Los filtros metálicos de la campana rápidamente se llenan de grasa y, si no los limpiamos con frecuencia, dejan de cumplir su función de forma eficiente. La frecuencia depende del uso que hagamos de la cocina, pero por lo general se deberían limpiar una vez al mes con un uso normal y cada dos o tres meses si cocinamos poco.
La grasa puede ser muy difícil de eliminar de estas láminas llenas de pequeños agujeros, pero hay trucos muy útiles que no representan mucho esfuerzo, como el que recomienda la experta en limpieza Ale Pez y para el que solo se necesitan dos ingredientes: agua y bicarbonato de sodio.
What types of extractor hood filters are available?
Extractor hoods are responsible for removing the smoke, odours, steam and grease that are generated when we cook. They do this with a motor and a fan that draws air (and the other substances) through filters before expelling it outside or returning it clean to the interior.
They can employ two types of filters:
- The metal filters, reusable mesh sheets made of aluminium or stainless steel that primarily trap the grease particles generated during cooking. They can be removed and cleaned by hand and, often, in the dishwasher (though you should check the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Activated carbon filters, which sit behind the metal filters, absorb odours and are essential in recirculating hoods (those that don’t vent outside). They should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often the hood is used.
Of those we’ll discuss next, we’re focusing on the metal filters, which can be washed and reused.
How to wash extractor hood filters step by step
The grease trapped in metal filters can be difficult to remove if you don’t use the right products. Ale Pez, a cleaning content creator and expert, cleans them without chemicals, using only hot water and bicarbonate of soda.
This is the step-by-step guide for removing grease from the extractor hood’s metal filters:
- First, remove the filters. To do this, you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions as not all operate in the same way, but generally it’s done by releasing a latch or gently pulling them out. For safety, switch off or unplug the hood first. It’s also advisable to wear gloves to avoid cuts.
- Next, pour very hot water into the sink or a container large enough to accommodate the filters, together with two or three generous tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.
- Also apply bicarbonate to both sides of the filters, and submerge them in the hot water.
- Wait at least 20 minutes for it to take effect.
- Rinse the filters with plenty of hot water. “You’ll see the grease come off – it’s amazing!,” says Pez
- Leave them to dry diagonally, so the water runs off completely.
“Now all that’s left is to put them back and they’ll look as good as new,” concludes the expert.
The power of hot water and bicarbonate of soda
Although it may seem very simple, the truth is that both hot water and bicarbonate are effective against grease:
- Hot water (which should be between 40 °C and 60 °C to be effective) loosens fats and causes them to detach from the grilles.
- Sodium bicarbonate, on the other hand, helps with the partial saponification of fats. In other words, it converts fat into substances more soluble in water. This versatile household product also neutralises odours, and, if you rub it a little, its fine crystals provide a gentle abrasive that won’t damage the metal.
It is the combined action of hot water and bicarbonate that makes it an effective and metal-friendly solution, ideal for frequent use.
