fan, electrical wiring or other sensitive components.

Avoid metal brushes and abrasive cleaning tools, as these may damage the interior surfaces.

Regular interior cleaning helps prevent excessive grease accumulation and makes future maintenance easier.

Step 3: Clean the Outside of the Extractor Hood

The exterior of your extractor hood also requires regular attention. A clean extractor hood contributes to a hygienic, professional-looking kitchen.

The most suitable cleaning method depends on the material and surface finish.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Extractor Hood

Stainless steel is widely used in professional kitchens because of its durability, hygienic properties and ease of maintenance.

To clean a stainless steel extractor hood, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or warm water mixed with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.

Wipe the surface with a soft cloth, following the direction of the steel grain whenever possible. This helps minimise visible streaks.

Remove any remaining cleaning product with a slightly damp cloth and dry the surface thoroughly.

Avoid steel wool and abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the stainless steel.

How to Clean a Glass Extractor Hood

Glass extractor hoods can be cleaned using a suitable glass cleaner or a mild soapy solution.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove fingerprints, grease marks and other surface dirt.

Dry the glass thoroughly afterwards to achieve a streak-free finish.

Whenever possible, spray the cleaning product onto the cloth rather than directly onto control panels or electrical components.

Cleaning Black, Matte and Coated Extractor Hoods

Matte and coated extractor hoods require extra care during cleaning.

Use lukewarm water, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and a soft cleaning cloth.

Avoid aggressive degreasers, abrasive powders and rough cleaning sponges.

These products can damage protective coatings and cause permanent marks, scratches or changes in surface appearance.

Always consult the manufacturer's care instructions if you are unsure which cleaning products are suitable.

Step 4: Have the Extraction Duct Professionally Cleaned

The extraction duct is often overlooked during extractor hood maintenance. However, grease can accumulate inside ductwork and other hard-to-reach areas of the ventilation system.

Even when the visible parts of the extractor hood and the grease filters are clean, significant grease deposits may remain inside the extraction duct.

When exposed to high temperatures or open flames, these deposits can become a serious fire hazard.

This is particularly important in commercial kitchens where cooking equipment operates for many hours every day.

HorecaTraders therefore recommends hiring a specialist cleaning company to carry out a thorough extraction duct cleaning.

Professional cleaning companies have the appropriate equipment and methods to remove grease from difficult-to-access areas.

They may also provide cleaning certificates or maintenance reports documenting the work carried out.

Ideally, have your extraction duct professionally inspected at least once a year. The required cleaning frequency should be determined by the level of contamination, intensity of use and applicable safety requirements.

Restaurants, commercial kitchens and other food service businesses that regularly fry, grill or cook at high temperatures may require considerably more frequent cleaning.

Keep in mind that insurance providers may impose specific requirements regarding the maintenance and cleaning of commercial kitchen extraction systems.

Insufficient maintenance may affect insurance coverage depending on the policy conditions.

Always retain maintenance reports, cleaning certificates and invoices as proof of servicing.

Why Is Regular Extractor Hood Maintenance Important?

Keeping your extractor hood clean offers several benefits for both domestic and professional kitchens.

  • Reduced fire risk: Removing accumulated grease helps lower the risk of fires within the extraction system.

  • Improved extraction performance: Clean filters support proper airflow and efficient ventilation.

  • Better kitchen hygiene: Regular cleaning prevents grease and dirt from building up.

  • Reduced cooking odours: An effective extraction system helps remove unwanted cooking smells.

  • Longer equipment lifespan: Regular maintenance can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

  • Easier cleaning: Frequent maintenance prevents grease deposits from becoming increasingly difficult to remove.

For professional kitchens, a consistent cleaning and maintenance schedule is an important part of maintaining safe and efficient daily operations.

Additional Extractor Hood Maintenance Tips for Commercial Kitchens

In restaurants, hotels, cafés and commercial catering facilities, extractor hoods often operate for many hours each day.

As a result, grease filters and extraction ducts can become dirty much faster than those in domestic kitchens.

Inspect grease filters regularly and clean them daily or weekly when necessary.

Remove visible grease deposits after periods of intensive cooking to prevent excessive buildup.

It is also advisable to maintain a cleaning and maintenance log.

Record when filters have been cleaned, replacement parts have been installed and extraction ducts have received professional servicing.

Regularly check the performance of your kitchen extraction system.

If cooking fumes are no longer being removed effectively, unusual noises occur or significant grease deposits remain visible, arrange for the system to be inspected.

Preventive maintenance can help identify potential problems early and maintain a safer working environment.

Extractor Hood Cleaning and Maintenance with HorecaTraders

A clean extractor hood plays an important role in maintaining a safe, hygienic and efficient kitchen.

By regularly cleaning grease filters, maintaining interior and exterior surfaces and arranging professional extraction duct servicing, you can reduce grease accumulation and support reliable ventilation performance.

At HorecaTraders, you will find a wide range of professional catering equipment, extractor hoods, commercial kitchen appliances and replacement parts for different applications.

Whether you are maintaining an existing kitchen extraction system or equipping a new commercial kitchen, HorecaTraders can help you find suitable products for your needs.

Looking for specific replacement parts, filters or products that are not currently listed in our standard range? Contact HorecaTraders to discuss the available options.

Explore the HorecaTraders range and keep your commercial kitchen clean, safe and operating efficiently.

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