Extractor hoods are an essential component in any kitchen, effectively removing smoke, steam, and cooking odours. However, to maintain their efficiency, it’s crucial to keep them clean, particularly the metal filters that trap grease and particles. Fortunately, cleaning these filters is a task that can be easily managed, especially with the help of a dishwasher.
How Often Should You Clean the Filters?
The frequency with which you should clean your extractor hood’s metal filters depends largely on your cooking habits. For those who cook regularly, it’s advisable to clean the filters every one to three months. If you frequently fry foods or prepare meals that produce a lot of grease, you may need to clean the filters more often, perhaps every few weeks. On the other hand, if your cooking is light and infrequent, cleaning the filters every six months might suffice.
Regular cleaning not only ensures the efficiency of your extractor hood but also prolongs its lifespan and helps prevent unpleasant odours caused by a build-up of grease and grime.
Why Use a Dishwasher?
Washing extractor hood metal filters in the dishwasher is remarkably simple and effective. These filters are typically made from aluminium or stainless steel, both of which can withstand the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle. Using a dishwasher saves time and effort compared to scrubbing the filters manually, ensuring that they are thoroughly cleaned.
Dishwashers use hot water and powerful jets to remove grease, dirt, and food particles from the filters. This process is more effective than hand-washing, as the hot water helps to break down the grease, and the continuous water flow ensures all residue is rinsed away. Additionally, using a dishwasher ensures that the filters are cleaned more evenly and hygienically.
How to Clean Filters in the Dishwasher
Cleaning your extractor hood filters in the dishwasher is straightforward:
- Remove the Filters: First, carefully remove the metal filters from your extractor hood. This usually involves unlocking or sliding them out, depending on the model.
- Rinse Off Excess Grease: Before placing the filters in the dishwasher, it’s a good idea to rinse them under hot water to remove any excess grease. This step helps to prevent the dishwasher from becoming too greasy.
- Place in the Dishwasher: Lay the filters flat in the dishwasher, ideally on the bottom rack. Avoid stacking them on top of other dishes to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly.
- Select the Right Cycle: Use a standard or intensive wash cycle, depending on how greasy the filters are. It’s best to use a higher temperature setting to ensure that all grease and residue are removed.
- Drying: Once the wash cycle is complete, allow the filters to air dry completely before reinstalling them in the extractor hood. You can speed up the process by patting them dry with a clean towel.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a Degreasing Dishwasher Detergent: For particularly greasy filters, consider using a detergent specifically designed for degreasing.
- Regular Maintenance: Even if you’re not cleaning the filters as often as recommended, it’s wise to inspect them regularly. This will help you determine when they need a wash.
- Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher: When washing filters, it’s best to avoid overloading the dishwasher. This ensures that water can circulate properly around the filters, giving them a thorough clean.
Maintaining clean extractor hood metal filters is crucial for the effective operation of your kitchen ventilation system. The good news is that keeping them clean is both easy and convenient, thanks to the dishwasher. By following a regular cleaning schedule and using the dishwasher to remove grease and grime, you can ensure that your extractor hood continues to perform at its best, keeping your kitchen air fresh and clean.
