The kitchen hood is our ally against smoke and odors, but how often do we remember to check it? In reality, the hood inspection should be performed periodically, every 2-3 months, to ensure that this appliance functions at its best. Additionally, some quick maintenance actions should be done every week.

If you encounter any issues with your hood, you can check the diagnostics section of the Filtro Cappa blog to find easy DIY solutions that you can apply without needing a specialized technician. Keep reading to discover all the steps to keep your hood perfectly clean and functioning.

Checklist for Periodic Hood Maintenance

Being consistent with hood cleaning will reward you with excellent suction and/or filtration performance and will help you save money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs. Let’s go through the following tips by dividing them into weekly and every 2-3 months maintenance actions.

Weekly Hood Cleaning

Here are the activities that should be performed every week:

  • Check the lighting: Make sure all lights function correctly without flickering or interruptions.
  • Test the controls: Ensure that buttons or the touch panel respond accurately.
  • Clean the exterior: Wipe the hood's surface and buttons with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove accumulated grease and dust.

These may seem like simple checks, but detecting malfunctions early will help you prevent bigger issues, restoring the hood’s functionality and efficiency.

Hood Cleaning Every 2-3 Months

These tasks do not need to be done weekly; 4 to 5 times a year is sufficient.

1. Filter Inspection

    • Grease filters: Remove and inspect the metal filters. If they appear dirty or clogged, clean them with hot water and a degreasing detergent, or place them in the dishwasher.
    • Activated carbon filters (for recirculating hoods only): Check the filters and replace them if they are saturated, following the manufacturer’s recommended frequency (usually every 6 months).

2. Motor Inspection

  • Listen to the motor sound: An excessively loud or irregular noise may indicate technical problems.
  • Test the suction efficiency using the paper sheet trick. If the hood does not hold the paper, a technical inspection might be needed.

3. Exhaust Duct Inspection (for ducted hoods only)

  • Ensure the ducts are free from obstructions caused by accumulated dust or grease.
  • Inspect the joints to ensure they are properly sealed, preventing air leaks that reduce the hood’s efficiency.

Now that you know what to check, let’s go over why these maintenance steps are essential for a longer-lasting hood and a healthier kitchen.

Saturated Grease Filters Full of Dirt

Why Regular Hood Checks Are Important

Performing regular checks on your kitchen hood not only preserves its optimal performance but also provides many practical and long-term benefits:

  • Improves efficiency in managing odors and fumes.
  • Reduces energy consumption.
  • Prevents costly breakdowns.
  • Ensures a healthier home environment.
  • Extends the lifespan of the hood.
  • Keeps the kitchen cleaner.
  • Reduces grease and dirt buildup in the filters and ducts.
  • Prevents food contamination.

In short, a real investment for your home and your family’s quality of life.

Expert Tips:

  1. Set a reminder on your smartphone every 3 months to check your hood’s condition.
  2. Pro Tip: After heavy cooking, take a few minutes for a quick surface cleaning of the filters.

Filtro Cappa Provides Filters and Spare Parts for Your Hood

Maintenance is essential, but at some point, your kitchen hood will still require new filters or spare parts, as it is advisable to replace them over time, even with regular and thorough cleaning.

Proper cleaning can extend the lifespan of grease filters, but not indefinitely, as wear and tear will eventually require replacement. In the case of standard activated carbon filters, they must be replaced, as they cannot be washed.

On the Filtro Cappa e-commerce, you will find everything you need for your hood, including various original or compatible spare parts from different brands. If you have doubts or don’t know what to choose, you can contact us via WhatsApp chat on the website or email us. We will get back to you as soon as possible!