To clean the inside of a kitchen extractor fan, disconnect power, remove filters, degrease fan housing and blades, rinse parts, then dry and reassemble.
Grease builds up where you can’t see it: behind the mesh, around the impeller, and along the inner hood panels. That buildup slows airflow, traps odors, and can raise fire risk. This guide shows a safe, thorough routine to refresh the inner fan, restore pull, and keep cooking steam moving out of your kitchen.
What You’ll Tackle Inside The Hood
A cooker hood has three grimy zones: the metal grease filter (or baffle/mesh), the fan wheel and motor cavity, and the inner panels and seams. Your job is to remove greasy film without scratching finishes or soaking the motor. You’ll clean in layers—filters first, then the interior shell, then the fan blades—with power disconnected the whole time.
Tools And Materials Cheat Sheet
Pick non-abrasive gear that cuts grease fast and keeps stainless steel streak-free.
| Item | Why You Need It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dish Soap Or Degreaser | Breaks down oil film on filters and panels | Choose a non-caustic kitchen-safe formula |
| Baking Soda | Boosts cleaning power in hot water | Helps lift sticky residue from mesh |
| White Vinegar (Optional) | Cuts mineral haze and light grease | Use on steel panels; avoid bare aluminum |
| Microfiber Cloths | Wipe without scratching | Keep a few for rinse and dry |
| Soft Brush / Old Toothbrush | Gets into mesh and blade corners | Skip stiff bristles |
| Non-Scratch Scraper Or Nylon Pad | Helps with baked-on spots | No steel wool |
| Screwdriver | Removes covers, light lenses, and guards | Match the fastener type |
| Gloves & Safety Glasses | Protects skin and eyes from splashes | Latex-free if needed |
| Drop Cloth Or Old Towel | Protects the cooktop area | Catch drips under the hood |
Safety Prep Before Any Deep Clean
Cut the power. Pull the plug if your hood uses a standard outlet, or switch off the breaker. Let hot bulbs cool. Place a towel over the hob to catch drips and protect the surface. Good airflow helps with fumes, so crack a window.
Remove And De-Grease The Filters
Slide or unlatch the metal filters. If you have recirculating charcoal pads, set those aside; they aren’t washable and get replaced on schedule. For mesh or baffle filters, use one of these quick methods:
Method A: Sink Soak
- Fill the sink with hot water. Add a hearty squeeze of dish soap and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Submerge filters for 15–20 minutes. Swish now and then.
- Scrub both sides with a soft brush. Rinse hot. Stand upright to drip-dry.
Method B: Dishwasher Cycle
- Place the filters flat on the top rack.
- Run a normal cycle with a standard detergent.
- Air-dry fully so water doesn’t streak the inner panels.
Check your model guide if you’re unsure about dishwasher use or charcoal replacement intervals.
Cleaning The Inside Of A Kitchen Extractor Hood: Step-By-Step
With the filters out and power off, you can reach the inner shell and fan area. Work methodically from the cleanest surfaces to the dirtiest to avoid smearing grease back over fresh areas.
Step 1: Wipe The Inner Panels
- Mix hot water with dish soap in a bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the inner metal panels, seams, and the area just behind the filter frame.
- For sticky spots, lay a soapy cloth over the area for a few minutes, then wipe again.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Dry to prevent streaks.
Step 2: Access The Fan Wheel (If Serviceable)
Many hoods use a squirrel-cage or propeller-style wheel. Some allow simple access; others keep the motor sealed. If a small metal guard or plastic cover sits in front of the fan, remove it with the correct screwdriver and place the screws in a cup. If the motor assembly isn’t meant to be removed, clean in place.
Step 3: Degrease The Blades
- Hold a damp soapy cloth behind the blade to catch drips.
- Wipe each vane from hub to rim. Turn the wheel slowly by hand to reach every section.
- Use a toothbrush on corners and rivets. Avoid soaking the motor or any open wiring.
- Rinse by wiping with a clean cloth dampened in warm water.
- Dry with a fresh microfiber to keep balance true and avoid fling-off when you power up.
Step 4: Clean The Light Area
Remove any light lens or mesh cover. Wash it in the same hot, soapy mix you used for filters. Wipe the light cavity with a barely damp cloth. Dry fully before reinstalling lamps.
Step 5: Final Pass On Trim And Controls
Wipe buttons, sliders, and edges with a slightly damp cloth. A cotton swab helps around toggles. Dry every touch surface so it doesn’t collect dust.
What To Use On Different Surfaces
Stainless Steel
Wash with dish soap and warm water. For fingerprints, use a small amount of diluted vinegar on a cloth, then a dry pass following the grain.
