A cooker hood, also known as a range hood or exhaust fan, is an essential kitchen appliance that helps maintain clean, breathable air by extracting grease, smoke, and fumes. The filters in your cooker hood play a crucial role in capturing grease and particles from the air, ensuring that your kitchen stays fresh and hygienic. Regular cleaning of these filters not only improves the performance of your cooker hood but also contributes to better indoor air quality. Let’s take a closer look at how to properly clean your cooker hood filters and maintain its performance.
Types of Cooker Hood Filters and How They Work
Metal Filters:
Most cooker hoods feature metal filters, typically made from aluminum or stainless steel. These filters are designed to trap grease and oil particles. They are durable, reusable, and can be cleaned multiple times before they need replacement.
Charcoal Filters:
Some cooker hoods come with charcoal filters that are designed to absorb odours. Unlike metal filters, charcoal filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced after a certain period. If your cooker hood uses charcoal filters, check them regularly for signs of wear and replace them every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage.
How to Clean Cooker Hood Filters
Cooker hood filters are essential for keeping your kitchen air fresh by capturing grease, smoke, and odors. However, these filters can accumulate grease and dirt over time, which reduces the efficiency of the hood. Cleaning the filters regularly will ensure optimal performance and improve indoor air quality.
What You’ll Need
Very hot or boiling water
Degreasing dish soap (preferably grease-cutting)
Baking soda
Non-abrasive scrub brush
Paper towels or dish cloths
Remove the Filters from the Cooker Hood
Most filters are designed to be easily removed. Typically, you can slide or lift them out of place. If your filters have a handle or metal loop, use it to gently pull them free from the cooker hood.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a sink or a large bucket with boiling water. If your tap water isn’t hot enough, boil water in a kettle or pot and carefully pour it into your sink or container.
Add a squirt of degreasing dish soap into the hot water. This will help break down the grease.
Stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda to neutralize odors and enhance grease removal. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive and helps lift the grime without damaging the filter.
Soak the Filters
Submerge the greasy filters into the hot soapy water. Ensure that they’re fully covered and allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes. This soaking time will help loosen the grease, making it easier to scrub off.
Scrub the Filters
After soaking, take a non-abrasive scrub brush (such as a dish brush or sponge) and gently scrub the filters. Pay attention to areas with stubborn grease buildup, and if necessary, add more dish soap to your brush for extra cleaning power.
Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing, rinse the filters with hot water to remove any soap, grease, and baking soda residue. Be sure to rinse until the water runs clear.
Dry the Filters
Once the filters are clean, use paper towels or a dish cloth to thoroughly dry them. Allow the filters to air dry completely before reattaching them to the cooker hood.
Reinstall the Filters
Once dry, simply slide or snap the filters back into place in your cooker hood. Ensure they’re securely fitted so the system can work effectively.
Can I Wash Cooker Hood Filters in the Dishwasher?
Some cooker hood filters, especially metal ones, can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher, depending on the material and design of the filter. Washing the filters in the dishwasher can be an easy and efficient way to clean them, but there are a few important considerations to ensure you don’t damage your filters or your dishwasher.
When to Use the Dishwasher for Cleaning Cooker Hood Filters
Check If Your Filters Are Dishwasher-Safe:
Before attempting to clean your cooker hood filters in the dishwasher, confirm whether they are dishwasher-safe. Most metal filters, such as aluminum or stainless steel, are generally safe, but this depends on the specific model and manufacturer guidelines.
Pre-Wash with Boiling Water:
If your filters haven’t been cleaned in a while and have a heavy buildup of grease, it’s a good idea to pre-wash them using the boiling water method. This step helps loosen the grease and grime, preventing it from building up in your dishwasher and potentially affecting its cleaning performance.
Dishwasher Cleaning Process:
Remove the Filters Carefully:
- Gently remove the filters from the cooker hood.
- Be cautious not to bend or damage them.
- Place Filters in the Dishwasher:
- Put the filters on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Select the hottest program available to ensure thorough cleaning.
Repeat if Necessary: If the filters still have grease buildup after the first wash, you can repeat the process to clear it out completely.
Replacement Consideration: If, after a few washes, the filters are still clogged or ineffective, it may be time to consider replacing them.
Ciarra Cooker Hood Models with Dishwasher-Safe Filters
If you own a Ciarra range hood, you’re in luck! Ciarra designs several cooker hood models that feature dishwasher-safe filters for your convenience. Here are two popular models with such filters:
1. CIARRA Integrated Cooker Hood 60cm CBCS6903D-S
- Dimensions: 60 cm
- Maximum Extraction Rate: 220 m³/h
- Air System: Recirculating air system with a carbon filter
- Control: Push-button control
- Lighting: LED lighting
Filter Maintenance: The aluminum grease filter can be placed in the dishwasher on a high-temperature mode—no detergent needed. We recommend replacing the acrylic filter every 2-4 months.
Additional Features: This model is designed for ducted extraction but can be converted to recirculating mode with the addition of a carbon filter (sold separately).
