Grease stains need to be cleaned immediately if you notice them in the kitchen, as they are a hotspot for bacteria, but one place many people overlook cleaning is the extractor fan.
Extractor fans above the stove should be cleaned at least once every two months as they filter up steam, smoke, and cooking smells in the kitchen.
If an extractor fan is not cleaned regularly, grease stains can become stuck in the filter blades, becoming a serious fire risk. A spark from the stove could ignite the grease and cause a kitchen fire.
Shirley Langridge, an expert from Maggie’s Oven Services, has shared that cleaning an extractor fan is “rather easy” and will help prevent the fan from breaking down in the future.
She said: “They become less effective, unfortunately, as dirt and filth eventually clogs them. Not only does a well-maintained extractor fan keep your living areas fresh, but it also guarantees that the fan runs effectively for many years.”
How to properly clean an extractor fan
Cleaning an extractor fan is simple and should only take roughly 10 minutes. All you need is some washing-up liquid and hot water.
Method:
To begin with, switch off the extractor fan at the mains before you begin cleaning. Otherwise, you risk unintentionally turning the fan on, which could damage it.
Next, remove the cover over the fan and carefully remove the filter.
Shirley said, “Most extractor fans feature a grille or cover that needs to be cleaned. The model will determine whether this entails unscrewing or unclipping the cover.
“You will also have to remove any built-in filter your fan has—a metal grease filter in a kitchen extractor, for example.”
Fill a basin in the sink with hot, soapy water, then place the cover and filter in the basin to soak.
Shirley said: “Cover and filter the water. Let them soak for approximately 10 to fifteen minutes to release the dirt.
“Check your fan’s instructions to find out whether the cover or filter is dishwasher-safe. Then, you may easily clean them in the dishwasher.”
After they are done soaking, use a sponge or towel to clean the cover and filter. If there are any nooks and crannies with stains, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub them.
Avoid a hard scouring pad, which could scratch and damage the fan. Be careful when wiping down the fan, as it can be very fragile.
Leave the fan and cover to air dry, then clean the inside of the extractor fan using a vacuum with a brush attached.
Make sure to also clean the tiles or wall near the extractor fan, as grease can build up on this surface and make the kitchen less hygienic.
Once the fan and cover are completely dry, reassemble the extractor fan and ensure everything is in place. Then, you can turn on the power.
Your extractor fan should now be completely clean and grease-free, but try giving the fan a brief wipe every week to stop grease from building up in the future.
Shirley said: “Maintaining a clean and functional kitchen or bathroom depends mostly on routinely cleaning your extractor fan.
“These easy guidelines will help you to keep your fan free of debris, dust, and grease, so guaranteeing its effective operation.”
