5 TIPS FOR RANGE HOOD MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION METHODS

There is no doubt that electrical appliances have changed humankind for the better. The efficiency of appliances is the reason why everything in our homes works comfortably. It is important to maintain and clean appliances so that they can last for a long time. One such electrical appliance that we use almost every day in our homes is the range hood also known as the vent hood.

A range hood is used in kitchens to keep the air clean from smoke, heat, grease, and steam. This makes cooking easier. We need to properly care for, clean, and range hood maintenance so that they can keep working in their optimum condition.

In this article, we will look at the ways of range hood maintenance and range hood prevention tips

Range hood maintenance tips

Tip 1: Regular Checks are important

Regularly check your range hoods to see if your range hood is functioning as it should. After working for a long time, regular wear and tear in the vent hood can make it not work like normal and cause straining. To troubleshoot, turn the range hood off then turn it on again. Look for signs like excess noise, odors, fumes, and lights.

If your range hood is a lot of noise, there might be an issue with the fan or the motor. Faulty lights can indicate a problem in the bulb (which can be changed easily) or a wiring problem. If the odor of fumes from the kitchen is lingering in the kitchen for a long time, this means that the grease needs to be cleaned from the duct.

Tip 2: Clean your range hood filters

The air filter in a range hood removes smoke and dust particles from the kitchen and passes them to the duct. If you cook and use the range hood daily a monthly cleaning of the air filter is required. Your filter may be made of either metal or charcoal, a metal filter is cleanable but a charcoal filter has to be replaced. To clean an air filter, follow these steps:

1. Remove it from the appliance.
2. Make a cleaning solution with hot water and dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser in a sink or large pot.
3. Soak the filter in this solution for fifteen minutes.
4. Scrub the filter with a nylon-bristled brush for removing the grease completely.
5. Let it dry completely before reattaching it back into the vent hood.

Tip 3: Clean Exteriors for a better range hood

Maintaining the exterior of the vent hood with regular cleaning. This will not only help in improving the condition of the vent but also keep the kitchen looking its best. Depending on the material of the hood, the cleaning may vary. For stainless steel or metal under-the-cabinet range hoods, use a soft cloth and degreasing solution. Each builder will have different guidelines on how to clean the range hood, read and follow them. When you dust the rest of the kitchen don’t forget the range hood too. Surface-level dust is very easy to remove with a dry cloth or brush.

Tip 4: Vent Maintenance is key

The vent can be clogged up by the grease and gasses of the kitchen. To avoid this excess build up, cleaning the vent at regular intervals is necessary. Take a hard cloth or brush and a degreaser, spray it on the insides and scrub it clean. Avoid the electrical parts, wiring, and lights while spraying. Make sure that the area is free of other items as water may drip down.

Tip 5: Fan Maintenance

If your fan or motor is damaged the range hood will not function properly. Build-up of dirt, debris, and grease is the reason why the fan parts may not perform properly. Using the fan with build-up can tax the fan and cause burnout. To clean a fan, turn off the appliance, and make sure the stovetop is not hot. Use a rag and soapy water to clean the fan blades. Avoid the electrical wiring, bulbs, and motor parts while cleaning.

If manual labour is not for you, contact a professional service like DP Electrical Repairs for complete deep cleaning of the fan and ducts. A deep clean will make the appliance completely smooth working and increase its efficiency. If cleaning the fan does not solve its problem a replacement may be necessary.

Range hood prevention methods

We have all heard of the phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ this applies here. In the case of electric appliances like the range hood, preventative measures can help prevent extra costs and inconvenience of future damage. To prolong the use of a range hood applies the following tips:

1. Read the manual for a proper installation and be aware of the dos and don’ts. The recommendations of cleaning and maintenance vary between different range hood manufacturers, reading the manual can help you in avoiding any mistakes. Reading the manual also helps us in understanding the different operating settings and troubleshooting.
2. Regularly clean the vents, filters, etc. according to its utilization. Without cleaning the vent hood may cause oil leaks which can lead to drastic consequences like food contamination or kitchen fires. Neglecting exterior cleaning can be humiliating in front of guests who see the kitchen.
3. Avoid overusing the motor by leaving it turned on for a large amount of time or by using the highest speed constantly. The high setting is to be used when deep-frying or making spicy meals. Switch to the lowest setting while you are doing simple tasks like brewing tea.

Conclusion

Range hoods are often neglected more than any other kitchen appliance. It is essential to recognize the benefits that it provides and avoid the hassle of taking care of a damaged range hood. To make the most out of your range, follow these tips habitually. Not only is a dirty range hood inconvenient but it also is a fire hazard if left untreated. Make sure you follow the preventative steps, troubleshoot the problems, and clean the interior and exterior for optimum performance. If you are looking for a professional service that can clean or do range hood maintenance when required, contact DP Electrical Repairs for the ultimate premium service of range hood in Melbourne.