Range Hood Maintenance: 7 Simple Tips

1.Know How to Troubleshoot

It’s always valuable to know how to fix any small issues with your appliances. Troubleshooting a range hood is easy. To check if your range hood is functioning like it should, turn it off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. Make sure the range hood isn’t making too much noise. If you are hearing a lot of noise, there may be an issue with your fan or motor.

If everything sounds normal, move on to checking the lights. Switch them on and off. If the range hood doesn’t light up, you may need to change the bulbs or have the wiring examined.

Finally, check the range hood’s performance. Is the range hood sucking away odors and fumes? If you’re finding that gases and smoke linger even with the appliance on the highest speed, you likely need to remove grease from the system. (More on that below!).

2.Learn Preventative Maintenance

Ever heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” The same logic for health applies to appliances. Taking care of your range hood will keep it running properly and looking new for a long time. First, make sure you carefully read the operation manual. Having your range hood installed correctly is the first step to preventative maintenance.

You should take care to regularly clean the vent, filters, and body, which we’ll explain below. Turn off the range hood when it’s not in use to avoid taxing the motor.

3.Regularly Clean the Filters

How you clean your filters depends on the type of filter you have. Hauslane range hoods come with dishwasher-safe filters. You can simply run them in your next dishwasher cycle and call it a day!

If your metal filters aren’t dishwasher safe or you just want to give them a deeper cleaning, place them in a water-safe container such as a large bowl. You may want to place each filter in a different container to ensure you have enough room to submerge them completely.

Fill the container with hot water and a degreasing solution, such as Dawn dishwasher soap. You can also add a ¼ cup of baking soda for extra cleaning power. Allow the filters to sit in the solution so the grease can dissolve. You may have to wait a bit for the grease to break down. Use a scrub brush to gently remove any grease remnants. Once the grease is gone, rinse the filter completely with warm water. Dry the filters with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to allow the filters to dry completely before placing them back in the range hood.

For charcoal filters, it’s best to just replace the filters. We recommend replacing them bi-monthly or as soon as you notice they are losing effectiveness. Our filter subscription plan makes it easy to keep your range hood running in tip-top shape.

4. Clean the Body of the Range Hood

Maintaining your range hood’s body will prevent any leftover residue from leaving marks and stains. Start by turning off the range hood and your stovetop. The stovetop should be completely cool before cleaning the range hood.

Wipe down the body in the same direction of the grain using a soft microfiber towel (included with many Hauslane range hoods) and a non-abrasive household cleaning solution. Avoid getting cleaner on any electrical parts of the appliance or the light bulbs.

If the range hood’s exterior is especially dirty, you can use a warm soapy solution to clean with a soft sponge. Do not use a sponge with a scratchy surface. Be sure to rinse the outside with clean water. Then, finish with a stainless steel cleaner to polish and keep the exterior sparkling.

5. Check the Vent

If the airflow of your range hood seems restricted, check the vent. Grease can build up and affect performance. This can also cause a fire hazard, so it’s very important to have grease removed by a professional if you do detect it.

6.Clean the Fan Blades

Dirt, debris, and grease can also build up on your fan blades. This will affect your range hood’s performance and tax the motor. Cleaning the fans on a regular basis will keep your motor from burning out.

Start by turning off the range hood. Again, make sure the stovetop is off and cool to the touch. Use soapy water and a non-abrasive rag to wipe down the fan blades. Rinse thoroughly with a clean rag and water. Take care to avoid any electrical parts, light bulbs, and motor housing.

You can also use a solution of equal parts, ammonia and water to clean the fan. Carefully scrub the fans, rinse with clean water, and let dry before use. If you’re tired of cleaning the fan blades manually, give Hauslane’s auto-clean function a try. This feature using a steam cleaning method to remove grease and build up. You’ll love how it keeps the motor running smoothly and maintains the efficiency of the appliance.

7.Use the Range Hood Appropriately

Range hoods are powerful appliances. You don’t need to always use the maximum setting when you are cooking. Choose the setting based on your cooking needs. If you are making a small dish that doesn’t produce a lot of heat and smoke, you can use the lowest setting. On the other hand, if you are making a stir-fry, the highest setting is best for extracting all of the grease. Using the proper setting will help to maintain your motor and performance.

From extracting harmful cooking fumes to protecting your cabinets from grease, a working range hood is critical for any home kitchen. With all the work range hoods do, keeping them in good shape sure is easy! You’ll be glad you invested a little time in routine cleaning and maintenance to maintain excellent performance. That way, you can continue to enjoy that brand new cooking experience on a regular basis! Stay tuned to the Hauslane blog for even more tips and tricks.