How to Clean a Greasy Overhead Exhaust Filter

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Tips to clean overhead exhaust filter

How to Clean a Greasy Overhead Exhaust Filter

By : John

It is common for people to overlook cleaning the greasy overhead exhaust filter. Whether you cook frequently or periodically, it is essential to clean the exhaust filter once in 2-4 months or 1-3 times in a year, respectively. If you have never cleaned the exhaust filter over your cooking range, then it can be daunting.

You will encounter a lot of stubborn grease and grime. It is a time taking process and requires attention. If you lack time and the resources, you can get in touch with a reputed end of lease cleaner in Newcastle for consultation and their services.

Some of the renowned cleaning companies in Newcastle offer spring cleaning services along with end of lease cleaning solutions. You can contact them to explain your requirements, and the cleaning companies can provide customised solutions.

However, if you wish to try cleaning the greasy exhaust filter yourself, here is the perfect guide for you. Read on to know what you will require, how to clean the filter, and more.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES

Some of the supplies you will need for cleaning will be in your kitchen while others you might have to go and purchase. All the supplies listed below are readily available in supermarkets and stores.

  • Baking Soda
  • Distilled White Vinegar (optional)
  • Anti-grease dishwashing soap
  • Boiling water
  • A thick & firm bristled brush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Paper towels
  • Spray bottle

THE CLEANING METHODS

Depending on the build-up of grease on the exhaust filter, you can try to clean it using three methods mentioned as follows:

The Soaking Method

Take a bucket big enough to contain the filter. Fill it with boiling water and add baking soda, anti-grease dishwashing soap, and white vinegar (optional). Mix the ingredients and submerge the filter in the scalding cleaning solution. Leave the filters to soak for at least 15-20 minutes. Take out the filter and scrub off the residues with the thick & firm bristled brush.

Wash the filter thoroughly and rinse with hot water. Take a microfiber cloth (recommended) or paper towel to wipe away the moisture and dry the filter. Put the filter back and clean with this method as per requirement. Professional end of lease cleaners in Newcastle use this method for effective cleaning of filthy and greasy exhaust filters.

The Steaming Method

If you have a steam cleaner and your filter is mildly greasy, use this method. Put the dirty filter over a towel and using the machine steam off the grease. You will see the grease deposit on the towel.

Once the grease is removed, wash the residues with anti-grease dishwashing soap and the thick bristled brush. Rinse with hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Expert end of lease cleaner in Newcastle who have multipurpose steam cleaners, use this method for cleaning moderately greasy filters.

The Oven Method

Take a baking or broiler tray and put newspaper the size of the tray. Place at least 10-15 pieces of newspaper. Put the filter over them and pre-heat your oven to 225-250 degrees Celsius. Don’t heat the oven over this temperature to safeguard against burning. Leave the filter in for 30 minutes to an hour.

Check if the grease has melted off the filter and onto the newspaper. Wash the filter with anti-grease dishwashing soap and the firm bristled brush. However, this method is not popular among end of lease cleaners in Newcastle, and many recommend using alternate cleaning methods.

The Natural Cleaning Method

According to reputed end of lease cleaners in Newcastle, For a healthy house always try to use all-natural ingredients for cleaning greasy overhead

exhaust filters, all you need is baking soda, white vinegar, and castile soap. Boil water and fill a container big enough to put the filter.

Add baking soda, liquid castile soap, and white vinegar to the container with boiling water. Submerge the filter and take out after 10-15 minutes. Wash with a brush and hot water. Wipe and dry the filter with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

REASONS FOR CLEANING A GREASY OVERHEAD EXHAUST FILTER

The purpose of the filter is to protect the exhaust fan from becoming greasy. Build of grease and grime on the fan causes it to jam, so here are some reasons why you should clean the greasy overhead exhaust filter in your kitchen.

  • Conserves energy because the fan doesn’t have to pull the smoke too much.
  • Increases the shelf life of the exhaust fan.
  • Helps the fan work effectively and pull more smoke.
  • For safety purposes as grease filters are prone to fire hazards.
  • It is unhealthy as bacterial diseases and germs can thrive in the grime.

DO’S

Besides cleaning the filters, it is essential to clean the areas around the filters as well. These areas can become grimy and grease with time. You can use natural degreasers like olive/ mineral/ essential oils, baking soda, white vinegar, lemon etc. Apply a small amount of any product you have and rub off the grease.

In case the build-up is stubborn, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste and leave for 10 minutes, activate it by spraying vinegar and wipe off the grime with ease. Use water to clean and olive oil to shine the surface.

DON’TS

Don’t start detaching and cleaning filter before you read the manufacturer’s manual guide. Some filters cannot be cleaned and only replaces. If your range hood is under warranty, you can void it by dismantling if not specified in the manual. If you are unsure of how to clean your range hood, don’t DIY and hire an affordable bond cleaner.

Endnote

Many people are clueless about overhead exhaust filters maintenance and never clean them. However, once you know how to clean them and make it a monthly practice, you can improve the shelf life of your range hood. Also, cleaning the filter and surrounding areas regularly will keep the range fresh looking as there will no crusts, flakes, grease or grime.