How to Clean Grease From Your Vent Hood
There are a few things you can try if you’re having trouble removing grease from your vent hood. First, warm water with soap in it can sometimes work. If that fails, put on rubber gloves and add baking soda or vinegar to the water. For particularly stubborn grease deposits, a degreaser such as Formula 409 cleaner or Simple Green may be required. Whatever method you use, make sure to thoroughly rinse the area afterward to ensure that no residue is left behind.
Excessive Grease Buildup Causes
Excess grease buildup in your vent hood can be caused by a number of factors. Cooking with high-fat foods is a common cause. Oils and fats can easily become airborne and settle on your vent hood when you cook with them. This can result in a significant amount of grease buildup over time.
Improper cleaning is another potential source of excess grease buildup. If you don’t clean your vent hood on a regular basis, the grease and dirt that accumulates on it will worsen. This will eventually result in a thick layer of grease that is difficult to remove.
Finally, a faulty or damaged exhaust fan could be another source of excess grease buildup. If your kitchen exhaust fan isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to effectively remove grease and fumes. Over time, this can cause grease to accumulate on your vent hood.
The Most Effective Cleaning Methods for Vent Hood Grease
When it comes to cleaning solutions for vent hood grease, you have a few options. A commercial degreaser, white vinegar, or baking soda can be used.
Commercial degreasers are made to dissolve grease and grime. They typically come in a spray bottle and are available at most hardware stores.
White vinegar is another effective cleaning solution for vent hoods. It’s cheap and easy to find at the supermarket. Simply combine equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl and wipe down the vent hood with a cloth.
Baking soda is another natural option for cleaning vent hoods. Simply make a paste of water and baking soda, apply it to the vent hood, and wipe it away with a damp cloth after 15 minutes.
Tips for Avoiding Future Grease Buildup
1. Schedule regular cleaning sessions for your vent hood: once a month at the very least, and more frequently if you use it frequently.
2. When cleaning your vent hood, only use non-greasy, non-abrasive cleaners. The use of harsh chemicals or abrasives can damage the finish on your hood.
3. When cooking, use a splatter screen or keep the heat low to avoid splattering grease onto the hood.
4. Remove any grease that does accumulate on the hood immediately after cooking, before it hardens.
5. Remove the filters from your vent hood once a month and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help prevent grease from accumulating on the filters and causing airflow issues.
