Extractor fan filters are the fine mesh grates on the underside of the cooker hood. The grease filters are an important, but often neglected part of every extractor fan hood when it comes to cleaning. The role of the filters is to prevent grease stains and fumes from reaching the extraction vents. If the vents become clogged with grease, this would lead to complications with the extractor fan.
To restore your cooker hood filters and make them look like new, sustainability influencer Kate, otherwise known as @my_plastic_free_home on Instagram, recommends using natural bleach, more commonly known as sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate is an eco-friendly product that is active for a few hours whilst it’s working and then breaks down to oxygen, water and sodium carbonate when in water.
She said: “Natural bleach (aka sodium percarbonate) has so many uses and I can’t wait to show you how easy it is to remove that disgusting, greasy buildup on your extractor fan filters.
“Just add one tablespoon to hot water, leave for a few hours whilst it’s active and watch it work its magic.”
In the video, Kate started by showing her followers her extractor fan filters that were covered in brown grease stains.
She then popped them in the sink with hot water and sprinkled over one tablespoon of the natural bleach.
Sodium percarbonate is activated by warm or hot water. When it hits the water, it releases trapped oxygen from the peroxide. This creates a bubbling effect that lifts away stains, dirt, grime, and germs.
After some time, the water in the sink had turned cloudy and had floating bits of grease that had lifted from the filters.
She said: “The dirt lifts so easily. You don’t even need to scrub them. Just rinse them off and they’ll be perfectly clean again.”
Sodium percarbonate is an alkaline substance that helps to break down and dissolve grease and oil-based stains, making it perfect to use on greasy extractor fan filters.
Not only can it remove grease, but this natural cleaning item is ideal for keeping your laundry naturally white by helping to prevent the greying of fabric from limescale buildup.