We all heard the saying that “Prevention is better than cure.” This rule also applied to kitchen appliances. For example, if we talk about the exhaust fan, it grasps a lot of smoke, grease, odor, etc. when in use. Of course, the smoke and cooking foods cover the files with a sticky and filthy layer.
The role of an exhaust fan in the kitchen is to lower cooking emissions and make the air more clean, healthy, and bearable. Here, its proper cleanliness and maintenance are necessary. After all, how the kitchen exhaust fan will be able to stay effective and keep the smoke or any cooking odor away when it is not properly and regularly cleaned.
Want to know the ways to remove grease from kitchen exhaust?
Try these below-given solutions.
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Why Do Exhaust Fans Need to Be Cleaned?
The kitchen exhaust fans are placed above the cooktop or stove. A microwave oven hanging over the range also features several of them. Kitchen fans get off smells, oils, and smoke that no one wants to linger in their home kitchens. Ultimately, the kitchen exhaust fans control air humidity, improve the quality of air, and prevent grime buildups on the appliances.
But there are times when exhaust fans become quite filthy, especially when their regular cleaning is overlooked. The exhaust fans in the kitchen collect dust and soot with the everyday preparation of meals. This can further result in foul odors and harbor bacteria.
So, these are some of the reasons that make it essential to understand the significance of cleaning exhaust fans in the kitchen.
Tips to Clean Greasy Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Follow These Regulations
Maintaining a healthy cooking environment requires cleaning the exhaust fan. You need to first get ready for this. Get gloves and masks. Unplug the cables and wires after turning off the exhaust fan. If the fan is placed at a great height, you might also need a ladder.
Perform Mesh Cleaning
There come several kitchen exhaust fans that have mesh covers. In this case, you will need to open it, and then clean the mesh first.
Create a mixture by combining one cup of hot, boiled water with half a cup of ammonia. Soak the mesh into this liquid solution for about an hour. Afterward, scrub it gently.
Clean the Blades With a Detergent Solution
The majority of the grit, filth, and oil stains are gathered by the blades. Consequently, cleaning them would be difficult. Making a solution out of hot, boiling water, half a cup of ammonia, and some baking soda is required for this.
Disconnect the fan’s blades, then submerge them in the liquid for a while. Then you scrub the blades lightly. Use a sharp knife to cut through any difficult-to-remove oil spots for enhanced cleanliness.
The exhaust fans can also be cleaned with a mixture of hot water and detergents. Use items like baking soda, lemons, and white vinegar to clean the equipment. Allow the mesh and blade to air dry after washing. Once they have dried sufficiently, attach them to the fan.
Clean the Kitchen Exhaust Filters
- Remove the filter from the exhaust fan. Don’t use any toxic DIY cleanser.
- Take some water into a pot and boil it on low heat. Add dishwasher detergent and some drops of white vinegar and baking soda.
- Dip the greasy filter into the solution for around 30 minutes. Then, take the brush and scrub it gently. Afterward, rinse well and let them air-dry.
Steaming Method Works
The steaming procedure might be effective if your kitchen hood system fan is greasy or dirty. Using a steam cleaner, it becomes quite simple to remove debris from a fan. After the grease has been removed, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the residue with anti-grease dishwashing soap.
Remember to wash it off using hot water and then let it sit dry or use a cotton cloth to dry it.
Best Tips for Cleaning Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Many kitchen exhaust fans come with reusable filters. If it is the case with your exhaust, simply soak the fan in the boiling water. Keep it soaked for a few minutes. Afterward, scrub the filters with the liquid soapy using a bristle brush. It will be effective in eliminating the grease built-up over time. But do remember to keep the power off before you begin cleaning.
- Separate the blades from a fan and make a detergent solution. Dip the blades into it for about 20 minutes.
- Get a bristled brush for cleaning purposes.
- In case the grease or dirt buildup is stubborn, use the unsharpened knife. Avoid applying forceful pressure on the blades.
- Make a mixture of lemon juice, ammonia, boiling water, and baking soda.
- Now, let the blades sit in the liquid for 15 minutes. Start cleaning the grease with a brush.
- Also, you can use vinegar. Simply make a mixture of white vinegar and boiling water.
Kitchen Exhaust Fan Cleaning Preventive Measures
You cannot ignore the contamination of an exhaust fan if you cook excessively. Why not then adhere to the major cleanups. Simply take these safety precautions when utilizing such an appliance.
- When not in use, turn off the stove. In this manner, the surface of the hood won’t become clogged with smoke.
- Wash the range hood covers whenever preparing meals.
- When making meals, cover cookware with tops.
Summing Up
To sum up, the role of an exhaust fan in a kitchen requires regular cleanliness and maintenance and the main reason behind is hygiene. Of course, the dust and grease build-up and oil stains forming on the fan affect its functioning. Also, it pollutes the kitchen air and makes the overall place unhygienic and uncomfortable to cook.
In addition, picking the reputable kitchen exhaust cleaning services every twice or thrice a year is essential. It helps wash off the thin greasy layers from the top of the fans. Thus, avoiding the chances of massive dust, grease, or soot accumulating on the fans and making it challenging to clean off afterward. All in all, the main reason behind the cleanliness is to keep the space hygienic and to ensure the good health of the loved ones.