Tips To Keep Your Kitchen Vent Hood In Good Condition
When it comes to performing maintenance on areas of your kitchen, you probably remember to clean the oven and the stovetop, but what about the kitchen vent hood above it? If you are like most homeowners, this is likely an area that tends to get overlooked in your home. Letting your kitchen vent hood and the underlying filters pick up grease and dirt without ever cleaning things up may cause a permanent stain or even create a fire hazard. If you want your kitchen vent hood to look great for years to come, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Start on the Outside
The outside of the hood is the most obvious spot where you will notice a buildup of grime. If you ever have boiling hot grease on your stovetop or you like mixing things with extra vigor, chances are you've probably sent things splashing more than once over the previous few months. Most stains on the hood's exterior can be cleaned with basic cleaning products like what you would use for your countertop.
Get Rid of the Grime Underneath
Now, for the hard part. If you've never even tried kitchen vent hood cleaning before, this next part might be a bit gross. It's time to get underneath the hood and clean around the actual vent. You are likely to find thick black grime in this area if you've never cleaned it before. Your basic cleaning supplies might not be enough. For best results, you may have to upgrade to a wire brush and a commercial-grade cleaner. There may be more than one layer of grease so be prepared to wipe away with multiple towels or paper towels.
Remove the Filter and Soak or Replace It
Finally, you will need to clean the filter that keeps the grease out of the vent. This filter is likely covered in grime just like the underside of the hood. If you believe it is salvageable, take the filter out and let it soak in hot water for 15 minutes. Then, use your wire or another kind of scrubbing brush to begin to remove the grime. If the filter is too far gone, it might be time for a replacement instead.
Get Your Kitchen Vent Hood Professionally Cleaned
If you want to restore this part of your kitchen to like new condition, professional assistance might be required. A local company that specializes in kitchen vent hood cleaning can help.
For more information on kitchen vent hood cleaning, reach out to a company such as Superior Hood and Duct.