How to clean the extractor fan filter in your kitchen

With the filters often out of view it can be a question of out of sight, out of mind for some, but canny prospective tenants will be put off if the filter hasn’t been dealt with properly.

With the right combination of cleaning fluids, patience, and smart scrubbing methods, you can get your filter gleaming like new again. Harriet’s step by step video guide will take you through the process.

Tools for cleaning an extractor fan filter

• Dish soap for mixing into very hot water to create the main cleaning fluid for the filter
• White distilled vinegar to add to the dish soap and water mixture, for extra cleaning power
• Baking soda to sprinkle on the filter once it’s had its initial water-based cleaning session
• A scrubbing sponge to apply the baking soda deeper into the filter – you can use a soft metal sponge or softer materials if the filter is delicate
• A toothbrush for cleaning out dirt in hard-to-reach areas of the filter

How to clean an extractor fan filter

Cleaning a filter takes a bit of time, but if you follow the correct steps it’s an easy process to complete. You'll need to remove the filter from the main component, and soak it in a mixture of water, soap, and vinegar. Then work in some baking soda. Clean out any remaining dirt with a toothbrush and leave the filter to dry. Once it's dry, put it back into the fan.

1. Remove extractor fan filter from the main fan component
2. Place the filter in a sink filled with very hot water, dish soap and a cup of white distilled vinegar
3. Leave the filter soaking in the mixture for as long as possible – at least 30 minutes
4. Remove the filter from the water-based mixture and sprinkle baking soda on it
5. Use the scrubbing sponge to work the baking soda around the filter, into its nooks and crannies until most of the grime is all removed
6. Clean out any remaining dirt with a toothbrush – useful for awkward corners
7. Leave the filter to dry
8. Once it’s completely dry, place the filter back in the extractor fan

How to clean a cooker hood with a carbon filter

Does your cooker hood or extractor fan have a carbon filter? This type of filter is difficult to clean at home, so you're likely to be better off replacing them at regular intervals.

You can buy replacement cooker hood carbon filters from most DIY shops. It's recommended that you change the filter about once every six months.

How to keep grease off your extractor fan

Cleaning your extractor fan or cooker hood regularly is a necessity, but in order to make the job easier and to ensure that the fan works as it should, you should take preventative measures too. Try to encourage your tenants to wipe down the fan every time they use the hob, reminding them to wait until all the surfaces are cool. The filter should also be tended to regularly, outside of the deep clean outlined above. And remember - grease in the extractor fan is mainly accumulated through frying!

Get your whole kitchen ready for new tenants

We've compiled a series of videos to help you get your rental property looking its best with the minimum of cost. Stay tuned to Simply Business for more.