Whether you run a restaurant or other business facility, you know how essential your range hood is in keeping the air fresh and free of odors when you’re working in the kitchen. Unfortunately, even with such a crucial role, range hoods often get overlooked in regular cleaning routines.
If you haven’t checked your kitchen’s range hood in a while, it may be time to give it a deep clean. The longer you allow dust, grease, and grime to build up on this appliance, the more its appearance and efficiency will deteriorate.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a range hood effectively to help you maintain a clean and fresh cooking environment.
5 Basic Steps in Range Hood Cleaning
1. Have the Supplies Ready
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies to make cleaning more efficient. You will need these essential items:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- An old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
2. Wipe Down the Range Hood’s Exterior
With your supplies ready, begin the cleaning process by tackling the exterior of the range hood. Dip a microfiber cloth or soft sponge into a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water and use it to wipe down the surface of the hood. If you are dealing with stubborn grease spots, you may use a non-abrasive cleaner.
However, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, which may damage your range hood’s finish. As you wipe the exterior’s surface, reach all nooks and crannies and pay special attention to the control buttons.
3. Detach and Clean the Filter
Grease filters are essential components of range hoods, as they trap smoke and airborne grease, keeping them from recirculating into the kitchen. However, with continued use, these filters can become clogged, reducing the hood’s effectiveness.
After detaching the filter from the hood, place it in the dishwasher or soak it in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes if it is dishwasher-safe. Then, use a soft brush or old toothbrush and gently scrub away any stubborn grease.
If you have a non-dishwasher-safe filter, soak it in a mixture of water and ¼ baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes before spraying it with vinegar. This creates a foaming action that helps break down grease. Rinse the filter thoroughly with warm water, wipe it with a towel or microfiber cloth, and let it air dry before reinserting into the range hood.
4. Check the Vent
Make sure to inspect the ductwork as you perform your range hood cleaning. This typically appears as a long pipe right above the hood, and it helps exhaust the heavy smoke and strong smells out of the house.
Like your filter, vents also accumulate grease and grime over time. This buildup can not only compromise the efficiency of your range hood but also increase the risks of a kitchen fire.
All you have to do is grab a flashlight and conduct a visual inspection of your vent. If you notice grease or grime buildup, call a professional kitchen cleaning service for safe and effective cleaning.
5. Create a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Learning how to clean a range hood will not be of much use if you only do it once or rarely. Keeping your kitchen appliance clean and in optimal working condition entails creating a regular cleaning routine.
For starters, it’s a good idea to wipe down the exterior at least once a week and detach and clean the filter once a month or as necessary.
How Often Should You Do Range Hood Cleaning?
If your business facility’s kitchen isn’t frequently in use, seasonal cleaning may be enough to avoid damaging grease buildup. However, if you run a restaurant and prepare several meals throughout the day, it’s crucial that you clean the range hood’s interior and exterior more frequently.
One way to tell if it’s time for range hood cleaning is to consider its performance. If it seems to struggle to clear smoke from the room, even in the highest setting, the filter or vent could be blocked with grease. A motor that is humming loudly may also indicate that the appliance is working harder to exhaust smoke, which could also be caused by a grease buildup.
It’s Okay Not To Know How To Clean Grease From Your Range Hood
Regular range hood cleaning helps improve the air quality in your kitchen and keeps the appliance running efficiently. This step-by-step guide should help you understand the basic steps on how to clean a range hood. Taking a straightforward approach to cleaning can help you keep your appliance free from grime and, ultimately, let you cook in a fresh and clean environment.
With this in mind, there’s also no shame in not being able to do this task yourself – or not having the time and necessary supplies to get the job done correctly. Especially if you run a busy restaurant, your hands are probably full with preparing your ingredients, preparing your diners’ orders, or keeping up with restaurant cleanliness standards.
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting is a leading name in restaurant cleaning services. The certified cleaning franchisees are experts in cleaning various restaurant-specific spaces, from kitchens and food storage areas to dining rooms.
If you’re looking for a reliable range hood cleaner, consider partnering with a JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchisee near you. Get in touch today to find a location or discuss your kitchen cleaning requirements.
Cleaning and disinfecting services provided by independently owned and operated JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchisees.