Your cooker hood works tirelessly to extract steam, smoke, and cooking odours from your kitchen, but in the process, it becomes a magnet for grease and grime. That sticky, yellowing film coating your extractor fan isn't just unsightly – it reduces the hood's efficiency, creates a fire hazard, and can harbour bacteria. If you've been avoiding looking up at that greasy canopy or your extractor fan sounds like it's struggling, it's time for a thorough clean.
The good news is that beneath layers of built-up grease lies your original gleaming cooker hood, and with the right approach, you can restore it to pristine condition. Whether you're dealing with months of accumulated cooking residue or years of neglect, this guide provides proven methods to cut through the toughest grease and maintain your cooker hood's performance.
What You'll Need
Before starting your cooker hood deep clean, gather these supplies:
- Washing-up liquid (degreasing variety)
- White vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Hot water
- Large basin or sink
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Microfibre cloths
- Sponges (non-abrasive)
- Rubber gloves
- Newspaper or protective covering
- Spray bottles
- Plastic scraper
- Steam cleaner (optional)
- Commercial degreaser (for stubborn buildup)
Method 1: The Hot Soapy Soak Method
This traditional approach works brilliantly for removable filters and moderate grease buildup.
Step 1: Switch off the cooker hood at the mains for safety. Remove the metal grease filters by pressing the release catches – most slide or pop out easily.
Step 2: Fill your sink or a large basin with the hottest water you can safely handle. Add a generous squirt of degreasing washing-up liquid and agitate to create suds.
Step 3: Submerge the filters completely in the hot soapy water. If they're too large, clean one side at a time. Leave to soak for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Using a soft brush, scrub both sides of the filters, paying attention to the mesh where grease accumulates. The hot water should have loosened most debris.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with hot water until the water runs clear and no soap remains.
Step 6: Dry completely with a clean cloth or leave to air dry before reinstalling. Meanwhile, wipe down the hood's exterior and interior with the leftover soapy water.
Method 2: The Bicarbonate and Vinegar Power Clean
Perfect for tackling stubborn, baked-on grease without harsh chemicals.
Step 1: Create a paste using three parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water. You'll need enough to coat all greasy surfaces generously.
Step 2: Remove filters and apply the paste liberally to all greasy areas – the hood's interior, exterior surfaces, and the filters themselves. The paste should be thick enough to stick without dripping.
Step 3: Leave the paste to work for 20 minutes. For the filters, place them in a large bag or cover with cling film to prevent the paste drying out.
Step 4: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Spray this solution over the bicarbonate paste – it will fizz and bubble as it reacts.
Step 5: Once the fizzing subsides, scrub with a soft brush or heavy-duty degreasing cloth. The chemical reaction helps lift even stubborn grease.
Step 6: Rinse everything thoroughly with hot water and dry completely. The combination leaves surfaces sparkling without harsh scrubbing.
Method 3: The Steam Cleaning Method
Ideal for reaching awkward areas and loosening grease without chemicals.
Step 1: If you have a steam cleaner, fill it according to manufacturer instructions. If not, create steam by boiling a large pot of water on your hob.
Step 2: Remove filters and set them aside for separate cleaning. Direct steam at the hood's surfaces, working from top to bottom.
Step 3: The steam will loosen and liquify grease, making it run down the surfaces. Have cloths ready to catch drips and protect your hob below.
Step 4: As the steam loosens grease, wipe immediately with microfibre cloths. Replace cloths frequently as they become saturated with grease.
Step 5: For stubborn spots, hold the steam on the area for 30 seconds before wiping. The concentrated heat breaks down even old, hardened grease.
Step 6: Finish by wiping all surfaces with a vinegar solution to remove any remaining residue and add shine.
Method 4: The Commercial Degreaser Method
When facing years of buildup or commercial-grade grease, sometimes you need professional-strength products.
Step 1: Choose a quality commercial degreaser suitable for kitchen use. Read instructions carefully and ensure adequate ventilation.
Step 2: Protect your hob and surrounding surfaces with newspaper or plastic sheeting. Wear rubber gloves throughout the process.
Step 3: Spray or apply degreaser according to product instructions, typically leaving it for 5-10 minutes to penetrate grease layers.
Step 4: For thick grease, use a plastic scraper to gently remove the softened top layers without scratching surfaces.
Step 5: Wipe away dissolved grease with disposable cloths or paper towels. You may need several passes for heavy buildup.
Step 6: Crucially, rinse all surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove chemical residues. Dry and polish with a clean microfibre cloth.
Special Considerations for Different Hood Types
Stainless steel hoods: Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching. Polish with a specialist stainless steel cleaner for best results.
Glass canopy hoods: Use vinegar solution or glass cleaner for the canopy. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch.
Painted hoods: Test cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid harsh chemicals that might strip or discolour paint.
Chimney-style hoods: Don't forget to clean the vertical chimney section where grease can accumulate unseen.
Integrated hoods: Check manufacturer guidelines as some have specific cleaning requirements to maintain warranties.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance prevents major grease buildup:
- Clean or replace filters monthly for regular cooking, fortnightly for heavy use
- Wipe the hood's exterior weekly with warm soapy water
- Clean up splatter immediately before it hardens
- Run the fan for 10 minutes after cooking to clear residual grease vapours
- Check and clean the exhaust outlet annually if accessible
- Use lower heat settings when possible to reduce grease vapourisation
- Cover pans when frying to minimise splatter
When to Call Professionals
Consider professional cleaning services when:
- Grease buildup is affecting motor function or causing unusual noises
- You can't access internal components safely
- Commercial kitchen hoods require certified cleaning for compliance
- Electrical components need attention
- The ductwork requires cleaning beyond the hood itself
- Previous DIY attempts haven't resolved persistent odours
Conclusion
Cleaning your cooker hood might not be the most glamorous kitchen task, but it's essential for maintaining a healthy, efficient cooking environment. Regular attention prevents the mammoth cleaning sessions required when grease is left to accumulate for months or years. With these methods at your disposal, you can tackle any level of grease buildup and keep your cooker hood functioning effectively. Remember, a clean cooker hood doesn't just look better – it works more efficiently, reduces fire risks, and keeps your kitchen air cleaner. Set a regular cleaning schedule based on your cooking habits, and you'll never again face the daunting task of removing months of baked-on grease from your kitchen's hardest-working appliance.
