A stainless steel extractor hood is an essential kitchen appliance for keeping the air clean and free of odors while cooking. However, over time, grease and grime can build up, affecting its efficiency and appearance. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain its performance and keep your kitchen looking spotless. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean both the cooker hood filter and the exterior of your stainless steel extractor hood.
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to consider a few important factors that will ensure your stainless steel range hood stays in top condition.
Avoid Harmful Cleaning Materials
When cleaning stainless steel, never use gritty or bleach-based products. Despite its durable nature, stainless steel can be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools. Always avoid:
Coarse cleaners or scouring pads: These can scratch the surface and dull the finish.
Bleach: Using bleach on stainless steel can lead to discoloration and damage the protective layer.
Oven cleaners: These chemicals are too harsh for stainless steel and can discolor the metal.
Instead, opt for mild dish soap or specialized stainless steel cleaners.
Scrub in the Direction of the Grain
If your stainless steel has a brushed finish, always scrub in the direction of the grain. The grain refers to the subtle lateral lines running through the metal. Scrubbing against the grain or in circles can leave residue trapped in the tiny crevices, leading to scratches and an uneven appearance. Scrubbing with the grain ensures a cleaner, smoother finish.
Tools for the Job
Depending on how much effort you're willing to put into cleaning, several tools and products can help keep your Ciarra range hood looking like new. A few things to keep on hand include:
Microfiber cloths: These soft, absorbent cloths are perfect for wiping down the surface without leaving streaks or lint.
Paper towels: Handy for quick wipes and drying the surface after cleaning.
Steam cleaner: For a deeper clean, a steam cleaner can help remove grease buildup without harsh chemicals.
By using the right techniques and tools, you'll maintain the beauty and functionality of your stainless steel range hood for years to come.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Extractor Hood?
Cleaning your stainless steel cooker hood involves two essential parts: cleaning the filter and cleaning the hood itself. Both play vital roles in maintaining the efficiency and appearance of your extractor hood, ensuring it operates at its best while staying shiny and fresh.
Filter Cleaning
The filter is one of the most important components of your extractor hood, capturing grease and other particles from the air. Regular cleaning of the filter helps maintain optimal airflow and prevents buildup that can reduce its effectiveness.
How to Clean Your Cooker Hood Filter
What You’ll Need:
- Damp cloth
- Neutral liquid detergent (Avoid abrasive products or alcohol)
- Old toothbrush or dish brush
- Rubber gloves
- Large pot or bowl
Cleaning Instructions:
General Cleaning Recommendations
The frequency of cleaning your cooker hood filter depends on how often you use the appliance, but as a general rule, it’s recommended to clean your hood’s filters once a month. Neglecting routine cleaning or failing to replace filters can lead to fire risks.
Cooker hoods typically feature three types of filters:
- Grease Filter
- Washable Activated Charcoal Filter
- Non-Washable Activated Charcoal Filter
1. Grease Filter
The grease filter traps grease particles during cooking and should be cleaned once a month, or sooner if the filter saturation indication system (featured on some models) signals a need for cleaning.
Steps to Clean the Grease Filter:
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Turn off the power: Always disconnect the cooker hood from the electrical supply before starting any cleaning. Switch off the appliance at the connector and remove the fuse or unplug it if connected through a plug socket.
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Remove the grease filter: Pull the spring release handle to detach the filter.
- Soak the filter: Place the filter in a large bowl with a non-aggressive detergent and let it soak for 30 minutes.
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Scrub the filter: After soaking, use an old toothbrush or dish brush to gently scrub the filter.
Alternatively, the filter can be washed in the dishwasher on a low-temperature, short cycle. Note: The filter may discolor slightly in the dishwasher, but this does not affect its filtering capability.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the filter with clear water and allow it to dry thoroughly before reattaching it to the cooker hood.
2. Charcoal Filters
The charcoal filters absorb cooking odors. There are two types of charcoal filters: washable and non-washable.
Washable Activated Charcoal Filter:
- Cleaning frequency: Clean the washable charcoal filter every two months.
Washing instructions:
- Wash the filter using hot water and a suitable detergent.
- Alternatively, you can place the filter in the dishwasher at 65°C, using the full cycle option (without any other dishes).
- After cleaning, allow the filter to dry completely.
- Drying the mattress: Remove the mattress inside the plastic frame and place it in the oven at 100°C for 10 minutes to dry thoroughly.
- Replacement: The mattress should be replaced every three years or when damaged.
Non-Washable Activated Charcoal Filter:
- Replacement frequency: The non-washable charcoal filter needs to be replaced at least every four months, depending on your cooking habits and how often you clean the grease filter.
- Important note: This type of filter cannot be washed or regenerated. Be sure to replace it when needed. You can read "CIARRA User Manual"
Related: How to Clean Cooker Hood Filters
Hood Cleaning
Cleaning the exterior of the hood ensures it stays looking sleek and free from grease or stains. Regular maintenance of the stainless steel surface will help preserve its shine and prevent long-term damage.
How to Clean the Exterior of a Stainless Steel Extractor Hood
1. Everyday Cleaning
For routine maintenance, it's essential to wipe down your stainless steel extractor hood regularly. This will help prevent grease buildup and keep your kitchen looking neat.
Materials Needed: Soft cloth, warm water, mild dishwashing detergent, or a specialized stainless steel cleaner.
Procedure:
- Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
- Wipe the surface gently to remove fingerprints, grease, and food splatters.
- Dry the surface immediately with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water marks.
Tip: For streak-free results, use a microfiber cloth or a specialized stainless steel cleaner.
2. Tough-to-Clean Areas
Certain areas of your extractor hood—especially near the filters and around the fan vents—can become tough to clean due to grease buildup. Here’s how to tackle these problem spots.
Materials Needed: Baking soda, white vinegar, a soft brush, and a microfiber cloth.
Procedure:
- Create a paste using baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste to stubborn greasy areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge to lift the grease.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe the surface dry.
Tip: If the greasy buildup is particularly persistent, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to break down the grease.
3. Very Difficult Stains
If your extractor hood has accumulated tough stains or discoloration, these steps will help restore its shine.
Materials Needed: Commercial stainless steel cleaner or vinegar and olive oil.
Procedure:
- Spray the cleaner onto the affected area or apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth.
- Rub the cleaner or oil in a circular motion to remove the stain. For olive oil, this can help restore the shine while cleaning.
- Buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to achieve a glossy finish.
Tip: Always test any commercial cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface to ensure compatibility with your stainless steel.
If you want to avoid any stubborn stains on your stainless-steel range hood, the most important thing to do is follow the basic soap-water routine every day. If you keep cleaning it every day, you will not give a chance for the excessive oils or grease to find their place and turn into harsh stains.
Conclusion
Keeping your stainless steel extractor hood clean requires regular maintenance and attention to detail. By following these cleaning tips, you can preserve the appearance and efficiency of your cooker hood for years to come. Whether you're tackling everyday grime, tough-to-clean areas, or stubborn stains, the right approach and tools will help ensure your kitchen stays fresh, functional, and sparkling.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between a Hood and an Extractor?
In kitchen terminology, the terms "hood" and "extractor" are often used interchangeably, but they can have subtle differences depending on regional usage or specific brands.
Hood refers to the covering that sits above the stove, designed to capture smoke, steam, grease, and odors from cooking.
Extractor refers to the mechanism within the hood that extracts these particles, either via ducting or a recirculating filtration system.
An extractor hood, therefore, combines both the structure (the hood) and the extraction system (the extractor), typically using fans and filters to remove contaminants from the air.