Comments
How to Clean a Kitchen Chimney?
It's all about cleaning the kitchen chimney filters and preventing blockage by kitchen grease
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
23 January 2019
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
The typical Indian style of cooking involves a great deal of frying with oil, ghee and traditional spices; as a result, a lot of airborne particles of grease are produced while cooking, which ultimately stick onto the kitchen chimney, walls and cabinetry. Although the kitchen chimney helps in expelling the smoke, fumes and odours from the kitchen, the filter might get blocked with grease and dust over a period of time. This article will tell you how to clean kitchen chimney filters regularly so that the chimney does not lose its suction power and effectiveness.
What are the different types of electric chimney filters?
Electrical chimney filters can be broadly classified into three types:
Electrical chimney filters can be broadly classified into three types:
- Cassette or mesh filters are multi-layered filters made of aluminium. These filters comprise small pores that allow grease particles to stick onto them. Hence, these filters should be cleaned regularly within a span of 8–10 days.
- Baffle filters use cut-and-chop technology to separate smoke from grease. These filters do not clog the chimney or reduce its suction power. Baffle filters should be cleaned every 2–3 weeks.
- Charcoal filters are used for ductless chimneys. They have charcoal granules which absorb the cooking smoke and odour. These filters cannot be cleaned but need to be replaced periodically within a span of 3–6 months.
What is the stepwise method for cleaning baffle and cassette filters in the chimney?
- The first step is to remove all the filters from the hood of the chimney. Most filters slide out easily or pop out from the base of the hood.
- Now immerse the filters completely in a solution of boiling-hot water mixed with 1/4 cup baking powder and some liquid soap for one or two hours. This loosens the grime.
- Alternatively, one can also soak the filters in a hot water solution made with 2 spoons baking powder, 2 spoons salt and 2 cups vinegar.
- Scrub the filters with a non-abrasive scrub and rinse the filters thoroughly in hot water.
- Wipe with a clean dry cloth and put the filters back into the hood.
In some cases, cassette filters need to be cleaned with aggressive chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). That is because these filters are made up of a mesh with small pores, which makes it difficult to remove the grime.
One can clean a cassette filter by placing it in a deep tray and sprinkling some caustic soda on it. Now pour some boiling water in the tray and let it rest for two hours. After this, wash the filter with clean water, let it dry and put it back in the chimney hood.
Caution: This method of cleaning should be professionally done, using rubber gloves and protective clothing. It is essential to keep some distance from the filters during the process of cleaning because caustic soda is highly corrosive and produces dangerous fumes which should not be inhaled.
One can clean a cassette filter by placing it in a deep tray and sprinkling some caustic soda on it. Now pour some boiling water in the tray and let it rest for two hours. After this, wash the filter with clean water, let it dry and put it back in the chimney hood.
Caution: This method of cleaning should be professionally done, using rubber gloves and protective clothing. It is essential to keep some distance from the filters during the process of cleaning because caustic soda is highly corrosive and produces dangerous fumes which should not be inhaled.
Is it easier to maintain auto-clean chimneys?
Modern chimneys come with an auto-clean option that ensures easy cleaning and hassle-free maintenance. How? The user just has to turn on a switch and the chimney is washed by an automatic cleaning function. All the grime and dirt gets deposited or accumulated in a cup, which can be removed, cleaned and fixed back in the kitchen chimney.
Modern chimneys come with an auto-clean option that ensures easy cleaning and hassle-free maintenance. How? The user just has to turn on a switch and the chimney is washed by an automatic cleaning function. All the grime and dirt gets deposited or accumulated in a cup, which can be removed, cleaned and fixed back in the kitchen chimney.
Is it advisable to go for an AMC (annual maintenance contract) for the kitchen chimney?
An AMC is a better option than personally manually cleaning chimneys for kitchens where a lot of cooking goes on and causes clogging of the chimney with dense grease deposits. One can opt for an AMC with a reputed servicing company or directly with the manufacturer to clean, repair or maintain the chimney periodically.
Read more:
Which Chimney Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Are Hidden Chimneys in the Kitchen the New Trend?
Tell us:
How to clean the kitchen chimney? Share your tips in the Comments section below.
An AMC is a better option than personally manually cleaning chimneys for kitchens where a lot of cooking goes on and causes clogging of the chimney with dense grease deposits. One can opt for an AMC with a reputed servicing company or directly with the manufacturer to clean, repair or maintain the chimney periodically.
Read more:
Which Chimney Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Are Hidden Chimneys in the Kitchen the New Trend?
Tell us:
How to clean the kitchen chimney? Share your tips in the Comments section below.
Related Stories
Kitchen Ideas
7 Essentials For a Successful Kitchen Renovation
Remodelling your kitchen? Updating cabinets, walls, backsplash, flooring, storage should be a must on your list
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
Indian Homes
Renter's Dilemma: How to Update an Indian-Style Kitchen Design
Follow these simple, renter-friendly tips to update your space into a modern kitchen
Full Story
Kitchen storage
Say Hello to the Most Popular Types of Kitchen Wall Cabinets
Find out which kitchen wall cabinet style combines convenience and good looks, is easy to maintain and best suited for you
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Is an Open Kitchen Layout Right for Indian Homes?
Explore the strengths and shortcomings of an open kitchen design and find out whether it makes sense in your home
Full Story
Most Popular
What's the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Choices are aplenty when it comes to cabinet materials. Find the pros and cons of the top 5 available in the market today
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
How to Light Kitchen Counters
By David Warfel
Discover these 6 professional tips for lighting your countertops and other kitchen workspaces
Full Story
Kitchen storage
6 Must-Have Modular Kitchen Accessories
These accessories for modular kitchens are guaranteed to increase efficiency and storage
Full Story
Photo Books
23 Scandinavian Kitchens That Pack Extra Punch
Blonde timber, white details and pared-back designs are key Scandi kitchen looks
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
Have an Open Kitchen That Can Be Closed Off Too
By Jennifer Ott
Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design
Full Story