If the hood can no longer cope with odors, hums loudly or leaves a greasy residue on the furniture, many people think that it’s time to replace it with a new one. But according to experts, in 9 out of 10 cases the problem is not in the motor, but in a banal blockage. And it can be solved without calling a technician and without buying spare parts.
The power of the hood directly depends on the free passage of air through the filters and the ventilation duct. Even if the motor is working properly, clogged filters turn its operation into useless rotation of the blades. These are the two main points where grease and dust accumulate.
1. Grease filter under the grate
This is a metal mesh located directly under the decorative panel. It traps drops of fat, but over time it turns into a dense crust. Almost no air passes through, the motor wears out, and efficiency drops significantly.
Remove the filter, soak it in hot water with detergent or baking soda for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with a brush. For heavy deposits, a solution of vinegar or oven cleaner is suitable. After complete drying, reinstall. Do this once every 1-2 weeks when actively cooking.
2. Clogged ventilation duct
Even the most powerful motor will not cope if the exit to the ventilation shaft is blocked by grease, dust or a random rag. Check the grille on the wall or in the closet: attach a sheet of paper, it should be attracted when the hood is on. If not, then the channel is clogged.
Carefully remove the grate and clean the entrance to the shaft with a brush or vacuum cleaner. In difficult cases, a flexible cable or calling utility workers may be necessary, but more often than not, superficial cleaning is sufficient.
What else is important to check?
Carbon filters, if present, are not washable; they are replaced every 3–6 months. Their job is to neutralize odors, not grease. If the hood is in recirculation mode and odors remain, it’s most likely time to change the carbon filter.
If the hood starts to make noise, gets hot, or can’t cope with the steam from the pan, then this is a signal: it’s time to clean it. Regular maintenance not only restores traction, but also extends the life of equipment by years.
