Be it a commercial or a household kitchen exhaust system, , a range hood can be a breeding ground for kitchen fires. When left unclean with all the grease build-up, your range hood can catch fire. As your range hood is highly flammable, any flammable chemical used can cause a hazardous situation.
The accumulation of greases and debris inside the range hood is why any flammable chemicals, such as bleach mixed with any other chemical, should be avoided near or on the range hood. Even while cleaning your range hood, it is better to use safe cleaning materials or chemicals. You can also get your range hood cleaned professionally, especially if the vent is greased. It is recommended your kitchen exhaust range hood be cleaned every six months professionally.
Remove any electrical appliance near your range hood as they can become sources of grease fires. Since the primary function of a range hood is to rid your kitchen of moisture or fumes from the cooking and greases in the air, the bits of food and grease will travel in the air to the range hood. With the fan on, the range hood takes in the air, passes it through the filter, and then out of the unit.
As the greases can build up in the filter and other range hood areas, it is recommended to wipe them down often. Here are some cleaning materials to avoid when cleaning it:
Filters
Avoid using scrubs or harsh bleaching materials when cleaning your filters. There is a high chance that these products contain flammable substances. Scrubbing will also damage the filters and may cause the fumes to stay in your kitchen. You may wash the metal filters in your dishwasher.
When cleaning the filter, locate it underneath the hood and gently remove it. The appliance manual will have directions if you are unable to find it. For an aluminium range hood filter, use soap and water to clean it. Clean it routinely to avoid grease build-up. For a range hood with a charcoal filter, do not clean it when you see a grease build-up; instead you will need to purchase a new one and replace it annually.
Fan
Unplug the kitchen exhaust range hood before doing any cleaning. You should ideally unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker it is connected to. You can use hot soapy water can be used to wipe the blades of the fan. Once again, avoid using any chemicals, steel wool, or harsh scrubbers. Dry off the fan before you put it back in its place.
When cleaning any part of the kitchen exhaust range hood, use nonabrasive sprays and degreasers. Do not spray the degreaser on the light bulb or any electrical components.
Light
Make sure the light in your range hood is covered. If by any chance the light ever explodes or malfunctions, call professional services immediately. If the light bursts, it may throw glass or other substances in your food. Make sure to discard the affected food immediately.