How to Clean Your Outdoor Hood (3 Simple Steps)
Cleaning an outdoor range hood is an essential task to maintain the efficiency and appearance of your kitchen appliance. Unlike indoor range hoods, outdoor models face unique challenges that require a specialized cleaning approach.
The outdoor range hood is constantly exposed to the elements, including dust, debris, and even grease accumulation from outdoor cooking. This buildup can quickly diminish the hood's performance, reducing its ability to effectively vent smoke and odors from your outdoor kitchen. Additionally, exposure to the weather can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the stainless steel or other materials if the hood is not properly maintained.
Compared to an indoor range hood, the outdoor version often has a more complex design with additional features like powerful fan blades and extended ductwork. This makes the cleaning process more involved, as you'll need to access and clean all the nooks and crannies to ensure thorough and effective results.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your outdoor range hood operating at its best, ensuring your outdoor cooking experience is both efficient and enjoyable. Let's dive into the supplies needed and the step-by-step process to clean your outdoor range hood like a pro.
Supplies Needed
- Damp cloth or paper towels
- Cleaning solutions (glass cleaner, acetone, or Soft Scrub without grit)
- White Scotch Brite pad with soft bristles
- Baking soda
- Vinegar solution
- Degreasing soap
- Dust brush cleaner
- Scrubbing brush
- Kitchen towel or dishcloth
- Gloves
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Cleaning the Hood
Cleaning the Exterior
Mix up a batch of warm, soapy water - you want lots of suds to cut through any grease accumulation and grime. Grab a sturdy non-abrasive scrubbing brush and give those outer surfaces a good scrubbing. (Scrub in the direction of the grain of your steel)
If you come across any particularly stubborn, sticky spots, don't be afraid to hit them with a bit of vinegar solution - that stuff is a powerhouse when it comes to breaking down tough buildup.
Once you're satisfied, take a clean kitchen towel and wipe everything down for a sparkling, polished finish.
Clean the Interior
Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands, then mix up a paste with baking soda and water. Remove the baffle filters for a more thorough clean!
Spread that paste all over the greasiest parts of the interior and let it sit for about 30 minutes - the baking soda will help break down any trapped grease and stains.
After waiting, grab a degreasing soap and a scrub brush and get to work, making sure to really get into all the nooks and crannies.
If it is really greasy or hasn't been cleaned in a while, check out our How to Deep Clean a Greasy Hood Quick Guide.
Clean the Filters
Speaking of the filters, let's give those a good cleaning too. Start by soaking them in some hot or boiling water, then scrub them down with a mix of water and baking soda.
Rinse the filters with warm water and let them fully dry. When they're ready, give them a final spritz with some vinegar solution before wiping them clean with a towel. Remember, some filters may be dishwasher safe, so you can opt for that route as well.
Check and Clean the Vent/Duct
The last step is to inspect and clean the vent or ductwork connected to your outdoor range hood. Use a flashlight to take a good look inside and see if there's any debris or buildup. If you spot a lot of grime, it's best to call in a professional duct cleaning service to get things really fresh and clear.
That’s It: Your Clean Outdoor Range Hood
Maintaining the cleanliness of your outdoor range hood is crucial to keeping it performing at its best and extending its lifespan. The elements and grease buildup from frequent outdoor cooking can really take a toll, which is why it's important to make cleaning this appliance a regular part of your home maintenance routine.
We recommend deep cleaning your outdoor range hood at least twice a year - once in the spring before the peak grilling season, and again in the fall when you're done with heavy outdoor cooking. This biannual deep clean will ensure your range hood is operating efficiently and help prevent any long-term damage or corrosion.
To keep your outdoor range hood in tip-top shape between those deep cleans, make a habit of wiping down the exterior on a more frequent basis, perhaps every 4-6 weeks. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and some mild soap or vinegar solution can go a long way in preventing that greasy buildup. And don't forget to remove and clean the filters regularly as well - this will help maintain optimal airflow and ventilation.
By staying on top of the cleaning, you can rest assured your outdoor range hood will continue providing excellent performance and looking great for years to come. A little elbow grease now will pay off with an efficiently running appliance that keeps your outdoor cooking area fresh and smoke-free, no matter the cooking style or material.
A couple of last thoughts
Maintaining a clean outdoor hood is a crucial job for any homeowner who loves to cook outdoors. Whether your unit is made of stainless steel, wood, or another material, regularly cleaning the filters should be a top priority. Start by removing the charcoal filters or baffle filters and giving them a thorough scrubbing - some may even be dishwasher safe. For the interior of the hood, use a degreaser and some elbow grease to tackle any stubborn, stuck-on grime. Don't forget to also wipe down the exterior, paying close attention to the grain of the material. Depending on the style and installation of your outdoor hood, you may need to disconnect the circuit breaker or use a step stool to reach all the nooks and crannies. By taking the time to properly maintain and clean your outdoor cooking appliance, you can help extend its useful life and ensure it continues providing a safe, enjoyable environment for all your outdoor culinary adventures for years to come.
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