Degrease the extractor hood filters (dishwasher?)
If the hood no longer sucks or drips fat, the filters are clogged. Risk of fire!
Recommended Materials
- Dishwasher
- Dishwashing liquid
- Bicarbonate (if hand wash)
- Boiling water
Steps to follow
Step 1
Why clean? : A clogged hood no longer sucks up anything (the meshes are blocked by grease). Worse, it's a major fire risk: if you flambé a dish, the fat accumulated in the hood can catch fire instantly and spread the fire into the duct.
Step 2
The metal filters (The grid): Unclip them. If you see through it, it's good. If it's yellow and opaque, it's dirty.
Step 3
Dishwasher Method (Easy): Put the metal filters in the dishwasher, alone or with very dirty dishes. Use an intensive program (70°C). CAUTION: If your filters are made of (light) aluminum, the harsh detergent in the dishwasher may cause them to blacken or tarnish. It's just aesthetic, they will still filter just as well, but they will be ugly gray.
Step 4
Manual Method (Effective and safe): Fill your sink or a basin with BOILING water. Add a good dose of degreasing dishwashing liquid and a cup of soda crystals (or baking soda). Immerse the filters. Leave to soak for 1 hour. The fat will come off. Finish by brushing with a dish brush. Rinse with warm water.
Step 5
Carbon filters (For hoods without exhaust): They are often black and located behind the metal filters. They are used to remove odors. They usually don't wash! They should be changed every 4 to 6 months. (Except certain 'long-lasting' models which regenerate in the oven, check your instructions).
Step 6
The exterior (Stainless steel): To remove sticky grease on the top of the hood without leaving traces, use a microfiber cloth soaked in household alcohol or cooking oil (fat removes grease!), then wipe.
Precautions
- Do not flare up under a dirty hood (fat catches fire).
- Dry the filters thoroughly before replacing.
