Maintaining a clean kitchen is essential for both safety and hygiene, yet one crucial component often gets overlooked: the extractor fan. Over time, cooker hood filters accumulate grease and grime, compromising their effectiveness. According to cleaning experts, it is recommended to clean these filters every two to three months, especially for those who frequently fry or cook with oil. Neglecting this maintenance could lead to breathing in harmful pollutants during cooking.
A recent TikTok video by DIY enthusiast Melissa, known as @the_daily_diy, has garnered attention for presenting a quick and natural method to tackle this cleaning task. In her video, she shares a simple technique using baking soda that promises to remove grease without any scrubbing in just 15 minutes.
Effortless Cleaning with Baking Soda
Melissa’s method hinges on the unique properties of baking soda, which effectively reacts with oils and fats to dissolve them. Moreover, it helps neutralize cooking odors that can linger in the kitchen. Her approach involves boiling the greasy cooker hood filters in a mixture of water and baking soda.
To execute this cleaning technique, start by selecting a large pot that can accommodate at least half of the cooker hood filter. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Gradually add one cup of baking soda, taking care to do this slowly, as the mixture will fizz and may overflow. Once the baking soda is fully incorporated, submerge the greasy filters into the boiling solution. Depending on the size of the filter, it may be necessary to do this in halves.
Allow the filter to boil for 15 to 20 minutes, observing as the grease and grime rise to the surface. After boiling, rinse the filter under hot tap water until it runs clean. If traces of grease remain, the process can be repeated with fresh water.
Preventing Future Build-up
In addition to this deep-cleaning method, Melissa suggests routine maintenance to prolong the effectiveness of the extractor fan. After each use of the hob, wiping the cooker hood grease filter with a cloth or paper towel can significantly reduce grease build-up. It is important to ensure that both the fan and hood are completely cool before cleaning.
Regular attention to your extractor fan filters not only enhances kitchen hygiene but also ensures that the appliance operates efficiently, contributing to a healthier cooking environment. By incorporating these simple cleaning techniques, homeowners can avoid the headache of excessive grease accumulation and maintain a cleaner kitchen with minimal effort.
