Cooking odours can linger in homes long after meals are prepared, especially when ventilation is inadequate. Strong food aromas, particularly from spices and oils, can become embedded in walls, carpets, and cabinetry, making them difficult to remove. Poor airflow can also lead to excess moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mould growth, which can pose health risks and damage indoor surfaces.
Improving kitchen ventilation is one of the most effective ways to combat lingering odours and moisture buildup. In this blog, we’ll explore how installing a rangehood can enhance air quality, reduce mould risks, and help eliminate stubborn cooking smells.
How Mould Develops in the Kitchen
The Role of Steam, Grease, and Humidity in Mould Formation
Kitchens create the perfect environment for mould growth due to constant exposure to steam, grease, and humidity. When cooking, steam rises and settles on ceilings and walls, creating damp conditions.
Grease particles from frying also stick to surfaces, trapping moisture and organic matter that mould feeds on. Without proper ventilation, humidity levels rise, further encouraging mould spores to spread.
Common Areas Where Mould Thrives
Mould often develops in hidden areas where moisture accumulates. Ceilings and walls near stovetops absorb condensation, while cabinetry around sinks and cooking areas traps excess moisture. Poorly ventilated spaces, such as under sinks and behind appliances, also harbour mould due to restricted airflow.
Health Risks of Prolonged Mould Exposure
Prolonged mould exposure can lead to serious health risks. It releases spores that trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues. Symptoms include persistent coughing, skin irritation, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, toxic mould exposure can cause chronic health conditions. Addressing moisture buildup is essential for maintaining a healthy kitchen environment.
The Science Behind Kitchen Odours
Sources of Strong and Lingering Odours
Kitchen odours originate from various sources, including cooking oils, strong spices, and burnt food. Oils used for frying release airborne particles that settle on kitchen surfaces, leading to persistent smells.
Spices such as garlic, curry powder, and cumin contain aromatic compounds that linger long after cooking. Burnt food produces carbon-based molecules that penetrate soft materials, making odours harder to remove.
How Odours Get Trapped in Soft Surfaces
Odours linger in soft surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and wooden cabinets. Over time, these materials absorb smells, creating a musty kitchen environment. Even regular cleaning may not fully remove trapped odours.
The Role of Ventilation in Odour Removal
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining fresh indoor air. An efficient kitchen ventilation system helps disperse airborne particles, preventing odours from settling on surfaces. Continuous airflow replaces stale air with fresh air, reducing lingering smells and improving overall air quality.
How a Rangehood Improves Kitchen Air Quality
The Function of a Rangehood and How It Works
A rangehood is a kitchen appliance designed to extract air pollutants, remove cooking fumes, and improve indoor air quality. It operates by drawing in steam, grease, and airborne contaminants produced during cooking, preventing them from settling on surfaces. By filtering and expelling these particles, a rangehood helps maintain a cleaner, fresher kitchen environment.
Ducted vs. Recirculating Rangehoods
There are two main types of rangehoods: ducted and recirculating. Ducted rangehoods vent air outside, effectively removing heat, odours, and airborne grease. They are ideal for eliminating moisture and preventing indoor air pollution.
Recirculating rangehoods, on the other hand, use charcoal filters to capture grease and odours before returning the filtered air to the kitchen. However, they do not remove moisture, making them less effective in preventing mould growth compared to ducted models, which expel humid air outside.
How a Rangehood Prevents Mould Growth
Excess moisture in the kitchen promotes mould growth and must be controlled. A rangehood helps by extracting steam and humidity at the source, reducing condensation on walls, ceilings, and cabinetry. By maintaining drier air conditions, it discourages mould formation and prevents long-term damage to kitchen surfaces.
The Role of Grease Filters in Air Quality
Grease filters also play a crucial role in reducing airborne contaminants. They trap grease particles, preventing build-up on walls, cabinets, and appliances. Regularly cleaned filters ensure optimal performance, contributing to better air quality and a more hygienic cooking space.
Choosing the Right Rangehood for Effective Ventilation
Ducted vs. Recirculating Rangehoods: Which One Is Better?
Selecting the right rangehood depends on kitchen layout, cooking habits, and ventilation requirements.
Key Factors to Consider: Airflow, Filters, and Noise
Key factors to consider include airflow capacity, filter types, and noise levels. In Australia, airflow capacity is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h), with higher ratings recommended for frequent cooking. It’s important to ensure the rangehood complies with Australian standards, especially if ducting through external walls or roofs.
Filter types also matter—stainless steel baffle filters last longer and trap grease effectively, while charcoal filters help neutralise odours in recirculating models. Noise levels should also be assessed, as powerful rangehoods can generate high sound levels during operation.
The Importance of Professional Installation
With years of experience installing rangehoods across Melbourne, our team of skilled electricians ensures your rangehood is installed correctly and efficiently. While many plug-in rangehoods don’t require wiring, installation can be tricky. Our team takes the hassle out of the process, making sure everything is fitted properly and functions as it should. Plus, if additional power points are needed, we can take care of that too.
Proper Maintenance to Ensure Long-Term Efficiency
Why Regular Cleaning is Essential
Regular maintenance is essential to keep a rangehood functioning efficiently. Over time, grease and airborne particles accumulate in filters and vents, reducing airflow and ventilation performance.
Cleaning filters regularly prevents blockages and maintains optimal air extraction. Metal mesh or baffle filters should be washed with warm, soapy water, while charcoal filters in recirculating models require periodic replacement.
Preventing Fire Hazards from Grease Buildup
Grease build-up not only affects efficiency but also poses a fire hazard. Accumulated grease can ignite under high temperatures, increasing the risk of kitchen fires. Keeping filters clean and ensuring proper ventilation reduces this danger.
Signs Your Rangehood Needs Servicing
Signs that a rangehood needs servicing include reduced suction power, unusual noises, or lingering odours despite regular cleaning. If a rangehood struggles to remove steam and grease, professional servicing or filter replacement may be necessary to restore efficiency. Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the appliance while ensuring a cleaner, safer kitchen.
Fresh, Clean, and Mould-Free: Elevate Your Kitchen with a Rangehood
A well-functioning rangehood is a crucial investment for maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen. By extracting airborne grease, excess moisture, and persistent odours, it enhances air quality and prevents mould growth. Effective ventilation keeps kitchen surfaces dry, reducing the risk of moisture damage and bacterial buildup.
Beyond health benefits, rangehood also improves overall comfort. Eliminating cooking fumes creates a more pleasant cooking experience, while consistent air circulation prevents stale, lingering odours. Choosing the right rangehood ensures effective ventilation, contributing to a fresher and more hygienic kitchen environment.
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen ventilation, investing in a quality range hood is a smart choice. Kenner Electrics offers expert advice and professional installation services to ensure maximum efficiency. Contact Kenner Electrics today to transform your kitchen into a cleaner, healthier space with the perfect rangehood solution.
