- By Iram Hussain
- Sat, 27 Sep 2025 01:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A kitchen exhaust fan is a very minor system which serves to keep our kitchens clean and fresh. But with daily cooking, greasy residue is likely to accumulate and ruin its look. This grease will diminish the effectiveness of the fan and overall air quality of your kitchen, giving it an unclean and less fresh feeling. The good news is you can clean your kitchen exhaust fan much easier than you might think and you don't need some expensive cleaner or harsh chemical to do it. By using everyday items, you can easily return your kitchen exhaust fan to its original shine. Here are safe, affordable and easy-to-follow methods to clean the exhaust fan and help it work efficiently when home cooking.
Kitchen Items That Clean Exhaust Fans
Dish Soap
Dish soap serves as an effective degreaser for kitchen exhaust fans, effortlessly removing oil and dirt. Due to its surfactant properties, it breaks down extremely greasy surfaces. The process is simple; create the cleaning solution with dish soap and warm water, apply to the fan and wipe it clean.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a safe, natural cleaner that dissolves mineral deposits and eliminates odours from kitchen exhaust fans. The acidity of vinegar helps break down stubborn grime while its antibacterial properties neutralise any remaining odour.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are superb for cleaning and polishing your kitchen exhaust fan without scratching it. Microfiber fabrics have a very soft and non-abrasive texture that easily lifts grime and residue.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild but strong abrasive for cleaning tough dirt from kitchen exhaust fans. It breaks down difficult stains and is also substantial enough to remove any residue because it has a mild alkaline nature.
Common household items to clean greasy exhaust fans (Image Credits: Canva)
How To Clean Greasy Exhaust Fans At Home?
Step 1: Readiness For Cleaning
Ensure that the fan is unplugged and switched off. Then carefully remove the cover and filter so it is easy to clean.
Step 2: Soak The Filter
In a basin, place warm water and add some dish soap. Let the filter soak for about 15-20 minutes to loosen grease and dirt.
Step 3: Clean The Blades
With a cloth, dampen it with a mixture of vinegar and water to gently wipe each blade. If the grease still remains stubbornly, rub some baking soda on the dampened cloth before coming in contact with the blade.
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Step 4: Scrub The Filter
Using a brush or sponge that is very soft, begin scrubbing the filter until the grease and dirt are removed from the filter. Rinse the filter with warm water.
Step 5: Allow To Dry And Reassemble
Ensure that the filter is dry. Once it is dry, replace the filter and the cover. Plug the fan in, and turn it on to ensure it works.