While range hoods are not mandatory in Class 1 (domestic and residential) buildings, they significantly improve indoor air quality by removing grease, smoke, and odours. According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), kitchens and dining areas must have adequate ventilation, which can include windows, doors, louvres, or mechanical ventilation, such as a range hood, to help maintain safe air quality.
However, natural ventilation alone is often insufficient for effectively removing grease, smoke, and odours—making a well-maintained rangehood essential for a cleaner, healthier home.
A neglected rangehood does more than just collect grease—it allows smoke, odours, and airborne contaminants to build up in your kitchen, affecting air quality and even creating a fire hazard. But with the right maintenance, your rangehood becomes a powerful tool for a cleaner, safer home.
From filter cleaning to duct inspections and fan efficiency, simple upkeep ensures your rangehood performs at its best. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential maintenance steps to keep your kitchen fresh, your air clear, and your appliance running smoothly.
Choosing the Right Rangehood for Your Kitchen
Selecting the right rangehood depends on your cooking needs, kitchen layout, and ventilation options. Each type functions differently to remove smoke, steam, and odours, ensuring better air quality and kitchen cleanliness.
Types of Rangehoods in Australian Homes
- Ducted Rangehoods– These models vent air, grease, and steam outside through ventilation ducts, making them highly effective at reducing odours and grease build-up. Regular rangehood maintenance is crucial to keep filters and fan blades clean.
- Ductless Rangehoods – Instead of external venting, these use carbon filters to absorb smoke and oil residue, recirculating purified air back into the kitchen. Regular cleaning and timely filter replacement maintain peak performance.
- Canopy Rangehoods – Mounted above the cooking area, these offer powerful suction, trapping trapped grease in mesh filters or stainless steel grease filters. Cleaning with soapy water, a scrub brush, and a degreasing solution helps prevent clogged filters.
- Undermount Rangehoods – Installed beneath overhead cabinets, these save space while effectively removing grime and dirt. Wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth and rinsing hood filters in warm water or the dishwasher ensures smooth performance.
The Impact of Neglecting Rangehood Maintenance
Without regular cleaning, a range hood loses efficiency, leading to clogged filters, weak suction, and increased noise. Ignoring rangehood maintenance allows grease build-up to coat fan blades, metal filters, and ventilation ducts, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of fire hazards.
Why Cleaning Matters
A dirty rangehood struggles to extract smoke and steam, causing odours to linger. Over time, grease filters become coated in oil residue, reducing performance. Soaking mesh filters in hot water, baking soda, and mild detergent helps dissolve grime. Using a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe stainless steel exteriors prevents dirt accumulation.
Saving on Repairs
When rangehood filters clog, the motor works harder, increasing wear and tear. Regular cleaning of filters and wiping down surfaces prevents overheating and extends the appliance’s lifespan.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for range hood maintenance ensures peak performance while avoiding costly repairs.
Regular maintenance keeps your kitchen fresh, your cooking habits uninterrupted, and your range in top shape.
How to Clean Rangehood Filters
Keeping range hood filters clean is essential for preventing grease build-up, improving air quality, and ensuring peak performance. Dirty filters can lead to clogged filters, reduced suction, and potential fire hazards.
Types of Rangehood Filters & Cleaning Methods
- Mesh Filters – These metal filters trap trapped grease and need regular cleaning. Remove them and soak in hot water, baking soda, and soapy water for 15 minutes. Scrub with a scrub brush, rinse, and let them air dry.
- Baffle Filters – Found in professional-style rangehoods, these are dishwasher safe filters. Wash them with a mild detergent, dishwasher, or hand-clean using a degreasing solution and a sponge.
- Carbon Filters – These absorb odours and cannot be washed. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 3 to 12 months, depending on cooking frequency and the specific rangehood model
For Australian households, regular maintenance means cleaning hood filters every four to six weeks or more frequently for heavy cooking. Following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures longevity.
Wiping Down the Exterior and Fan Blades
Grease, dirt, and oil residue collect on the rangehood’s surfaces, affecting both performance and appearance. Taking care of the hood exterior prevents grime from hardening and blocking airflow.
Best Cleaning Methods by Surface Type
- Stainless Steel – Wipe with a microfiber cloth and soapy water, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
- Glass Panels – Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Painted Surfaces – Gently clean with a sponge and warm water to prevent chipping.
Cleaning Fan Blades
Dirty fan blades reduce suction power and cause noise. Use a paper towel and degreasing solution to wipe them down. Ensure they dry completely before reassembling to maintain peak performance.
Checking and Maintaining the Ventilation System
The ventilation ducts in a rangehood remove smoke, steam, and airborne particles, ensuring efficient airflow. Regular maintenance prevents clogged filters and airflow blockages.
How to Inspect the Duct System
- Check for grease build-up inside the ventilation ducts using a flashlight.
- Look for obstructions that restrict air movement.
- Listen for unusual noise from the motor, which could signal an issue.
While homeowners can check for visible grease build-up near the rangehood filters, internal ventilation ducts should only be inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional to prevent fire hazards and maintain proper airflow.
When Professional Servicing Is Needed
If grease filters are excessively coated, airflow is weak, or odours persist, a professional rangehood maintenance service can deep clean ducts and restore performance.
Troubleshooting Common Rangehood Issues
A range hood may develop performance issues over time, affecting air quality and efficiency.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Weak Suction – Clean or replace hood filters, check for clogged filters and ensure the fan blades spin freely.
- Excessive Noise – Accumulated grime on the motor or loose parts may be the cause. Wipe down surfaces and tighten fittings.
- Persistent Odours – Replace carbon filters, clean the rangehood, and wash mesh filters in soapy water.
If these simple steps don’t resolve the issue, consult a professional to maintain the appliance and ensure your kitchen is fresh.
Keep Your Kitchen Air Fresh with Proper Rangehood Care
A clean rangehood is essential for maintaining air quality, reducing grease build-up, and keeping your kitchen fresh. Neglecting rangehood maintenance leads to clogged filters, inefficient suction, and potential fire hazards. Regular cleaning of hood filters, ventilation ducts, and fan blades ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your appliance.
To avoid costly repairs, follow simple steps like soaking metal filters in hot water with baking soda, using a soft cloth to wipe surfaces, and checking for dirt accumulation in ventilation ducts. Keeping up with regular maintenance based on your cooking habits prevents grease build-up and airflow blockages.
For expert electrical services, trust Kenner Electrics. While we don’t provide rangehood deep cleaning, our licensed electricians can assist with electrical issues related to your rangehood, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
