How To Effectively Clean The Kitchen Chimney?

At the center of your kitchen, your chimney quietly works hard to keep the air fresh while you create delicious meals. But, like anything else, it needs some care to stay effective over time.

This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the basics of chimney cleaning and explain how the handpicked cleaners from Emera can help keep your kitchen spotless and safe.

How To Effectively Clean The Kitchen Chimney At Home?

1. Emera’s Organic Kitchen Cleaner

This eco-friendly DIY kitchen cleaner, made with Emera’s “All Surface Concentrate,” is ready in less than a minute. Just perform a few simple steps mentioned below, and you’re set to clean the kitchen chimney with organic cleaner!

Here’s how to use Emera’s kitchen cleaning kit at home:

Fill with Water: Pour water into the bottle up to the blue curvy line.
Add Concentrate: Next, add the cleaning concentrate up to the green straight line.
Spray and Wipe: Simply spray the solution on the surface, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth

It easily cuts through grease and grime, leaving your kitchen—including the chimney—sparkling and fresh with a lemon and lemongrass scent.

Our cleaner, made from natural ingredients like coconut, corn, and citrus enzymes, is perfect for cleaning all kitchen surfaces, from counters and cabinets to fans, stoves, chimneys, appliances, and more. Say goodbye to tough messes and hello to a spotless kitchen!

2. Vinegar

White vinegar cleaning is great for tackling grime and stains on your chimney’s exterior, like the hood and panels. For a quick clean, soak a paper towel in a vinegar solution and wipe down all the surfaces, getting into every corner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe again with a paper towel dipped in plain water to remove any remaining residue. However, keep in mind that vinegar is acidic and can potentially affect some surfaces, so be sure to clean thoroughly to avoid any lingering strong smell.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda, a common kitchen staple, is great for cleaning and has been used for thousands of years. It’s mildly abrasive, making it perfect for scrubbing tough stains. To remove grease from your chimney hood, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a bit of water to create a thick paste. Apply it, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. For a stronger paste, you can use vinegar instead of water.

4. Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid is great for cleaning kitchen chimney mesh filters. Apply the liquid to the filters, scrub gently, then soak them in hot water for 2 hours. Afterward, scrub off the grease, rinse with fresh water, and let them dry. For tougher grease, boil the filters in a steel drum with dishwashing liquid for 30 minutes for a deeper clean.

5. Paint Thinners

Use paint thinners for tough grease spots that regular cleaning can’t handle. Apply with a cotton or microfiber cloth, scrub stubborn areas, and for hard-to-reach spots, let the thinner sit before scraping off the grease. Paint thinners are a safer, more effective alternative than caustic soda, which can be harsh and damaging. However, be aware that paint thinners have strong, toxic fumes that are extremely flammable, so always use them in a well-ventilated area.

Cons of Using Chemical-based and Other Cleaners

Toxic Ingredients

Many chemical cleaners contain harsh substances like ammonia, bleach, and phosphoric acid, which can cause breathing problems, irritate your skin, and be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

Environmental Harm

These chemicals don’t break down easily, meaning they can end up polluting water and harming aquatic life.

Surface Damage

Over time, the corrosive nature of these cleaners can wear down your bathroom fixtures, tiles, and pipes, leading to costly damage.

Natural Ingredients Can Be Tricky

Using natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda directly can be less effective and requires careful mixing to get the right results, which can be inconvenient.

Natural ingredients that work well for cleaning might not always be on hand, making it harder to clean effectively without turning to chemical options.

How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Chimney?

Here are some basic guidelines to help you set up a regular cleaning routine.

1. Filters and Meshes

Clean the meshes and filters at least once every two months to keep them in good working condition, ensuring they effectively capture airborne particles.

2. Heavy Usage of Oily and Spicy Foods

If your kitchen frequently handles oily and spicy foods, it’s best to clean the meshes and filters every month. This prevents grease buildup and keeps your chimney working efficiently.

3. Charcoal-Filtered Chimneys

For charcoal-filtered chimneys, it’s important to replace the filter every six months. This keeps the charcoal effective at absorbing odors and impurities, ensuring your kitchen stays fresh.

What Are The Signs That Your Chimney Needs Immediate Cleaning?

Weak Suction: If your chimney isn’t clearing smoke and fumes like it used to, the filter or duct might be clogged.

Strange Noises: Rattling or humming sounds could mean there is a blockage or an issue with the motor.

Lingering Smells: If unpleasant odors stick around after cooking, your chimney might be dirty or clogged.

Visible Grease: If you see grease or grime building up on the filters or inside the chimney, it’s time to clean it.

Slow Venting: If it takes longer for smoke to clear, there could be a blockage in the ducts.

Declining Performance: If your chimney isn’t working as well as before, a cleaning might help restore its efficiency.

Dirty Filters: If the filters look dirty or clogged, they need to be cleaned or replaced.

Poor Air Quality: If your kitchen feels smokier or more polluted, it’s a sign your chimney needs attention.

Time Since Last Cleaning: If it’s been a while since the last cleaning, or if the chimney is old, it’s a good idea to clean it.

Lastly, to keep your kitchen chimney in top shape, we recommend using Organic Kitchen Cleaner from Emera at regular intervals. This helps maintain cleanliness and efficiency. Having parts like the blower, motor, and ducts professionally cleaned annually is a great idea if you fry food often. For lighter use, a 12 to 18 month interval should work.

At Emera, we aim to bring you family-first solutions for eco-friendly living. We hope this guide helps you maintain a healthy and efficient kitchen chimney for years.

If you need professional cleaning services or want to explore our range of organic home cleaning products, please contact us. Together, we can keep your home sparkling clean and environmentally friendly.