cleaning the vent hood

Photo: Courtesy of The Complete Book of Clean

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3. The Vent Hood

The overhead vent above your cooktop absorbs grease and smoke every time it’s turned on, which means that its filters need a good cleaning every 3–6 months. You can clean the filters on the low-heat cycle of your dishwasher, but they usually have so much collected grease that it’s best to wash them without other dishes in the cycle. If you wash them by hand, a long soak is recommended.

Step 1
Spray an appropriate cleaning solution on the surface panels of the vent hood. Depending on the surface material, choose either an nonabrasive vinegar cleaner a mild soap solution, or follow guidelines for stainless steel. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. If you have not done this in a while, ready yourself for the collected grime and resolve to clean the hood more often!

Step 2
Remove the filters and put them in the sink or someplace large enough to submerge them in water. Sprinkle 1/2 c. baking soda on top of the filters and fill the sink or tub with scalding water (from the tap or boiled in a kettle). Let the filters soak for a few minutes to help break up any caked-on grease. After soaking, scrub lightly and persistently with a soft-bristled brush that will not damage the delicate filters in the hood.

Step 3
Rinse with water and let the filters air-dry. Put them back in the vent hood after they have completely dried out.