The range hood is often neglected during regular kitchen cleaning because most people consider it extremely time-consuming and challenging.
However, you must clean the fixture at least once a month to maintain optimum functionality, prevent bad odours and prolong its shelf life. A typical range hood in Australia can cost anywhere between $150 – $300. If you don’t clean it, the fan, filters, and other components become dirty beyond repair and need replacement. It is a financial loss, especially when you are renting a house.
You can lose
the rental bond and need to pay for equipment damage. Many people hire professional cleaners for bond cleaning in Hobart, and you can too, but prevention is better than cure.
Thus, here is your complete guide for range hood cleaning. Read it to learn how to get rid of grease from a range hood like a pro.
Parts of the Range Hood
To clean the equipment effectively and efficiently, you must know its components. Most range hoods have the following parts.
The hood canopy is the equipment’s body with the lights, filter and control panel.
The duct cover surrounding the vent system
The vent system either throws the air outdoors or redirects it to the kitchen
lights to make cooking easier. Modern range hoods usually have LED lights.
Grease filter that is on the inner side of the canopy. From here, smoke, steam, odour and air pass to the vent system.
Cleaning and disinfecting the canopy and its components is crucial because grease cakes on them the most. While sanitising the equipment at home, you can easily decrease the external parts. However, for complete cleaning of the vent system and exhaust fan, it is best to take the assistance of professional end of lease cleaners in Hobart.
Remove & Soak Grease Filter
Mix hot water with dishwashing liquid in the sink or a large container. Remove the range hood filter and soak it in the solution for 5-10 minutes. Letting the filter dwell in the solution will loosen the grease and make it easier to wash.
After the dwell time, scrub the filter with a sponge and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Wipe the filter with a microfiber towel and let it air dry.
Wipe Loose Grease & Dust
Using an old rag or quality paper towels, wipe the range hood’s canopy, lights and button. This activity will remove any new and loose grease, dust and grime from the range hood.
Next, take a microfiber cloth damp with a mild cleaner. It is best to make a natural solution with 50% water, 50% vinegar and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution to
clean stubborn spots and stains off the range hood.
If you choose to use a commercial cleaner, pre-test by applying it on an inconspicuous equipment area and check the result. Read the instructions carefully to give the product adequate dwell time and use the right amount. Also, never use harsh chemicals or cleaning tools, as they can cause irreversible damage to the range hood.
Remove Stubborn Build-up
If your range hood has stubborn grime that won’t dissolve with the above step, apply a paste of baking soda, dishwashing liquid and water to it. Let it work for 10 minutes, then scrub it with a sponge or brush. Wipe the residues with a damp microfiber cloth and buff the surface with a dry terry towel.
Usually, stubborn grease is in the vent, and you must clean it as much as possible. Secure a microfiber towel on a rubber squeegee or brush with a telescopic handle to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Move top to bottom and prevent recontamination of cleaned areas. Professional cleaners who offer
end of lease cleaning in Hobart use such techniques to save time and energy while cleaning dirty equipment.
Dry and Buff the Equipment
Using a terry towel, buff the cleaned surfaces thoroughly. Don’t leave any trace of moisture, and to be sure, let the equipment aerate for a few hours. Take a break from cooking while the equipment dries.
Also, open kitchen windows and fans to keep the room well-ventilated. To speed up the drying process, turn on a fan. Once the range hood and filter are dry, fix the filter and close the lid (if your range hood has one).
The Bottom Line
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning a range hood isn’t challenging when you know how to manage the task and have the necessary equipment.
Thus, if your range hood needs a thorough clean-up, use the insights above and make it look as good as new. However, hiring professional bond cleaners in Hobart to sanitise the equipment for an end of tenancy clean and
getting a complete bond repayment.