💨 How to Clean a Kitchen Extractor Fan or Cooker Hood

Why Cleaning Your Extractor Fan Matters

A dirty extractor fan or cooker hood doesn't just look bad — it becomes a fire hazard as grease accumulates on the filters and fan blades. A clogged hood also loses suction efficiency, meaning cooking smoke and smells aren't effectively removed from your kitchen.

Most kitchen extract fans should be cleaned every 1–3 months depending on how often you cook. Heavy fryers should clean monthly; light cooks can manage quarterly.

What You'll Need

• Degreasing washing-up liquid or a commercial degreaser spray
• Hot water
• Baking soda (optional — great for stubborn grease)
• Microfibre cloths and a soft brush or old toothbrush
• Rubber gloves

Step 1: Clean or Replace the Grease Filters

Grease filters are the most important part to clean — they trap airborne grease before it reaches the fan and ductwork.

Metal Mesh / Aluminium Filters

Most modern cooker hoods have washable aluminium mesh filters:

1. Remove the filters by pressing the release clips (they usually slide or hinge out).
2. Soak in hot water with a generous amount of degreasing washing-up liquid for 15–30 minutes.
3. For stubborn grease: add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water, or use a dedicated degreaser spray.
4. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge — avoid abrasive pads that can damage the mesh.
5. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before refitting.
6. Dishwasher tip: Many aluminium filters are dishwasher-safe. Place on the bottom rack and run a hot cycle with degreasing tablet.

Charcoal / Carbon Filters (Recirculating Hoods)

Recirculating hoods (those without ducting) have charcoal filters that absorb odours. These cannot be washed — they must be replaced. Replace every 3–6 months depending on use.

Step 2: Clean the Fan Blades

Grease builds up on the fan blades over time and reduces airflow. On most hoods, you can access the fan after removing the filters.

1. Switch the hood off at the mains — never clean a live appliance.
2. Spray degreaser directly onto the fan blades and leave for 5 minutes.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, working around each blade.
4. For heavy buildup, use an old toothbrush to work degreaser into crevices.

Step 3: Clean the Canopy and Exterior

1. Spray the inside surfaces of the canopy with degreaser and leave for 5 minutes.
2. Wipe down with a microfibre cloth.
3. For stainless steel hoods: wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching. Use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner for a streak-free finish.
4. Clean the control buttons and display carefully — spray onto the cloth, not directly onto electronics.

Step 4: Check the Ducting (Ducted Hoods)

If your hood is ducted to the outside, check the external grille or flap isn't blocked by debris or bird nests. Inside the duct, grease can accumulate over years — professional duct cleaning is recommended every 2–3 years for heavy users.

Signs Your Extractor Fan Needs Repair (Not Just Cleaning)

If after a thorough clean your hood is still:

• Making loud or unusual noises
• Not extracting smoke effectively despite clean filters
• Running but producing no airflow
• Making a grinding or rattling sound

…the motor or fan itself may need attention. See our range hood and vent hood repair service or read our range hood repair guide.