The other day I looked at the bottom of my over-the-range microwave and was absolutely disgusted by the condition of the grease filter, which was all clogged up! I have no idea the last time it was cleaned or replaced, but it was definitely long overdue. Read more: This one cleaning mistake can ruin your computer To keep the exhaust fan working efficiently, the manufacturer of my microwave recommends cleaning the grease filter monthly with soap and water. That sounds so easy, but unfortunately, it didn’t work in this case. I thought about ordering a replacement grease filter right away, but then I decided to use a different cleaning method -- and this time it did the trick! 1. Unplug your appliance and remove the grease filter. You may want to use rubber gloves to avoid getting grease on your hands. 2. Bring water to a boil in a large pot or pan. Slowly add about half a cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of dish soap. 3. Place half of the grease filter into the pot or pan and watch as the grease immediately bubbles up!

4. After a few minutes, you'll see how the baking soda and dish soap begin to tackle the grease. Add more baking soda by the teaspoon if you need to. 5. Once the first side looks clean, flip over the grease filter and get to work on the other half. Notice the difference in the color of the water.laptop cpu fan controller circuit 6. After about 15 minutes, remove the grease filter from the water. air duct cleaning advertisingTouch up any spots with an old toothbrush. best way to clean cellular shadesGive it a good rinse and let it dry before putting it back.best hardwood floor cleaning mops

Even though I have an over-the-range microwave, you could use this same method to clean the grease filter if you have a normal range hood. The dishwasher might also work, but check your manufacturer's cleaning instructions first. Read more: 13 home cleaning hacks you'll wish you knew soonerthe best way to clean microfiber upholstery Get a Spotless Stove (and Beyond)best leather cleaner and protector The more you put off cleaning an appliance -- like the dreaded oven, the more the grime -- and dread -- builds up. But keeping it clean is critical from an aesthetic and a practical standpoint. Without proper maintenance, fuel ports and hood vents can clog and ovens can smoke.Here, then, is Martha's step-by-step guide for taking the stove top, vent hood, oven, toaster, microwave, and countertop grill from grease-spattered and blackened to gleaming overnight.

Her method requires no more than a couple of hours of active time and a few cleaning products (and most of the products are chemical free). Should you need added incentive, consider this: "If you thoroughly clean the oven, and then maintain it after every use," Martha says, "you should never have to do such a dirty job again." The hood clears the air of smoke and grease from everyday cooking, but they can leave their mark. Over time, stains can build up and vents can clog. Clean the exterior of the hood weekly and the filters monthly. How to Clean the Vent Hood Follow these steps for getting the most spatter-prone part of the oven sparkling again. How to Clean the Stove Top Spatters and drips are inevitable. Here's how to tackle the oven (whether or not yours has a self-cleaning function) if you've neglected it awhile. How to Clean the Oven A Clean Kitchen, Top to Bottom Don't forget to look up over your stovetop! The range hood and stainless steel can collect dust and grease.

Follow these steps and it will be sparkling clean. How to A Clean Kitchen, Top to Bottom You've conquered the big job -- the oven. But the task of cleaning these little cookers can feel out of proportion with their modest size. The good news: With five minutes and these techniques, you can get them looking new. How to Clean the Toaster This convenience cooker can feel like anything but come cleaning day. Use these techniques to show inevitable stains and overflow who's boss. How to Clean the Microwave The indoor grill is a fast and healthy way to cook -- but not if you avoid using it just to avoid cleaning it! Read our tips and fire it up. How to Clean the Countertop Grill It’s a good idea to clean a cooker hood made from stainless steel with a specially formulated product. Stainless steel cleaners like those by Cif are equipped to degrease and remove dirt, and also can help ensure that your cooker hood gleams as though it’s brand new! The cooker hood and extractor fan can seem like one of the trickiest spots to clean, with a build-up of fat and grease making a very sticky mess.

But when your cooker hood is screaming for a cleaning, there's no need to procrastinate – this step-by-step guide will equip you with everything you need to know about how to clean an oven extractor hood efficiently, including how to clean a cooker hood filter and other removable components. How to Deep Clean the Cooker Hood If you haven’t cleaned your cooker hood for a while, the build-up of grease and fat from cooking can be very sticky and tricky to completely remove. But if you have the right tools and know how to deep clean an extractor hood effectively, your cooker could be gleaming again in no time. Ensure that the appliance is switched off and is not hot. First, remove the filter and all other removable parts from your cooker hood. You should check the instruction manual for your specific appliance to find out the correct way of taking these bits off, or look it up online if you don’t still have the original care instructions to hand. How to Clean Cooker Hood Filters

If you are cleaning a flat extractor, it will have a paper filter that can be removed and replaced, with new paper bought from a supermarket and cut to size. Carbon filters also need replacing rather than cleaning. However, chimney-style oven extractor fans have a metal mesh filter which is non-disposable and sometimes needs a good clean. How to Clean a Cooker Hood Metal Filter Once you have removed the metal filter from your cooker extractor hood, soak it in very hot, soapy water with a cup of vinegar added to help cut through the grease, and leave for as long as possible, preferably overnight. After a long soak, give the filter and other bits a careful rub down to remove greasy residue. You can also use a washing powder soaking solution or a bicarbonate of soda paste to work away at the greasy residue on your oven extractor filter and other components, but remember to take recommended safety precautions and to test any unfamiliar techniques on an inconspicuous spot first.

When cleaning a cooker hood metal filter, it may discolour slightly, especially if using a dishwasher or detergent solution, but it will still work and won’t be obvious once the hood is reassembled. How to Clean Cooker Hood Surfaces Kitchen cleaning products specifically designed to deal with particular surfaces, like stainless steel, are your best bet for cleaning the cooker hood. Cif has a wide range of products for the kitchen and for different surfaces – just follow the instructions on the label, and test it in a small area first. Take care to avoid contact with skin and wear relevant hand protection. Most modern cooker hoods are made from stainless steel and sometimes glass. Remember to use products designed for those surfaces for the best results. Also, use a clean, soft sponge or cloth to clean these surfaces – a wire sponge or brush may leave scratches or other marks! Be cautious when using anything more abrasive and always test in a discrete area first A old, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush can also be very handy when cleaning a sticky cooker hood – that way, you can reach all the crevices where grime has accumulated.