Tag Archives: Range hood maintenance

Range Hood Cleaning and Maintenance

Range hood cleaning ranks near the top of everyone’s list of detestable chores. Unfortunately, because vent hoods are so difficult to maintain, people often neglect them. This can create a variety of hazardous conditions and potential problems, shortening the life of the ventilation Range Hood Cleaningsystem and rendering it ineffective and possibly dangerous. Here are some helpful hints for making this unpleasant task easier.

Cleaning the Range Hood Filters

The exhaust fan system’s sole purpose is to suck up the fumes, smoke and grease produced during the cooking process and vent them away safely. Consequently, if it’s doing its job, the filters quickly become dirty and difficult to clean. Although some filters are dishwasher safe, this approach should be used only for periodic maintenance once you’ve done an extreme cleaning. Pop the filter(s) out, then fill your sink with a mixture of grease-busting liquid dish soap, baking soda and boiling water. Drop the filter in and let it soak for 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Use more dish liquid if necessary and scrub until the filter is clean. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before replacing. Clean the filters at least once a month or more often if you cook frequently. Remember that the filters can become greasy and clogged even if you don’t run the vent fan. If your model uses activated charcoal filters, these cannot be cleaned. Replace this type of filter at least once each year.

Cleaning the Vent Hood Lighting

Most range hoods include a light bulb cover panel, however, some older models leave the bulb exposed. Clean plastic covers in the same manner as described above for filters, taking care not to scratch the plastic. If the bulb is exposed, switch off the breaker to the hood then remove the bulb. Use a strong kitchen cleaning and degreasing spray with a cloth or sponge to clean the area around the bulb as well as the other metal areas on the hood’s underside. Dry with a cloth or paper towels then allow the area to air dry for several hours before putting in a new bulb and restoring power.

Recommended Range Hood Maintenance

As greasy as those filters were, the inside of the ventilation system is likely to also be full of crud. This buildup can cause the hood to short out or catch fire in extreme cases. Even if you are diligent about cleaning the exterior of your vent hood, regular cleaning and maintenance of the fan and vent tube is necessary as well. This is not a do-it-yourself project, but requires the expertise of a professional hood-cleaning service or appliance repair company. This is especially true if your range hood is the ductless type, as these can rapidly become ineffective when dirty, potentially exposing you to toxic fumes.

In the Salt Lake City area, Complete Appliance Repair can provide professional repair and maintenance service for your range hood. When it’s time to replace your stove’s ventilation system, their professional service techs can remove your old model and provide installation of the new one. Contact them today for more professional advice on range hood cleaning and maintenance.

Range Top and Oven Maintenance Hints

 If you’re like many people, you use your range frequently, perhaps several times each day. Nevertheless, the range can be one of the most endurable major appliances if cared for properly helping you to avoid range repairs. Because there are so many types of ranges (electric coil element, electric smooth top, gas sealed, gas unsealed, dual fuel, etc.), be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you are taking the proper steps and using approved cleaning methods and materials. Here are a few general maintenance tips that may help your stove hang around for many more meals.  Note: Before beginning any type of cleaning or maintenance on your range or stove, ensure that all burners are turned off and it is cool to the touch.

Cleaning the Control Panel

It is critical to never use abrasive cleansers on your range’s control panel. Otherwise, you will complete appliance repair and service range repairquickly and completely remove the lettering that tells you what’s what. Never spray a cleaning product directly on the control panel; rather, spray some on a soft cloth or sponge and lightly wipe the surface of the panel. You can use the same approach for the knobs, although some knobs do come off so you can soak them in warm water and a gentle cleaning solution to remove built-up dirt and grime.

Drip Pans

If you have a stove with the bowl-style drip pans beneath the burners, those drip pans are likely to become permanently stained at some point. Replace drip pans every two to three years. This may also apply to the panel below your electric oven’s bottom heating element.

Smooth Surface Cook Tops and Oven Doors

Typically, smooth surface cooktops are made of glass. The only way to safely and effectively clean these surfaces is with a product made specifically for cleaning glass cooktops. Often these same products can be used for cleaning the glass portion of your oven door, but be sure to check your manufacturer’s recommendations. While cleaning your oven door, be sure to clean the thermal gasket and check for damage or separation.

Oven Light

Most ovens take a standard 40 watt appliance bulb. It may be exposed or you may need to remove a dome or cover. If so, take this opportunity to clean the cover or dome by soaking it in warm water and white vinegar for 15 minutes to help loosen baked on grease. Use a soft sponge and dish soap to remove any remaining residue. Be sure to dry the bulb cover thoroughly before replacing it.

By following these basic care instructions, you can help your range stay on top of its game. If you have problems with your stove, contact us at Complete Appliance Repair and Service to come out and take a look.  There are many aspects of the range that should not be serviced by anyone other than a professional.