Effective methods for cleaning a fatty hood: a step-by-step guide

Method of preparation:

Preparation of the hood: Before cleaning, unplug the hood from the power supply. If possible, remove the filters from your hood as they tend to accumulate fat and dirt.

Cleaning of filters: It is advisable to soak the hood filters in warm water with added sodium bicarbonate or dishwashing liquid. In a bowl, mix 1 litre of warm water, 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Soak the filters in this solution for about 30 minutes, then rub with a toothbrush or a soft sponge to remove grease and dirt.

Cleaning the hood surface: Apply a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1) to the fatty surface of the hood. You can use a spray to uniformly cover the entire surface of the hood. Leave to act for a few minutes to make the solution soften the fat.

Hood stalking: After waiting a few minutes, use a wet microfiber cloth to wipe the bonnet surface. If necessary, spray the hood again with the vinegar and water solution. For particularly stubborn stains, sprinkle with sodium bicarbonate and rub gently with a cleansing brush.

Final cleaning: Once most of the fat has been removed, wipe the surface of the hood with a dry microfiber cloth to remove the remaining water and vinegar. Once the filters are dry, you can reinstall them in the hood.

Service and conservation advice:
Service: It is best to clean your suction hood regularly, at least once a month, to avoid fat build-up. The sooner you start cleaning, the easier it will be to remove contaminants.

Storage: Allow the filters to dry completely before reinstalling them in the hood. It is also advisable to store cleaning products (e.g. vinegar, sodium bicarbonate) in appropriate containers so that they do not lose their properties.

Variants:
Cleaning the steam hood: In the case of steam hoods (with suction function), you can use specialised preparations designed to clean stainless steel surfaces, which make it easier to remove grease.

Cleaning a hood with charcoal filters: Charcoal filter hoods require filters to be replaced every few months, but the filters themselves can also be cleaned with a vinegar and water solution if they are only slightly dirty.

Cleaning a hood with an antibacterial coating: If your hood has an antibacterial coating, avoid using aggressive cleaning products that could damage it. In this case, it is sufficient to use softer products, such as dishwashing liquid.

FAQ:
How often should I clean my suction hood? The hood should be cleaned at least once a month and the filters should be replaced every few months, depending on the intensity of the cooking. The more you take care of your hood often, the easier it will be to keep it in good condition.

Can I use chemical cleaning products? You can use chemical cleaning products, but always choose those designed to clean kitchen appliances, especially hoods. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damaging the surface of the hood.

What if the grease on the hood is very difficult to remove? If the fat is difficult to remove, try to use a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water, which you apply to the stained surface for a few minutes. Then wipe the surface with a soft cloth. You can also use ready-made preparations to remove fat.

Can I clean the hood without removing the filters? Although it is possible to clean your hood without removing the filters, removing the filters and cleaning them thoroughly increases the efficiency of the whole process. Filters are the main place where fat accumulates, so it is worth cleaning them separately.

With these simple tips, your hood will again be radiantly clean and work effectively, helping to remove grease and odours from your kitchen. Regular cleaning of the hood is an investment in the longevity of the equipment and the comfort of cooking.