How to clean a cooker hood

The cooker hood and extractor fan can seem like one of the trickiest spots to clean, with a build-up of fat and grease making a very sticky mess. But when your cooker hood is screaming for a cleaning, there’s no need to procrastinate – this step-by-step guide will equip you with everything you need to know about how to clean an oven extractor hood efficiently, including how to clean a cooker hood filter and other removable components.

You will need:

• Gloves
• Paper filter (if applicable)
• Toothbrush
• Sponge
• Cloth
• Vinegar
• Dishwashing liquid
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Cleaning product (specific to surface)

How to clean a cooker hood filter

1. Remove the filter and all other removable parts from your cooker hood

   Ensure that the appliance is switched off and is not hot before you remove any parts from the cooker hood.

   You should check the instruction manual for your specific appliance to find out the correct way of taking these bits off, or look it up online if you don’t still have the original care instructions to hand.

   

2. Paper filters: Remove and replace

   If you are cleaning a flat extractor, it will have a paper filter that can be removed and replaced, with new paper bought from a supermarket and cut to size. However, chimney-style oven extractor fans have a metal mesh filter which is non-disposable and sometimes needs a good clean.

   Carbon filters also need replacing rather than cleaning.

3. Metal filters: Soak for a long time, preferably overnight

   Soak it in very hot, soapy water with a cup of vinegar added to help cut through the grease, and leave for as long as possible, preferably overnight.

4. Carefully rub down with a toothbrush

   After a long soak, give the filter and other bits a careful rub down to remove greasy residue using a toothbrush. 

   You can also use a washing powder soaking solution or a bicarbonate of soda paste to work away at the greasy residue on your oven extractor filter and other components. 

   When cleaning a cooker hood metal filter, it may discolour slightly, especially if using a dishwasher or detergent solution, but it will still work and won’t be obvious once the hood is reassembled.

   Remember to take recommended safety precautions and to test any unfamiliar techniques on an inconspicuous spot first.

   

How to clean a cooker hood surface

1. Use a clean, soft sponge or cloth

   A wire sponge or brush may leave scratches or other marks.

   

2. Apply cleaning product and start working it into the hood

   Add your cleaning product, like Cif, directly to the cooker hood and start working it all over the hood.

   Follow the instructions on the label, and test it in a small area first. Take care to avoid contact with skin and wear relevant hand protection.

3. Wipe off the product with a clean cloth

   Be sure to wipe off any product left with a clean cloth to avoid smearing or staining on the hood.

   

4. Use a toothbrush to remove any sticky residue

   You could use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean sticky residue off the cooker hood – that way, you can reach all the crevices where grime has accumulated.

Tips for keeping a cooker hood clean and grease-free

1. Clean it regularly!

   The key to keeping your cooker extractor clean is to clean it regularly! This will help stop a build up of grease over time, making it easier to clean in the future.

2. Wipe the exterior with soapy water or a cleaning product

   Wipe over the entire exterior with soapy water or a cleaning product every time you use the hob.

   Ensure the oven is off and wait until all surfaces are cool before beginning to clean.

3. Dry with a clean cloth

   Every time you clean your cooker hood, be sure to wipe it dry with a clean cloth to avoid water marks and stains. This will also help it stay nice and shiny!

4. Take out the filter once a month

   Take out the filter once a month if you can and give it a quick wash in the sink. Once you’ve deep cleaned the components once they should only need a brief clean if you do it regularly enough, meaning that the deep clean is rarely necessary.

How to clean your extractor fan

It is easy to forget to clean your extractor fan, but this is a mistake. Dirt and grease will build up over time and this can affect your fan's performance. Luckily, extractor fan cleaning is fairly straightforward. Here's how: 1. Unplug your fan. 2. Remove the fan cover and gently wash it in a mixture of warm water and washing up liquid. 3. Rinse the cover and then dry it with a towel 4. Dip a cloth in the water and washing up liquid and wipe down the fan blades. Wring out the cloth first.

Once your cooker hood is looking brand new, why not take on the rest of the oven with tips from our guide!