No-one likes cleaning, especially when it comes to grotty kitchen appliances. I'll admit it's therapeutic, sure. But is it the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks what your hobbies are? Absolutely not.
However (sigh), I will acknowledge that it is a necessary evil that must be dealt with. So, here are some things to keep in mind before you go head to toe with the range hood.
Be honest. Have you ever cleaned a range hood before? It could be either yours or someone else's. No? Well, there's no shame in admitting you haven't. For one, you probably have no idea what's under that hood. Call me out on my fear of the unknown, but every good spy knows to look over the blueprints before they hack the system.
Seriously! What is under there? I'll tell you: grease, dirt, dust, loose insulation, plaster dust, and if you're really lucky, there might even be some dead insects or rodents. Let's cross our fingers it's not the latter.
So, now you're somewhat emotionally prepared for the worst. Huzzah! But are you physically fit for the job? If you have respiratory issues, it's possible you could compromise your health due to the aforementioned substances within the appliance. You could always wear a mask to stop your mouth and nose from inhaling those dirt or dust particles, but don't forget you should also probably strap on some gloves, protective eyewear, and a long-sleeved shirt or jumper.
Are you willing to go to this much trouble, just for one cleaner kitchen appliance?
Do you even know how to dismantle the range hood? I have a serious case of butterfingers, so this kind of job definitely isn't for me. How comfortable are you with handling awkward, filthy pieces of metal?
Don't forget that the filter isn't the only thing that needs a bit of TLC. There are the body and flue duct of the rangehood itself to tackle, too. Granted, the filter (the meshy grid) does collect the majority of the fats and oils from your stovetop cooking adventures. If no one's cleaned it in a while, there could be a massive build-up of grot lurking just behind the filter.
For good measure, it's worth giving the chimney and body a scrub down. Remember, the further in you go, the more risks you exposed yourself to. Cleaning up and around the interior of the flu can be awkward, if not painful. There might be sharp pieces of metal or unknown particles you can't see that can catch on your fingers, hands, or arms.
And, let's not ignore an obvious issue here - electrical wires. You don't create fire purely via sorcery, so please, please, please make sure you turn off your power supply at the fuse box before you even think of going near the main body.
Either way, it's gotta be cleaned. If not for the risk of contaminated foods, then for preventing any fire hazards caused by grease and grot build up. But it's up to you whether you want to tackle it on your own, with a friend, or let a professional do it.