Cleaning Range Hoods and Exhaust Fans in Ontario Homes
The range hood is one of the most neglected appliances in Ontario kitchens — and one of the most impactful when properly maintained. A clogged or greasy range hood doesn't just smell; it fails to capture grease vapour effectively, meaning that vapour deposits on every kitchen surface (cabinets, walls, ceiling) instead. Here's the professional approach to range hood maintenance.
Filter Types
Ontario range hoods typically have one of three filter types:
- Baffle filters (stainless steel): The best and most common in new Ontario kitchens. Reusable — remove and wash with hot water and degreaser monthly. Soak in a sink of hot water with 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda or dish soap, scrub with a brush, rinse
- Mesh aluminum filters: Common in older hoods. Reusable but more fragile. Same cleaning approach as baffle filters, but handle carefully — the mesh bends
- Charcoal/carbon filters: Used in recirculating hoods that don't vent outside. Not washable — replace every 3–6 months depending on cooking frequency
Hood Interior and Exterior
The interior of the hood — the surfaces the grease hits before the filter — needs degreasing monthly in any actively cooking household. A diluted heavy-duty degreaser (Purple Power, Simple Green Heavy-Duty, or equivalent) applied with a cloth or spray, left to dwell 3–5 minutes, then wiped clean. The exterior of the hood wipes with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Exhaust Fan (Bathroom)
Bathroom exhaust fans accumulate dust and lint on the grille and inside the housing. Remove the grille (usually snaps off or has one screw), vacuum lint from the fan housing and motor area, wash the grille with soapy water. A clean bathroom exhaust fan makes a measurable difference in post-shower moisture removal.