How to Clean Extractor Fan and Filters Quickly and Easily
Extractor fans are a must-have in any home. Not only do they help keep your home clean by removing harmful smoke and fumes, but they also help to keep your kitchen and bathrooms ventilated. Over time, the filters in your extractor fan will become clogged with dirt, dust, and grease, which will impact its performance. In this article, we will show you how to clean your extractor fan and filters quickly and easily. Let’s get started!
How to clean the bathroom extractor fan?
A bathroom extractor fan serves the job of keeping your bathroom fresh of condensation, that if not ventilated well can lead to bathroom mould build up and will need of extra cleaning to your tiles and other service. It maintains the bathroom health by reducing moisture and odour and works by condensing away water vapours. While working just like a vacuum cleaner, the fan’s filters also need regular cleaning to prevent mildew, dust, and grime from building up and keep giving a flawless performance.
Here is a step by step guide for extractor fan cleaning:
1. Turn off the power
The first step towards safety! While cleaning any gadget or appliance, don’t forget to turn off the machine and plug off the connection wire from electric suppliers.
2. Detach the fan cover and clean it separately
Many extractor fans are covered with plastic heads fixed with either clips or screws. Detach the vent cover using a screwdriver, if needed, or simply clip off otherwise. Prepare a large bucket of soapy solution using washing liquid and immerse the fan cover in it. Let it rest until dust and moulds let go off.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the pile of dust and grime you see underneath the cover, we are delving right into dealing with it!
3. Vacuum the dust off
To remove the bulk of dust, we may use either a vacuum cleaner to pull off the material or a soft brush to scrape it off depending on the condition. However, for efficient results, make use of a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt through edges, under motor, and hard-to-reach spaces. And, you are halfway there!
4. Use the cleaning solution for the extractor fan filter and fan blades
There is a wide variety of commercial cleaning solutions available in the market, that you may use depending on your filter type and as mentioned in the instruction manual. However, if you don’t want to make runs to a supermarket, the easiest DIY cleaning solution is a mixture of soapy water. Yes, that is easy! Prepare a mixture using either dish soap or washing up liquid mixed in warm water. After a few washes, and if done regularly, you’ll start to find grease filters actually clean a lot easier with less build up.
5. Scrub the parts using a soft sponge
Dip a soft sponge in the prepared mixture. Gently clean your extractor fan filters, blades, or any space where you see dirt or mould build up with the sponge, let it rest for a while if needed. Wipe off the parts using a clean cloth.
Similarly, use a sponge to scrub the immersed vent cover and wipe off the moisture using a damp cloth.
6. Let dry and Reassemble
You’re done! Once everything seems clean, completely dry, and shiny, it is time to put back all parts in place and plug in the engine to kick starting the masterwork.
How to clean the kitchen extractor fan?
While you are busy cooking those delicious dishes all day, your cooker hood is busy getting greasier and grimier while at your service. You may have the habit of wiping off your hob, but just like any appliance, it needs that interior deep clean.
Need not worry! With the right match of cleaning solution and scrubbing methods, we are here to help you get that gleaming cooker head filter back. Here is how to get it back in the limelight:
Cleaning an extractor fan filter
Cleaning cooker hoods takes more than cleaning a bathroom extractor fan due to added grease and oil equipped on the built-in filters. But don’t let the thought of dealing with filters scare you off; follow the easy steps and get the heaven process do for you
1. Detach the head from the cooker hood
Time to get in the game! Begin with plugging off the extractor fan and remove any electric connection for a safe procedure. Open the head of the main component and remove extractor fan filters.
2. Remove/Replace filters
Whether or not you can clean the filters using a cleaning solution depends on the filter type. The regular stainless steel filters made from fine mesh grates can easily be cleaned at home using either a commercial cleaner or a DIY homemade solution. However, if your cooker hood is equipped with carbon filters or paper filters, replacing them at regular intervals (at least every six months) is better for the efficient management of the extractor hood.
3. Prepare the cleaning solution
To begin treating the filters, clog your sinkhole and fill the sink with very hot water. Add half a cup of dishwasher or washing up liquid and one cup of white vinegar in the hot water and mix the solution. Once done, immerse the filter in the sink for at least half an hour.
4. Scrub and Scrap
After the filter is completely soaked, remove it from the water bath and sprinkle the filter with baking soda. Use a soft sponge to scrub the filter to help baking soda do the job. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach small corners, nooks, and crannies of the extractor hood and work until all the grease, grime, and dirt breaks down. This method can be used for various filter types, so whether you’re using a paper filter, sponge filters or metal filters.
5. Wash, Dry, and Reassemble
Once you are satisfied with the results, rinse the filter using tap water and let it dry until no signs of moisture are left. You can see the shine already, time to put it all back!
Carefully reassemble all the components and wipe the exterior of the cooker hood using a soapy solution followed by treatment with paper towels or a soft cloth. Your filter, cooker hood, and the whole kitchen are ready to do the magic!
Pro-Tip
Cleaning the extractor fan seems so fun and easy now, right? It can get easier if you spare some time for cooker hood regularly. To avoid getting into the tiring and lengthy cleaning procedures, we advise you to make cleaning the extractor a habit. Wipe down the fan every time the hob is used (once cooled down), check on filter build-up often, and make management a priority for the long-lasting performance of the extractor hood.
