Your range hood looked great when you purchased it, but do you know how to keep it looking great? Moreover, do you know how to properly clean your stainless steel range hood?
Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you might think! In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean a stainless steel range hood so you can keep your kitchen looking great.
What is stainless steel?
If you are reading this, we assume you already know what stainless steel is. However, here’s a quick explainer for those who may not be sure if their range hood is stainless steel.
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy made up of iron, chromium, nickel, and other metals. In addition, stainless steel is the best “green” material because it can be recycled repeatedly.
Stainless steel is also environmentally friendly. Furthermore, when it comes into contact with elements like water, it does not rust, and it does not contain leaching molecules that could change its composition. Stainless steel is also aesthetically pleasing, hygienic, easy to maintain, and highly durable.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
How to clean stainless steel
Stainless steel requires more attention and care than other appliance finishes, but it is far easier to clean than many other kitchen surfaces. Streaks are easy to get rid of with some elbow grease and cleaning supplies you already have at home.
Before you spruce up your appliances, check the user handbook to see if there are any cleaning instructions or polishes that are advised. You should avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals that can leave a filthy film or stain the finish.
Estimated time: 45 minutes
Wipe down the outside of your range hood
First, wipe down the exterior, likely covered in grease and dust. This area requires thick paper towels or your finest rags for thorough cleaning. Next, use anti-grease dish soap to dispose of grease and dust properly. Finally, use a small amount mixed with warm water (enough to fill your sink if you’re doing a lot of cleaning) to scrub the hood.
It’s important to remember to always test a small area of your range hood before using any commercially available or household chemicals that claim to remove greasy stains. Some rease removers may also damage surfaces’ finishes or aesthetic appeal; check with the manufacturer to be sure.
Clean away any stains under the hood
It is time to move on to the underside of the hood, specifically the area close to the vent. This hood area may be a mess if it has been some time since it was last cleaned. If you have a lot of grease or ash, you should use a scrubbing brush. Gas stoves get particularly grimy here.
OxiClean is a popular choice for removing these types of stains. If that doesn’t work, try a mixture of warm water and baking soda in a pan. Make a paste with the baking soda and apply it to the underside of the hood, then wait for about half an hour for the buildup to be removed. Baking soda can help loosen grease by dissolving some of the bonds that keep it in place, and it is well-known for neutralizing acidic compounds.
Don’t forget to use clean rags or paper towels regularly to remove the built-up grease, and finish with a mild cleaning spray. You can use the same method on the interior of your oven, though it’s best to stay away from any toxic cleaners that could produce fumes.
Clean the filters
You must regularly clean the filter to keep your range hood functioning properly. Most filters have a metal loop that can be pulled to release them for removal. Wear gloves if you don’t want your hands to get greasy.
The hotter the water, the better, but be careful not to burn yourself while you work and fill your sink with it. Fully submerge the filter, and then add about a teaspoon of anti-grease dish soap and a quarter cup of baking soda to the water.
After 15 to 20 minutes of soaking, take a brush to the filter and scrub it thoroughly. Avoid damaging the filter by applying too much force, but be as forceful as you feel comfortable. If the soapy water in the sink gets dirty, drain it and start a new batch.
Let the filters dry
Once you’ve cleaned the filter, rinse it and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Its best to use a dry cloth instead of pepper towels and let them air dry in a well-ventilated place fro about an hour.
Reassemble the hood
Put the filters back in the hood, and you should be all done!
Can you use household cleaners to clean stainless steel?
If you use a store-bought cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution, make sure it’s safe for stainless steel. Avoid using scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, or ammonia, since these can all harm the finish’s smoothness and glossiness. Some manufacturers may even advise against cleaning stainless steel with glass cleaners because they might leave streaks and harm the finish over time.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch the “How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances: Easy Ideas for Cleaning Your Kitchen (Clean My Space)” from the Clean My Space YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Here are some of the most common questions about how to clean an appliance made of stainless steel.
Which homemade degreaser works the best?
Put 1 cup of vinegar, 3 cups of water, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of dish soap in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Use this degreaser straight from the bowl by dipping a clean cloth into the solution and scrubbing the greasy area. It’s important to finish up by rinsing and wiping the surface again.
Is it accurate to call WD-40 a degreaser?
The active ingredient in WD-40 is fish oil dissolved in a solvent. Grease and oil may be partially dissolved, but some of the substance is also added back. So if cleanliness is paramount, you should look elsewhere.
Is baking soda a good cleaner for stainless steel?
Baking soda is an excellent cleaner for stainless steel sinks because it is abrasive enough to remove stubborn food and grease but not so harsh that it would harm the sink’s glossy stainless steel faucets. A paste made from baking soda and water may be used to clean the sink.
Conclusion
The more often you clean your range hood, the fewer difficult stains and heavy oil buildup you’ll have to deal with. And if you follow these easy steps, your stainless steel range hood and kitchen will look cleaner for longer.
In this post, we discussed what a stainless steel range hood is, how to clean it and how to keep it clean. Here are some key takeaways:
- Stainless steel requires more attention and care than other appliance finishes.
- You should avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals that can leave a filthy film or stain the finish.
- To remove greasy residue, use a basic cleaner spray like this vinegar solution in a spray bottle.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub with warm water and dish detergent.
- Since microfiber cloths are soft and absorbent, they perform well.
So, how do you clean your hood? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on kitchen ventilation. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
