How to clean the hood in the kitchen of fat: the most effective means and methods

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: Oksana Chubukina
Last update: November 2019

During operation, the surface of the hood gradually dims, the intake grille is covered with sticky coating, and the performance of the device decreases. For a presentable type of household equipment will have to fight.

To begin with, you should choose the most suitable method and decide how to clean the hood in the kitchen from grease, taking into account the degree of contamination, the effectiveness of different methods and the safety of detergents. Let's understand the whole variety of means and methods of cleaning the hood.

The need and frequency of cleaning the hood

Modern housewives try to make life as comfortable as possible, using all kinds of devices and innovations to facilitate everyday activities. One of the indispensable attributes and an assistant in the kitchen was the hood.

However, with improper care, the effectiveness of the device decreases - exhaust filters become clogged and do not fulfill their functions. The throughput capacity of a contaminated grate decreases, and the device itself copes worse with the removal of odors, moisture and can fail.

Cooker hood
An exhaust hood performs a number of important tasks: removes excess steam and eliminates odors, makes air cleaner and normalizes temperature

The frequency of cleaning the hood from fat accumulation depends on the intensity of use of the device.

Recommended Dates:

  • professional catering - weekly;
  • daily cooking at home - once a month-quarter, depending on the amount of vapors removed.

The cleaning technology is determined by the type of filter installed and the degree of contamination.

Care should be taken of the cooker hood constantly, cleaning without dismantling and dismantling the filter:

In hoods devices are used:

  1. Carbon filters. Perform thin cleaning of the air circulating indoors - the cartridge absorbs odors and grease. The carbon filter can not be cleaned, it must be changed once a quarter to a year, when the traction force of the hood decreases.
  2. Metal mesh. Grease traps are responsible for rough cleaning. The basis of the mesh is aluminum or stainless steel, complemented by synthetic components (synthetic winterizer, non-woven).

Do not tighten the hood with general cleaning. Cleaning old fat is a laborious and complex process.

Hood cleaning
Decreased productivity, increased noise during operation, and discoloration of trap nets are the main signs of contamination of cleaning equipment

How to prepare the equipment for washing?

Before washing the hood from the accumulated fat, disconnect and disassemble the air-cleaning device. First you need to study the technical documentation and find out the list of collapsible sections. For removable parts, it is necessary to prepare boxes, the working area of ​​the stove should be freed from kitchen utensils.

The standard dismantling and dismounting algorithm:

  1. Unlock latches, remove cover from grooves or unscrew fixing bolts.
  2. Remove the grease filter. In recirculation models, remove the carbon cartridge - it is located behind the metal grill.
  3. To dismantle the pipe going from the exhaust “hood” to the outlet.
  4. Remove the internal air filter, if provided in the design.

After disassembling the hood, it is necessary to evaluate the extent of contamination and choose the optimal cleaning method. To remove old growths of fat will have to resort to aggressive methods.

Hood removal
With timely proper care, the next cleaning comes down to washing with a dishwashing detergent. If there is no specialized tool at hand - alternative methods are suitable

Removing dirt from the hood folk methods

Observing the terms of service of the air cleaner, scheduled cleaning will not require much time and effort. For work, you can use improvised means: ammonia, vinegar, lemon, etc.

The traditional method of removing fat from a kitchen hood filter involves a number of standard steps, these are:

Getting rid of hard fat deposits and soot is a more difficult task. Contaminated elements are subjected to heat and mechanical treatment.

Methods for cleaning minor contaminants

The most affordable, popular and quite effective means for the care of air intake grilles are:

  • acetic acid;
  • laundry soap;
  • lemon acid;
  • ammonia;
  • mustard.

Before starting work, you should prepare a brush with a hard polymer pile, a rough sponge and a soft cloth. All manipulations are preferably carried out with rubber gloves. Consider each technology in detail.

Method number 1 - vinegar

To achieve a quick result, undiluted food acetic acid (70%) is used. Regular table vinegar (9%) will not cope with body fat.

Vinegar cleaning
Concentrated vinegar has a pungent odor, so cleaning is carried out with the windows open - it is important to ensure ventilation and fresh air

Progress:

  1. Moisten the sponge in acid, wipe it with a grid on both sides. All contaminated surfaces must be treated with vinegar. Alternatively, you can place the strainer in a baking sheet with low sides and fill it with acid.
  2. Leave the hood details for 8-15 minutes - the time is selected taking into account the level of pollution.
  3. To clear the softened raid with a rough brush or a dense felt.
  4. Rinse the grate with running water and dry.

Removal of “fresh” fat stains is performed with an acid solution 50% diluted with water.

Method number 2 - laundry soap

To get rid of dirt and soot with the help of a soap solution, a metal or plastic scraper is used. The plus of the method is absolute safety.

Laundry soap
Necessary funds and equipment: a piece of laundry soap (72%) of the Soviet sample, a grater, a spacious pan or basin, a scraper and a sponge

Sequencing:

  1. Grate the soap - you should get 2-3 handfuls of “soap shavings”.
  2. Heat the water to 60 ° C and dissolve the soap in it.
  3. Place the air intake grill in a soap emulsion for 30-60 minutes.
  4. After a period of time, if the fat began to easily “move away” from the net, clean the surface with a scraper.
  5. Rinse the filter thoroughly and dry.

Method number 3 - citric acid

Use a cool solution of "lemons" or slices of the lemon itself.

Cleaning the hood with lemon
The surface of the grease trap is treated with squeezed lemon juice or rubbed with a piece of fruit. To split the plaque, the acid is left for a quarter of an hour

In the absence of fresh lemon, you can prepare an acidic emulsion yourself: dissolve the powdered food “lemon” in one liter of water (3 tbsp).

With the resulting composition, fill the filter mesh, and after 10 minutes, clean with a rough brush. To remove old deposits, 2-3 cleaning procedures are required.

Method number 4 - ammonia

The product is effective against "fresh" and long-standing greasy pollution. However, it requires careful use, since ammonia vapors are very caustic and dangerous.

Cleaning with ammonia
Mandatory safety measures when working with ammonia: open windows, wear safety glasses, latex gloves and a respirator. Caustic fumes can burn mucous tissues and also cause dizziness.

Technology for cleaning with ammonia:

  1. Heat water to 50 ° C.
  2. Add ammonia to the container at the rate of 0.5 cup / 3.5 liter of water.
  3. Lower dirty parts into the cleaning solution. The interaction time is 4 hours.

The fat layer will gradually begin to soften and dissolve. All that remains is to “walk” along the grate with a sponge and rinse the filter with clean water.

Method number 5 - mustard powder

Some housewives use the kitchen assistant according to the "grandmother" method today.

Mustard powder
Mustard is environmentally friendly, but in high concentrations it can cause allergies. The powder is quite effective in warm water, in cold - its properties weaken

Application Technique:

  1. Rinse the grate with hot water in the shower.
  2. Prepare a cleaning mixture by mixing 3.5 tablespoons of mustard with 2 teaspoons of regular shampoo. Dilute the composition with hot water and vinegar (50/50) until a liquid slurry forms.
  3. Mix the mesh from the hood with a mixture.
  4. Soak a towel in hot water and wrap it with a wire rack. Leave for half an hour.

After a while, clean the net with a brush and rinse.

Digestion - the fight against old fat

Boiling the air intake grill is a labor-intensive process, but it is especially effective against hardened fat layer.

For home implementation you will need:

  • metal bucket or pan - the volume of the container is selected in accordance with the dimensions of the strainer;
  • grater, brush and sponge;
  • baking soda - 1 cup;
  • a bar of brown laundry soap;
  • salt - 1 tablespoon;
  • water.

There are no strict proportions for the preparation of the cleaning composition. However, for effective digestion, it is better to make a concentrated solution.

Fume extraction
If a container of suitable size was not at hand, then the boiling procedure is carried out twice - for each half of the filter

A step-by-step technology of how to clean the exhaust air intake grill from fat by boiling involves the following steps:

  • Step 1. Fill the container with water and put on fire.
  • Step 2. While the water is boiling, grate ½ bar of soap.
  • Step 3. Gradually, adding one spoonful, pour out soda (1 glass / 5 l). It is necessary to act carefully, since the heated liquid in combination with soda can become turbulent. Mix the composition well without removing from heat.
  • Step 4. After dissolving the soda, add soap and salt.
  • Step 5. Lower the dirty nets into the boiling liquid and leave to simmer over low heat.

After heat treatment, most of the contaminants are separated. It remains to lightly clean the surface with a brush, wipe with a sponge.

Heat treatment
Over time, the water in the pan will turn yellow-brown. Do not overexpose the grilles in this composition. If partially contaminated, it is better to drain the water and repeat the process in an updated solution

If the soda "boiling out" did not help, you can resort to boiling with ammonia. The composition of the solution is 100 ml of ammonia / 5 l of water. Mix the liquids, bring to a boil, immerse the lattices in a container and hold for 1 hour at minimum heat.

At the end, remove the remaining dirt with a brush, rinse the air intake with water and dry it.

The use of chemicals

Using purchased detergents greatly facilitates the task and speeds up cleaning. However, some drugs should be used with extreme caution - active reagents can harm human health and ruin the equipment.

