Why the cooker hood gets so greasy
Every time you fry, roast or boil, the extractor pulls steam and grease through its filter. Over time the filter clogs, the extractor works less well, and grease settles on the hood, the cupboards either side, the tiles and the ceiling above. A clogged hood also holds cooking smells. Regular cleaning keeps it working and stops sticky build-up spreading across the kitchen.
What you need
- Washing-up liquid and hot water
- A degreaser suitable for your hood's finish
- Soft cloths and a non-scratch sponge
- A soft brush for mesh filters
- A dry towel
Step by step
- Switch off the power. Turn the hood off at the switch or isolator before touching any parts.
- Remove the filters. Most mesh filters release with a catch. Check your manual if unsure.
- Soak metal filters. Soak them in hot water with washing-up liquid, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse and dry fully.
- Check for a charcoal filter. Recirculating hoods often have one. It cannot be washed; replace it as the manufacturer recommends.
- Degrease the hood. Wipe the outside and underside with degreaser, following the grain on stainless steel.
- Clean inside the housing. Wipe the reachable surfaces inside with a damp cloth. Do not soak electrical parts.
- Clean around it. Wipe the tiles, splashback and cupboard doors either side.
- Refit and test. Refit the dry filters, restore the power and check the fan and light work.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the power. Always isolate the hood before removing parts.
- Washing charcoal filters. Water ruins them.
- Using abrasive pads on stainless steel. They leave scratches.
- Refitting wet filters. Dry them completely first.
- Forgetting the cupboards. Grease on nearby doors is part of the same job.
How often to clean it
Wipe the outside of the hood when you clean the kitchen. Clean metal filters more often if you fry regularly or cook for a large household. If the fan sounds louder or smells linger, the filter is usually due.
Moving out? What agents check
At checkout, agents look closely at kitchens: grease on the hob, extractor and cupboards is a common deduction. Appliances, including the extractor, are not part of our standard kitchen clean, so add extractor fan cleaning to your end of tenancy booking if it needs attention.
Booking a professional clean
Our extractor fan cleaning involves removing the cover, degreasing the components, washing and drying them, and reassembling to ensure proper ventilation. You can add it alongside oven, fridge and washing machine cleaning in one visit.
Typical job £165 — based on 226 completed jobs in the last 12 months.
Stainless steel, glass and painted hoods
Different finishes need slightly different care. Stainless steel shows streaks, so wipe with the grain and finish with a dry microfibre cloth. Glass canopies clean best with a mild glass cleaner once the grease has been removed with washing-up liquid. Painted or enamel hoods scratch easily, so avoid abrasive pads and strong solvents. Always check the manufacturer's guidance first.
Read how to clean an oven, or book a clean.