Range Hood Maintenance

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

You need to periodically clean your over-the-stove vent hood.

Filter cleaning/replacing

A filter may be cleaned by being removed and soaked in a degreasing solution until the grease is dissolved, and then washed with warm, soapy water to remove any traces of the degreaser. Also, a filter may be put it in the upper rack of the dishwasher and run it through a normal cycle.

If your unit circulates the air rather than vents it, it may have one or more activated charcoal filters. They must be replaces when they lose their effectiveness.

Interior cleaning

The unit must be turned off before cleaned. Also avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the light bulb or light bulb socket. Clean the interior of the vent hood with a standard household degreaser/cleaner.

Exterior cleaning

The exterior of a vent hood may be cleaned with a degreaser/cleaner or a non-abrasive cleanser.

It is best to hire a cleaning service if the following situations occur:

Fan motor care

Over time, the motor and bearings may become stiff because of the constant heat, humidity, and grease to which they're subjected. Also over time, the blower wheel gets greasy and dirty, which can slow down the fan or cause vibration.

Vent cleaning

If your fan vents, rather than circulates, you need to regularly check the vent that leads from the vent hood to the outside, to make sure that grease isn't building-up on the inside of it. If it is, contact a vent-cleaning contractor to clean the vent properly.

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic