A well-functioning kitchen hood vent is a vital piece in any kitchen space. If you are an avid home cook, you especially need a properly maintained kitchen hood.

Also known as range hoods, kitchen hood vents come in a multitude of styles, features, designs, and sizes. However, despite all these differences, proper maintenance of range hoods is a critical task.

If you are shopping for a new kitchen hood vent, you may get overwhelmed by the many different options. An excellent standard rule to follow is for the hood to cover at least half of however many burners you have. It should also spread along with the distance across the entire range.

In today’s post, we’ll share some practical tips on the proper cleaning and maintenance of range hoods. We hope this information can be your go-to resource for the appropriate kitchen hood care. Read and follow these guidelines to keep your kitchen hood vent in tip-top condition – keeping your kitchen free from smoke and grease.

Check for Any Problems in the Hood

There are some telltale signs that will show that your vent hood is not working optimally. It’s not uncommon for a range hood to experience wear and tear. This is either caused by a buildup of grease or excessive use. Make a note of any instances that may tell you that it’s time for a repair or a checkup by a professional.

Some of these scenarios may include:

The vent hood is on the top setting, and yet the smoke is not clearing from the kitchen.

If this has been happening, it may be because of a clogged duct on the hood. A grease buildup likely causes the clogging.

It can also be caused by a malfunctioning fan or a tired motor. Another reason could be the air filter due to either cleanup or a replacement.

The motor is too loud when the range hood is on. If there’s an excessive humming coming from the motor, it most likely needs cleaning. Also, a foreign object may have been stuck inside, which is preventing the motor from functioning smoothly. Excessive noise could also be a sign that the motor is completely broken.

The buttons and lights are not working. This is a sign of a malfunctioning control switch panel. You may need to call a professional to diagnose and fix this problem accurately.

Clean the Air Filter of Your Kitchen Hood Vent

There are two kinds of air filters for a range hood: charcoal and metal. The air filter in the range hood is responsible for removing any smoke and particles from the air – prior to the air recirculating. You can easily remove the air filter when you need to clean or replace it.

If your filter is metal, take it out of the hood and submerge it in a container with water and degreasing agent. Make sure it’s completely submerged. Once the grease is all gone, rinse it with lukewarm and soapy water. Make sure that the metal-air filter is completely dry when you reattach it.

If your filter is charcoal, you can easily remove it as well. Unlike a metal filter, the charcoal kind is replaceable and not something you can clean and put back.

Cleaning the Hood Properly

This is a rather simple process. To start, make sure that the system is off, and your stovetop is not hot or on. Use an all-purpose cleaning solution for routine cleaning. Avoid spraying the electrical components of your kitchen hood vent.

Cleaning the Vent Properly

You should regularly be checking the vent. If you cook often, there may be an accumulation of grease that could lead to your hood not functioning correctly, or worse a fire hazard.

If you’re cleaning it regularly, there wouldn’t be any significant buildup of grease. However, if the issue is severe enough, it’s best to call a professional for proper cleaning.