2. CIARRA 52cm Integrated Cooker Hood CBCS5913A-0W
- Dimensions: 52 cm
- Maximum Extraction Rate: 300 m³/h
- Air System: Recirculating air system (exhaust air mode available with optional duct kit)
- Control: Push-button control
- Lighting: LED lighting
Filter Maintenance: The aluminum grease filter is dishwasher-safe and can be cleaned on a high-temperature setting without detergent. Carbon filters need to be replaced every 2-4 months.
Additional Features: This hood offers both exhaust air mode (vented through a wall or ceiling) and recirculation options with the addition of a carbon filter. The CBCF005-0W carbon filter can be used for better filtration.
How to Clean Carbon Filter Cooker Hood
Charcoal filters are designed to absorb and neutralize odors, ensuring that the air circulated back into the kitchen is fresh. However, unlike metal mesh or baffle filters, charcoal filters cannot be cleaned. Charcoal filters need to be replaced regularly, typically every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage. If you notice that your range hood is no longer effectively neutralizing odors or that the kitchen air feels stale despite using the hood, it’s time to replace the filter.
How to Replace the Filter:
- Turn off the cooker hood and unplug it for safety.
- Remove the old charcoal filter from the range hood.
- Insert a new charcoal filter designed specifically for your model.
- Secure it in place and check that it's seated properly.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing the carbon filter to ensure you are using the correct replacement part.
How Often to Clean a Kitchen Range Hood
Metal filters need cleaning more often than charcoal filters, which should be replaced regularly. If your kitchen is prone to higher levels of grease and smoke, consider cleaning your filters every month.
Generally, metal filters should be cleaned every 1 to 2 months, while charcoal filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
When It’s Time for a Hood Filter Cleaning
Reduced Airflow:
If you notice that the airflow from your range hood seems weaker or less effective, this could be due to a clogged filter. Grease and other particles build up over time, obstructing airflow and causing the cooker hood to work harder than it should.
Increased Cooking Odors:
One of the primary functions of the cooker hood filter is to remove cooking odors. If you start noticing persistent smells even after using the range hood, it might be a sign that the filter is clogged and unable to neutralize odors as effectively.
Visible Grease Build-up:
If you can see grease accumulating on or around the filter, it’s time for a clean. A build-up of grease on the filters can compromise their performance and affect the overall cleanliness of your kitchen.
How to Clean Cooker Hood Surface
It’s not just the filters that need attention—over time, the surface of your range hood can also accumulate grease and dust, which can make it look dingy and reduce its efficiency.
Cleaning a Stainless Steel Cooker Hood Surface
Stainless steel is a popular choice for range hoods because of its durability, sleek look, and ease of maintenance. However, it can show grease streaks, fingerprints, and smudges quite easily. Here’s how to keep it looking pristine:
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution:
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Alternatively, you can use a gentle stainless steel cleaner or vinegar-water solution for extra shine.
Wipe the Surface:
Dampen a soft microfiber cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scouring pads, as they can scratch the stainless steel.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the steel’s grain to avoid visible streaks and scratches. Clean in smooth, even strokes.
Tackle Stubborn Grease:
For stubborn grease, apply a degreaser to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft cloth or brush to scrub the area gently.
Polish for Shine:
After cleaning, buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture and restore its shine. For extra sparkle, you can apply a small amount of olive oil to the cloth and gently buff the stainless steel.
Clean the Hood’s Underside:
Don’t forget to clean the underside of the range hood where grease often accumulates. Follow the same cleaning method as above, ensuring you reach all the hard-to-reach spots.
Cleaning a Glass Cooker Hood Surface
Glass cooker hoods are stylish and often easy to clean, but they can show fingerprints, streaks, and cooking splatters quickly. Here's how to keep your glass hood looking clean:
Use a Non-Abrasive Cleaner:
Glass cleaner or a DIY vinegar-water solution works best for cleaning glass surfaces. For more stubborn spots, use a mixture of water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
Wipe with a Soft Cloth:
Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaner and wipe the glass surface in gentle circular motions. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave lint behind.
Tackle Sticky Residue:
If there are sticky grease marks or cooking splatters, spray the affected areas with the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, wipe gently with a soft cloth.
Buff for Streak-Free Shine:
Once the surface is clean, buff it with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any leftover cleaner and prevent streaking. Glass can show streaks more than stainless steel, so ensure it's completely dry for the best finish.
Don’t Forget the Ventilation Area:
Glass hoods often have a ventilation area or vents that need cleaning too. Make sure to wipe down these sections to keep the entire cooker hood in optimal condition.
Tips to Keep a Kitchen Range Hood Clean Longer
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Turn on the Hood Early: Always turn on the cooker hood before you start cooking and leave it running for a few minutes after cooking to capture airborne grease.
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Use Grease Shields: Consider using grease shields or anti-grease liners for added protection, especially when frying.
- Invest in Quality Technology: Ciarra's plasma and UV technology reduces grease buildup, making the cleaning process much easier.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your cooker hood filters are key to ensuring your appliance works efficiently and prolongs its lifespan. By following these simple steps, you can maintain a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment. Additionally, the innovative plasma and UV technology in Ciarra's range hoods makes it easier than ever to maintain air quality and cleanliness, all while promoting sustainability with reusable, eco-friendly filters.