Kitchen hoods in many homes can last for decades, with the only maintenance required being the occasional replacement or cleaning of the filter. This task is easy to perform and doesn’t have to be expensive.
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In small apartments where the kitchen is connected to the living room, the hood above the stove is a crucial appliance. Its proper functioning ensures that the home is not filled with cooking odors. These odors can also permeate clothing, adding to the inconvenience. Kitchen hoods are very simple devices that, in most homes, work for decades with only periodic cleaning or filter replacement.
Types of Kitchen Hoods
There are many types of kitchen hoods, ranging from the latest models to those that are several decades old. Each type has its own specific maintenance needs. When the kitchen hood filter gets dirty, the simplest and most effective procedure is to replace it. In newer models, replacing the filter can often be expensive, while for the oldest types, it can be difficult to find a suitable replacement.
Filter Replacement Options
If you don’t replace the entire filter, there are two options. One is to replace just the filter insert. This requires minimal tools and hardly any technical skill. Simply remove the filter and check if the insert can be replaced depending on the type.
Older models have a wire mesh from which the fabric insert can be easily removed. Sometimes, you might need a screwdriver. Look for the filter insert, or felt fabric, in well-equipped home goods stores. The cost is around $2-3, and depending on the type of hood, often one pack contains enough fabric for two or three replacements.
How to Wash a Filter
Apart from replacing the entire filter or the insert, another option, which is the least effective, is washing the filter. The biggest enemy of filters is grease, which, combined with dust from the home, creates a sticky mixture that obstructs air flow. This reduces the hood’s efficiency and can strain the fan motor. Washing can somewhat remedy this.
Washing the hood filter in a dishwasher, often mentioned as an option, is not recommended for hygiene reasons. A better solution is to find a container that the filter can fit into. Fill it with boiling water, add half a cup of baking soda, and stir until dissolved. Then, add dishwashing detergent, which will help dissolve the grease. Soak the filter in this solution. Move the filter around in the water to facilitate the grease-dissolving reaction. Afterwards, in a bathtub or sink, rinse the filter under a stream of hot water, but be careful not to damage it. You can also use a soft brush.
Please note, washing is only a temporary fix if you can’t replace the entire filter or the felt fabric insert. For the best performance, regular replacement is recommended.
Foto: IKEA