Painted Or Enamel Panels
Stick to soapy water and a soft cloth. Nix abrasive powders and sharp pads.
Aluminum Parts
Use neutral dish soap. Strong alkalis or long vinegar soaks can dull the finish.
Deep Clean Tips That Save Time
- Preheat trick: Run the hob for 2–3 minutes to warm the hood gently. Residue loosens faster. Turn everything off before cleaning.
- Soak smart: While filters soak, wipe the inner shell. You’ll finish both at once.
- Blade balance: Remove grease evenly on all vanes so the fan stays smooth and quiet.
- Dry fully: Moisture inside the housing grabs dust. A dry finish stays cleaner longer.
When To Replace Charcoal And Other Consumables
Recirculating hoods use charcoal pads to trap odors. These don’t wash. Replace them on the schedule in your model guide or sooner if smells linger or airflow feels weak after a clean. Some models use clip-in odor packs; others use a disc inside a plastic frame. Always match the part number to your exact hood.
How Often Should You Clean The Interior?
Frequency depends on cooking style. Frying and high-heat searing load the filter fast. Light boiling and baking add less. Use this simple rhythm:
| Task | Typical Frequency | Signs You’re Due |
|---|---|---|
| Wash Mesh/Baffle Filters | Every 1–2 months | Sticky feel, dark patches, airflow drop |
| Wipe Inner Panels & Fan Blades | Every 3–6 months | Greasy film, odor after cooking |
| Replace Charcoal Pads (Recirc) | Every 3–6 months | Lingering smells, no change after washing filters |
Two Model-Specific Checks
Dishwasher-Safe Filters
Most mesh filters can go in the dishwasher. Some baffles and coated parts can’t. If the frame looks lacquered or delicate, stick to a sink soak.
Service Access To The Fan
Some units provide a removable guard for blade access. Others keep the motor sealed. If panels fight you or the manual says the fan isn’t user-serviceable, clean what you can reach and stop there.
Fire Safety And Why This Job Matters
Grease acts like a wick. If the layer thickens, heat can make it smoke and stickier residue collects even faster. Regular cleaning cuts that risk and keeps the hood pulling steam and fumes away from your cooktop. If you see heavy deposits or smell burnt grease when the fan starts, schedule a thorough session soon.
Link-Outs For Specs And Safety Rules
For model-specific steps on washing or replacing filters, check the Bosch cooker-hood filter guide (the approach applies to many brands). For home fire risk basics tied to cooking and grease, see the NFPA cooking safety page.
Troubleshooting After You Reassemble
Weak Pull
Confirm the filter is fully seated and facing the right way. Check that the duct damper isn’t stuck. Make sure the fan spins freely by hand (power off) and no cloth fibers remain on the vanes.
Rattle Or Hum
A misaligned filter or loose guard can buzz. Re-seat parts. If the fan vibrates, a vane may still have residue on one side—wipe it again for balance.
Smells Linger
Replace charcoal pads in recirculating setups. Wash the mesh again with a hotter soak and fresh detergent. Boil a small pot of water to test draw; steam should disappear into the hood quickly.
Quick Care Routine That Keeps Grease From Setting
- Run the fan during cooking and for 10 minutes after.
- Wipe the underside of the hood weekly with a soapy cloth.
- Give filters a short hot soak every few weeks instead of waiting for heavy buildup.
- Swap charcoal pads on schedule if you don’t vent outdoors.
Printable Checklist: Deep Clean Day
- Unplug the hood or switch off the breaker; cool lamps.
- Remove filters; set charcoal pads aside for replacement.
- Soak filters in hot soapy water with baking soda, or run the dishwasher.
- Wipe inner panels and seams with a soapy cloth; rinse and dry.
- Open the fan guard (if serviceable); wipe blades carefully; keep water away from the motor.
- Clean lens covers; dry fully.
- Dry filters and reassemble; confirm a snug fit.
- Restore power; test at each speed for smooth, quiet airflow.
When To Call A Pro
If grease drips from the duct, the fan stalls, or you can’t reach the wheel safely, bring in a technician. A pro can remove the motor assembly, clean the duct run, and check the damper and backdraft gate. Restaurants follow strict hood standards for a reason; a home setup still benefits from periodic expert care when buildup gets heavy.
Keep Airflow Strong With Small Habits
Use the highest fan speed that captures steam without whistling. Center pots under the capture zone. Keep a soft cloth in a drawer near the hob and wipe the inner rim after greasy cooks. Short, regular care beats marathon sessions and keeps the fan running quietly.