Household Detergent Review

Store-based detergents for cleaning dishes and stoves do a good job of extracting fat.

Among the variety of household chemicals, the following drugs have proven themselves well:

  • Spray "1 minute", Sanita (Russia);
  • Anti-Fat Spray, Cinderella (Russia);
  • Gel "Synergetic" (Germany);
  • Spray and gel "Anti Fat + Shine", Cilit Bang (Poland);
  • Gel and spray “Shumanit”, Bagi (Israel).

Sanita Spray

A quick-acting agent with active components in a few minutes “corrodes” fatty deposits, plaque and other types of dirt.Express spray is considered one of the leaders due to its versatility and affordable cost.

Sanita Spray is not designed to clean varnished, enameled, aluminum and painted surfaces.

Sanita Spray
The scope of use is the care of kitchen equipment, furniture, blinds, plastic panels, tiles and utensils. Estimated cost of the bottle - 2.5 cu

Cinderella Anti-Fat

Affordable, effective tool that gently cleans hard to remove impurities. It is acceptable to use on different types of surfaces after test use in a small area.

Before use, the spray valve must be turned to the “open” position and the surface irrigated. After 20-25 minutes, remove dirt with a brush.

Price for 500 ml - 2-2.4 cu Among the shortcomings, users note a very liquid consistency and fast flow rate.

Cinderella Anti Fat
The main active ingredient in the Anti-Fat spray is soda. A natural cleaner doesn’t work as fast as chemicals, but it’s safe.

Synergetic for cookers

The gel-like product is positioned as a safe, natural preparation for cleaning stoves, ovens, pans and baking sheets. There are no aggressive chemicals in the composition, the product is 100% biodegradable.

Limitations of use: surfaces made of brass, copper and copper alloys, as well as aluminum. Despite safety, gloves should be used during work - they will protect hands from overdrying. The average cost is 10 cu / 1 liter.

Synergetic for cookers
Range of action: soot, carbon deposits, grease, oil stains, scale and rust. Great for cleaning intake grilles

Household chemicals Cilit Bang

Gels and Spray Anti Fat + Radiance is a Polish product for removing burnt and greasy dirt in the kitchen. Grease removers are made on the basis of surfactants, due to which they are distinguished by a “soft” effect on dirt. There are no abrasives in the composition.

The drug is convenient to use, well distributed on the surface and optimal with timely care. The cost of Anti-Fat + Radiance is 6 cu / 750 ml.

Household chemicals Cilit Bang
In practice, Anti-Fat + Radiance has been shown to be effective in combating “fresh” drops of fat and carbon stains. Against limescale, hard deposits, old rust, the tool is almost powerless

"Shumanit" from Bagi

Professional chemistry for easy removal of grease from surfaces involved in cooking. “Shumanit” is a powerful tool, therefore, it requires strict safety measures during use.

Distinctive features:

  • lack of abrasive additives;
  • antibacterial effect;
  • quick action - the first effect is noticeable 5 minutes after applying the drug;
  • effective cleansing of old fatty deposits;
  • economical consumption.

The product is not suitable for cleaning aluminum or painted coatings. Cost - 4.5 cu / 500 ml.

Shumanit from Buggy
“Shumanit” is toxic, has a specific pungent odor. Work must be carried out in a gauze bandage or respirator. Prerequisite - adequate ventilation

The technology of using store-based fat solvents

Most of the proposed products have a similar tactic for cleaning the hood from fat, a possible difference is the time of "soaking" in a chemical preparation.

Standard action plan:

  1. Place the intake grill on the oven pan or place in bulk containers.
  2. Thoroughly treat the parts with the selected product.
  3. Leave the grease solvent - the permissible exposure time is written on the packaging or in the instructions for the product.
  4. In case of strong accumulations of dirt, the filters should be washed with warm water - this procedure will wash off the separated fatty layers.

To remove any residual deposits, it is necessary to reprocess the grill with a cleaning agent.

Chemical cleaning
After cleaning, the hood parts must be thoroughly washed. Chemical components must not remain on the surface - substances can impede the operation of the hood or get into food on the stove

Heavy artillery: the risks of the radical method

When all the gentle methods have been tried and have no effect, some resort to "aggressive" processing. The arsenal for cleaning drain pipes of the type: "Mole», «Tiret», «Sterile», «Trumpet" etc.

Before deciding to take a radical step, it is worth assessing the possible risks and taking into account all the nuances of the work:

  • non-compliance with the instructions for the preparation of the solution and the exposure time of the reagent is fraught with deformation of metal parts;
  • the maximum allowable number of radical cleanings - 1-2 times for the entire period of operation;
  • it is advisable to apply the method in the most “neglected” situations, when a hard coating has clogged all the cells of the air intake grille.

