The cooker hood is one of the kitchen appliances that collects the most grease and, at the same time, one of the ones we clean the least. If you are wondering how to clean a cooker hood without wrestling with harsh products, here is a simple guide. You will see how to clean the hood filters with bicarbonate of soda and how to get the stainless steel gleaming again, with no marks and no sticky film.
Why cleaning the cooker hood matters
Every time you cook, the steam carries grease particles that end up stuck on the filters and on the inside of the hood. Over time that layer reduces the extraction power, makes the kitchen smell more and, in the worst case, becomes a fire risk right above the hob.
A clean hood extracts better, uses less energy and keeps the kitchen air free of fumes and odours. You do not need an expensive product: a homemade degreaser and a bit of consistency are enough.
How to clean cooker hood filters
The metal filters hold the most grease, so that is where to start. First of all, unplug the hood from the mains and take the filters out; on almost every model they release with a tab or a small spring catch.
You have two options for cleaning cooker hood filters:
- In the dishwasher. If the manufacturer allows it, stand them upright and use a high-temperature programme. This is the easiest route for light grease.
- By hand, soaking them. Ideal for very dirty filters or ones that are not dishwasher safe.
Cleaning hood filters with bicarbonate of soda, step by step
The most effective home method for cleaning hood filters with bicarbonate of soda is a soak in hot water. Follow these steps:
- Fill the sink or a basin with very hot water.
- Add a generous squirt of washing-up liquid and two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.
- Submerge the filters and leave them to soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft-bristle brush to lift away the loosened grease.
- Rinse with hot water and let them dry completely before putting them back.
If the grease is really baked on, you can boil the filters for a few minutes in a large pan with water, bicarbonate of soda and a little salt. The heat dissolves the dirt with no effort at all.
How to clean a stainless steel cooker hood
The outer casing is usually stainless steel, a material that shows fingerprints and scratches easily. To clean a stainless steel cooker hood, mix warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid and wipe with a microfibre cloth, always following the direction of the grain in the metal.
Then remove the soap residue with a cloth dampened in water and a dash of vinegar, and dry with another clean cloth so no streaks are left. One final trick: a few drops of olive oil on the cloth add extra shine and repel fingerprints. Avoid metal scourers and abrasive powders, as they scratch the steel.
How often to clean the hood, and upkeep
How often depends on how much you cook, but as a guide:
- Metal filters: a deep clean every 3 or 4 weeks.
- Outer surface: a quick wipe once a week.
- Charcoal filter (recirculating hoods with no external vent): replace it every 3 to 6 months, depending on use.
To make the job easier, keep microfibre cloths, a good degreaser and gloves to hand. You will find practical kitchen tools in our homeware shop, chosen to make keeping the house in order less of a chore.
In short
Knowing how to clean a cooker hood is easier than it looks: take the filters out, soak them with bicarbonate of soda, look after the stainless steel with microfibre and repeat the upkeep every few weeks. With those few habits your hood will extract better, the kitchen will smell clean and you will extend the life of the appliance. If you are looking for accessories to make the routine easier, take a look at our home selection.