Is your kitchen hood looking a little worse for wear? Don't let grease and grime dampen your culinary enthusiasm! A clean kitchen hood not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also ensures a healthy and efficient cooking environment. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of how to clean a kitchen hood in Singapore, empowering you to maintain a sparkling and functional kitchen centrepiece.

Understand the Type of Cooker Hood Filter

Before you begin cleaning, it's crucial to identify the type of filter your kitchen hood uses. This will determine the appropriate cleaning method. Here are the two most common types:

1. Metal Filter

Metal filters, typically crafted from durable aluminium or stainless steel, are the workhorses of kitchen ventilation. Their primary function is to trap grease and oil particles produced during cooking, preventing them from accumulating on the hood’s interior surfaces and clogging the exhaust system. These filters are designed for longevity and can be cleaned and reused multiple times, making them a popular and economical choice for most kitchen hoods.

2. Carbon Filter

Carbon filters play a crucial role in purifying the air in your kitchen. They're often found in recirculating kitchen hoods, which don't have external venting. Instead of expelling the air outside, these hoods use carbon filters to absorb odours and smoke, releasing cleaner air back into your kitchen.

These filters are typically made of activated carbon, a highly porous material that effectively traps and neutralises a wide range of airborne particles and odours. Unlike metal filters, carbon filters are not washable and need to be replaced periodically to maintain their effectiveness.

What Is the Best Thing to Clean a Cooker Hood with?

Gather these cleaning essentials to tackle your kitchen hood:

• Degreasing Dish Soap: Cuts through grease and grime effectively.
• Baking Soda: A natural cleaner and deodoriser.
• White Vinegar: Helps dissolve grease and remove stubborn stains.
• Hot Water: Essential for soaking and rinsing.
• Non-Abrasive Scrub Brush or Sponge: Gently removes grime without scratching surfaces.
• Microfibre Cloth: For wiping and drying.
• Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from cleaning solutions.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Your Kitchen Hood and Its Filter

1. Prepare the Hood: Turn off the power supply to your kitchen hood. Remove the filters carefully, referring to your user manual for specific instructions.
2. Clean the Filters:

• Metal Filters: Soak the filters in a sink filled with hot, soapy water. Add a cup of white vinegar and a sprinkle of baking soda for extra cleaning power. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive brush to remove grease buildup. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling.
• Carbon Filters: Carbon filters cannot be washed. Replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually every 3-6 months, depending on usage.

3. Clean the Hood Exterior: Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the hood with a damp cloth and dish soap. Pay attention to areas with grease splatters or fingerprints. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
4. Clean the Interior: If your hood has a removable grease tray, empty it and wash it with soapy water. Wipe down the interior surfaces of the hood with a degreasing solution, paying attention to the fan blades (if accessible).
5. Reassemble the Hood: Once all parts are clean and dry, reassemble the hood and restore the power supply.

How Often Should Kitchen Hoods Be Cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning depends on your cooking habits and the type of hood you have. As a general rule, aim to clean your kitchen hood filter(s) monthly and the exterior surfaces weekly. Deep cleaning of the interior can be done every 3-6 months.

A Sparkling Hood for a Sparkling Kitchen

A clean kitchen hood is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it's about maintaining a healthy and efficient cooking environment. By following these simple cleaning steps and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can ensure your kitchen hood remains a shining example of both style and functionality.

And while you're focused on keeping your kitchen immaculate, consider exploring SMEG's range of high-quality kitchen appliances, including powerful kitchen hoods, sleek induction hobs, and versatile built-in gas hobs, designed to elevate your cooking experience and complement your pristine kitchen.