Cleaning the Microwave and Range Hood
The microwave and range hood are two of the kitchen's most important appliances for food safety and air quality — and two of the most frequently neglected in terms of thorough cleaning. Both accumulate grease, food residue, and odour-causing buildup that affects cooking results and kitchen hygiene.
Microwave Cleaning
Steam method (the best approach): Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar (or lemon juice). Microwave on high for 5 minutes — the steam saturates the interior and loosens all the baked-on splatter. Let sit (door closed) for 2–3 minutes, then wipe all interior surfaces with a damp cloth — the residue comes off easily with no scrubbing. The vinegar steam deodorizes simultaneously. Wipe the door seal and exterior with a diluted all-purpose cleaner. Clean the rotating plate in the sink with dish soap.
Range Hood Cleaning
Filters: Range hood filters — the metal mesh filters that capture grease before it enters the ductwork or recirculating fan — should be cleaned monthly in Ontario households that cook frequently. For dishwasher-safe filters: run in the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Otherwise: soak in hot water with dish soap and baking soda for 20 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. A filter so loaded with grease that cleaning doesn't restore it needs replacement (typically $20–$40 at a hardware store).
Hood exterior: The hood's exterior surface and any lights should be wiped monthly with a degreasing cleaner. Grease accumulation on the exterior surface is a gradual process that's easy to stay on top of with monthly attention but requires significant effort if left for a year.