A kitchen extractor fan is a vital part of any kitchen, as it helps to remove smoke, steam, and other odours that can accumulate during cooking. However, over time, these fans can become clogged with grease and other debris, which can reduce their effectiveness and even create a fire hazard. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your kitchen extractor fan working properly and safely. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to clean your kitchen extractor fan.
How to Clean a Kitchen Extractor Fan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Turn off the power to the fan. Before you start cleaning your kitchen extractor fan, make sure to turn off the power to the fan. This can usually be done by switching off the circuit breaker that controls the fan.
Step 2: Remove the fan cover and filter. Next, remove the fan cover and filter. The fan cover is usually held in place by screws or clips, while the filter can usually be lifted out. If you’re not sure how to remove the cover and filter, consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Step 3: Soak the filter in hot soapy water. Once you’ve removed the filter, soak it in hot soapy water for at least 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any grease and other debris that has accumulated on the filter.
Step 4: Scrub the fan cover and filter. After soaking the filter, scrub it with a soft brush or sponge to remove any remaining grease and debris. Be sure to rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap residue. For the fan cover, use a degreaser and a soft brush or sponge to clean it thoroughly.
Step 5: Dry the filter and fan cover. Once you’ve finished cleaning the filter and fan cover, let them dry completely before reassembling them. You can use a towel to dry them or leave them to air dry.
Step 6: Reassemble the fan cover and filter. Once the filter and fan cover are completely dry, reassemble them and secure them in place. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reassembly.
Step 7: Turn the power back on and test the fan. Finally, turn the power back on to the fan and test it to make sure it’s working properly. If it’s not working, make sure that everything is properly reassembled and that the power is turned on.
Hiring professional cleaners
While cleaning your kitchen extractor hood and oven yourself is certainly possible, it can be a time-consuming and difficult task. In some cases, you may not have the right tools or cleaning solutions to get the job done properly. In such cases, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do the job for you.
Professional cleaning services can provide a range of services to clean your kitchen extractor hood and oven, including deep cleaning of the fan blades and filter, cleaning of the ductwork, and thorough cleaning of the oven itself. A specialist ventilation cleaning service will have the expertise, experience, and tools needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and they can help to ensure that your kitchen is safe and hygienic.
When hiring a professional cleaning service, it’s important to choose a reputable company with a track record of quality work. Look for a company that is licensed and insured, and ask for references from previous customers. You may also want to check online reviews and ratings to get a sense of the company’s reputation.
Keep in mind that hiring a professional cleaning service will come with a cost, so you’ll need to weigh the benefits of having a clean and safe kitchen against the cost of the service. However, in many cases, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your kitchen is clean and safe can be well worth the expense.
What can happen if you don’t clean your fan regularly?
If you don’t clean your kitchen extractor fan regularly, it can lead to a number of problems:
- Reduced effectiveness: Over time, grease and other debris can build up on the fan blades and filter, reducing the effectiveness of the fan. This means that it may not be able to remove smoke, steam, and other odours from your kitchen as effectively as it should.
- Increased energy costs: If your extractor fan is not working properly, it may have to work harder to remove smoke and steam from your kitchen. This can lead to increased energy costs as the fan consumes more electricity to do its job.
- Fire hazard: Grease buildup on the fan blades and filter can create a fire hazard, especially if the fan is located above a stove or other cooking surface. If a fire starts in your kitchen, the grease on the fan can fuel the fire, making it more difficult to extinguish.
- Bad odours: If your extractor fan is not working properly, it may not be able to remove bad odours from your kitchen, leaving your home smelling unpleasant.
- Increased maintenance costs: If you neglect to clean your extractor fan regularly, it may require more frequent repairs or even replacement, leading to increased maintenance costs over time.
Overall, regular cleaning of your kitchen extractor fan is essential to keep it working properly and safely and to avoid potential problems down the line.
How often should I clean my extractor hood fan?
The frequency with which you should clean your extractor hood fan depends on how often you use it and how much cooking you do in your kitchen. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your extractor hood fan every 3-6 months to ensure that it is working effectively and safely.
If you cook frequently or use your kitchen extractor fan more often, you may need to clean it more frequently. On the other hand, if you cook infrequently or use your kitchen extractor fan rarely, you may be able to clean it less frequently.
However, it’s important to note that if you notice any signs of grease buildup or reduced effectiveness, you should clean your extractor hood fan immediately, regardless of how long it has been since your last cleaning.
Ultimately, the key is to be proactive and clean your kitchen extractor fan regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and to minimise any potential safety risks.
Conclusion
Cleaning your kitchen extractor fan may seem like a daunting task, but with these simple steps, you can keep your fan working properly and safely. Make sure to clean your fan regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and debris, which can reduce its effectiveness and create a fire hazard.