How to clean your kitchen extractor hood step by step

The kitchen extractor hood is one of the places that accumulates the most grease… and one of the most annoying to clean. But keeping it clean is not just about looks: it reduces bad smells, improves ventilation and helps prevent fire risks. In this guide I’ll explain, in a clear and practical way, how to clean your cooker hood step by step, with simple tricks you can use in any home or professional kitchen.

Why it’s so important to clean the extractor hood

• You avoid the build-up of flammable grease.

• You improve smoke and odour extraction.

• You extend the lifespan of the motor and filters.

• You keep a more hygienic and easier-to-clean kitchen.

If you notice that the hood is noisier than usual, doesn’t extract steam properly or even drips grease, that’s a clear sign it needs a deep clean.

How often should you clean the extractor hood?

It depends on how you cook, but as a general rule:

• Metal filters: every 1–2 months if you often fry, cook meat or woks; every 3 months if you cook less.

• Hood exterior: a quick weekly wipe prevents heavy grease build-up.

• Deep clean (interior, casing, etc.): 1–2 times a year, or more often in professional kitchens.

  
  

What you’ll need

• Very hot water.

• Neutral dishwashing liquid or kitchen degreaser.

• White vinegar (optional, very effective against grease).

• Baking soda (for very stubborn grease).

• Microfibre cloths.

• Sponges and a soft (non-metal) scourer if the surface is stainless steel.

• A large bucket or basin for the filters.

• Rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Step 1. Prepare the work area

1. Switch off the hood and, if possible, disconnect it from the power for safety.

2. Clear the hob and cover it with newspaper or an old cloth to protect it from grease drips.

3. Open windows to ventilate the kitchen a little.

   
   

Step 2. Clean the exterior of the extractor hood

1. Pre-treat the grease:

   • Dampen a cloth with hot water and a few drops of degreaser.

   • Wipe the whole surface to remove the first layer of grease.

2. Deeper cleaning:

   • In a bowl, mix hot water with a bit of dishwashing liquid or degreaser.

   • Using a soft sponge, clean the entire exterior surface: front, sides and underside.

   • If it’s stainless steel, wipe gently following the grain of the metal to avoid visible marks.

3. Rinse and dry:

   • Wipe with a cloth slightly dampened with clean water to remove any product residue.

   • Dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid water marks.

     
     

Step 3. How to clean the extractor hood filters

1. Remove the filters:

   • Normally they are released with a small latch or lever.

   • Do it carefully, as they may drip grease.

     
     

   

2. Soak in hot water and soap:

   • Fill the sink or a large basin with very hot water.

   • Add a generous amount of dishwashing liquid or degreaser.

   • Submerge the filters and leave them to soak for 15–30 minutes.

     
     

   

3. Gentle scrubbing:

   • With a soft sponge or brush, scrub both sides of the filters.

   • Pay extra attention to the areas where grease is more visible or stuck.

     
     

   

4. Rinse and dry:

   • Rinse with hot water until no soap remains.

   • Let them drain and air-dry or dry with a cloth before reinstalling them.

     
     

   

Extra tip: if the manufacturer allows it, some metal filters can be washed in the dishwasher on an intensive programme. Always check the manual first.

Step 4. Very stubborn grease: baking soda and vinegar (optional)

For filters or metal parts with very old, stuck-on grease:

1. Make a paste with baking soda and a little water.

2. Apply it to the dirtiest areas and leave it to act for 10–15 minutes.

3. Scrub with a soft sponge and rinse with hot water.

   
   

Step 5. Clean the inside of the hood (very carefully)

1. With the filters removed, you’ll see the inside of the hood.

2. Do not wet the motor or any electrical parts.

3. Lightly dampen a cloth with warm water and a bit of soap.

4. Clean only the inner casing, avoiding cables and the motor.

5. Wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water and then dry with a soft cloth.

If you see extreme build-up of dirt around the motor area, it’s safer to call a professional cleaning service to avoid damage or safety risks.

Step 6. Reassembly and final touch

1. Once the filters are completely dry, put them back in place.

2. Check that they are properly aligned and locked.

3. Give the whole hood a final wipe with a microfibre cloth to leave it shiny.

   
   

Common mistakes you should avoid

• Using metal scourers on stainless steel (they scratch the surface).

• Using very abrasive products that leave the hood dull and stained.

• Reinstalling the filters while they are still damp (this can cause rust and bad smells).

• Skipping regular cleaning: the longer you wait, the harder it is to remove baked-on grease.

  
  

Maintenance tips so it doesn’t get so dirty again

• Switch on the hood every time you cook, even if you’re just boiling or grilling.

• Leave it running a few minutes after you finish cooking to extract leftover steam and odours.

• Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and a little soap once a week.

• Add filter cleaning to your calendar (every 1–3 months depending on use).

A bit of consistent maintenance saves you many hours of scrubbing heavy grease later.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How often should I clean my extractor hood?

In a normal home, it’s best to clean the filters every 1–3 months and do a full deep clean of the hood 1–2 times a year. In professional kitchens, the frequency is usually much higher.

Can I put the hood filters in the dishwasher?

For many metal filters, yes, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do, use a strong cycle and don’t overload the dishwasher.

What products work best to remove grease?

A combination of very hot water + dishwashing liquid or kitchen degreaser works very well. For the most stubborn grease, you can add baking soda or use white vinegar on metal surfaces (never on the motor).

How can I remove grease that has been there for years?

• Soak the filters in very hot water with degreaser for as long as possible.

• Use a baking soda paste on the worst areas.

• If the grease still won’t come off, it may be better to replace the filters or call a professional cleaning company.

What happens if I never clean the extractor hood?

The hood works worse, makes more noise, accumulates flammable grease and can drip onto the hob. The motor also has to work harder and may fail much sooner.

If after reading this guide you feel that your extractor hood needs a deep professional clean, especially in restaurants, bars, hotels or industrial kitchens, we can help.

At Net i Pulit we’ve been taking care of kitchen and facility cleaning in the Vallès area and Barcelona since 1994.

• We inspect and clean filters, casings and hard-to-reach areas.

• We adapt to your schedule so you don’t have to stop your activity.

• We advise you so that your daily cleaning is easier and faster.

If you’d like help with your extractor hood cleaning or you need a quote for your professional kitchen, contact Net i Pulit and we’ll advise you with no obligation.