The extractor fan above a kitchen hob performs one of the more thankless tasks in any home: it absorbs the grease, steam, smoke and odour generated by cooking, which means it accumulates all of that in return. Left uncleaned for too long, a grease-saturated extractor filter becomes a fire hazard and a hygiene problem, and the fan itself becomes progressively less effective at doing its job. The process of cleaning one properly is less complicated than most people expect.

Safety before anything else

Turn the extractor off and disconnect it from the power supply before beginning. For a switch-operated fan, switching it off is sufficient. For fans wired directly into the mains, turn off the relevant circuit at the distribution board. Never attempt to clean the fan blades or housing with the unit powered, even when it is not running.

The filter: the most critical component

Most extractor fans use one of two filter types: metal mesh or aluminium grease filters, which can be cleaned, or charcoal filters used in recirculating models, which cannot be cleaned and must be replaced.

For metal mesh or aluminium filters, the most effective cleaning method is hot water with a generous amount of degreasing dishwashing liquid, left to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Many of these filters are dishwasher-safe: check the manual before placing them in the machine, and use a hot wash cycle if dishwasher cleaning is appropriate. For baked-on grease, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of water applied to the filter and left to work for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive brush removes most heavy residue.

Charcoal filters in recirculating extractor fans cannot be washed. They must be replaced every six to twelve months depending on cooking frequency, or when the fan begins to seem less effective at removing odour even after the mesh filter has been cleaned. Replacement charcoal filters are available for most extractor fan brands from the manufacturer or large hardware retailers.

Cleaning the fan blades

Once the filter has been removed, the fan blades become accessible. Grease accumulates on blade surfaces and in the housing, reducing airflow efficiency over time. Wipe the blades with a cloth dampened with a degreasing solution, working carefully around the edges without applying excessive pressure to the blade mounting. A thin, flexible cleaning brush or a firm-bristled paintbrush reaches into the housing corners and between the blades more effectively than a cloth.

The housing and external surfaces

The exterior housing of the extractor, the visible surfaces below and around the filter area, collects a film of cooking residue that is immediately visible against light-coloured surfaces. A spray of diluted dishwashing liquid or a kitchen degreaser applied to a microfibre cloth and wiped across the surfaces handles most of this. For stainless steel housings, wipe with the grain of the steel and buff dry with a second cloth to avoid streaking. For painted or lacquered surfaces, avoid abrasive cleaners that may affect the finish.

How often to clean

Cleaning frequency should be proportional to cooking habits. For a household that cooks daily and frequently fries, stir-fries or cooks with oil at high heat, monthly filter cleaning is appropriate. For lighter cooking, every two to three months maintains good function. A visible accumulation of grease on the filter surface, reduced suction or an unusual smell when the fan is running are the most reliable indicators that cleaning is overdue regardless of the calendar.

A rule of thumb: if you hold a sheet of paper below the running fan and it does not stay flat against the filter intake, the filter is blocked and extraction has been compromised. Clean immediately.

After cleaning

Allow filters to dry completely before reinserting them. Reinstalling a damp metal filter can introduce moisture into the fan housing and motor. Once everything is clean, dry and reassembled, run the fan for a few minutes before cooking to ensure it is operating correctly and to clear any lingering cleaning product odour from the housing.

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