They start work after studying the instructions and observing safety standards.

Drain Pipe Tools
Prepare an iron pan or pan in advance. The handling scheme depends on the shape of the product: liquid concentrate, granules or powder

Possible progress:

  1. Liquid product. Put the processed parts in a container and fill with a solution prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions - the reaction will go instantly. After a couple of minutes, remove the grate, rinse several times with water.
  2. Granular component. Put contaminated items on a pallet, sprinkle with cleaning powder, pour hot water. After splitting the fat, the air distributor should be washed well.

Carefully pour the used caustic solution into the toilet.

Machine cleaning: steam generator and dishwasher

The easiest and safest method is parking. The method is effective, but its implementation requires the use of a steam generator or steam cleaner. Thanks to the device, it will be possible to remove fatty deposits without chemicals.

Steam generator cleaning
The temperature of the steam is about 150 °. The household unit not only cleans, but also disinfects the surface. After processing, the fat is easily cleaned with a sponge dipped in liquid soap

The only drawback of the method is the high cost of the steam generator.

Owners dishwasher can entrust the "dirty work" to an automated kitchen assistant. The performer is required to remove the net, put it in the compartment for large dishes, add detergent and select a washing mode.

The machine method is an excellent prevention of the appearance of solid fat deposits. Cleaning frequency - twice a month.

Caring for the exterior

While the grill and the internal filter dry, there is time to pay attention to the outside of the exhaust hood. The difficulty in cleaning the case is that the edible fat mixes with the settling dust and turns into hard plaque.

Cleaning the outer casing
It is unacceptable to clean off dirt with an iron scraper or with abrasive substances - they can nullify the glossy gloss of the hood or leave scratches

Cleaning Procedure:

  1. Apply detergent to the sponge and grate the surface.
  2. After half an hour, wipe the product with a soft damp cloth.
  3. Remove the remaining fat spots with a rubber scraper.

In order to prevent the formation of a hard crust on the case, it is necessary to minimize the idle work of the gas burner. Dry heat helps to fix fat deposits on the surface.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Restoring the throughput and appearance of the air intake grill using soda ash:

Cleaning the exhaust grill using a pipe cleaner

The variety of methods and cleaning agents allows you to choose the best option for the situation. In order not to resort to radical methods, scheduled maintenance should be carried out without waiting for the formation of hardened layers of fat.

Do you have your own experience in cleaning grease filters in kitchen hood filters? Perhaps you want to share your own methods of solving this problem or ask questions about the topic of the article? Please leave comments in the block below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. For several years of using the hood, the filter was regularly cleaned - it was boiled in a solution of soda and salt. The effect was good, but they began to notice that the throughput decreased. They removed the whole system, and that was just there. Washed with different solutions, including chemical ones, and only after that everything worked as before. General cleaning is needed at least once a year.

  2. Vasilisa

    The combination of two methods turned out to be the most effective for me: first, treatment (soaking) with citric acid. Leave for the night, then a dishwasher. I do it once a month. If the fat turns out to be invincible, I use the old plumbers tool - caustic soda, but use it in a well-ventilated area with all safety measures in mind - gloves, a mask, glasses. And first make sure that the material of the grate is resistant to it.

  3. And if you take from the store, then what is the most effective tool? At various forums and in your material, Schumanit is praised, but I have never met him in a store.

    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      Good afternoon, Lika. If washed often, then the use of citric acid will be effective.

      Helps to easily wash any product designed to remove fat. Many successfully wash with ordinary dishwashing detergents. Pre-soaking in warm water.

      Shumanit is available in most specialized online stores. Ordering it is not as much difficulty as it might seem at first glance. Most importantly, do not use abrasive detergents, otherwise spoil the surface.

  4. Masha

    Over 10 years of use, soap 2 times (the extractor hood was not used so often), and both times it “makes noise”. There is a result, but the surface is visually damaged.

    The article suggests using chemistry, but there is a warning: it is not recommended for aluminum, brass and metal surfaces. Well, why offer then?

    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      “Chemistry” also happens different, before buying a particular cleaning or detergent you need to look at the recommendations! Abrasive detergents can ruin the surface - this is a fact, so they must be discarded first.

      But I strongly disagree with the recommendation for cleaning the exhaust filter with a pipe cleaner. From personal experience, I can advise a simple, not much long, but still effective and safe way. Nothing new, though: warm water, washing up for dishes and an hour for soaking in a basin, go to another container. After this, grease deposits from the filters can be easily removed with an ordinary washcloth.

      For cleaning the hood itself, it is better to use liquid products, no powders or granules that can scratch the surface. As a proven tool, I can recommend Cilit Bang.

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