How to clean the outside of an extractor hood?

Cleaning the outside of an extractor hood is most effective when using the correct products and techniques. For removing grease build-up, HG offers HG grease away, which is safe for multiple surfaces. For stainless steel and aluminium surfaces, HG stainless steel cleaner provides a streak-free finish. Household solutions such as mixtures of water and vinegar, lemon juice or washing-up liquid may also be used, although they are not always as effective and should be tested first. Regular maintenance and the use of suitable cleaning products help keep the outside of your extractor hood clean. Always check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions beforehand.

HG solutions for cleaning the outside of the extractor hood

To clean the exterior effectively:

• Use HG grease away to remove grease and grease buildup from the outside of your extractor hood. Spray onto the surface, allow to work briefly and wipe away using a cloth wrung out in warm water. Repeat if necessary depending on soiling. This extremely powerful and effective degreaser is safe to use on all surfaces, such as stainless steel, aluminium, plastic, natural stone and ceramics.
• For stainless steel and aluminium extractor hoods, we recommend HG stainless-steel cleaner. Spray lightly or apply to a cloth, clean the surface and wipe dry to achieve a streak-free finish. Shake well before use. This powerful product quickly and easily removes grease, dirt and fingerprints from stainless steel, chrome and aluminium, always with an absolutely streak-free finish.
• Regular cleaning of filters is also recommended for optimal performance. A clean filter ensures optimal extraction power and extends the life of your extractor hood.

With our products and tips, you can effectively clean the outside of your extractor hood and keep it looking fresh and well-maintained.

Household solutions for cleaning the outside of your extractor hood

Common methods include household solutions you can try. Keep in mind that these methods don't always produce the desired results and may not be suitable for all materials. We recommend testing first on a small, inconspicuous area. Here are some suggestions:

• Vinegar and water mixtures applied with a cloth. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and use this solution to clean the outside of the extractor hood with a soft cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly afterwards.
• Lemon-based cleaning pastes. Make a paste from water and lemon juice and apply it to the outside of the extractor hood. Leave it to work for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
• Washing-up liquid solutions. Use a natural degreaser, such as a mixture of water and washing-up liquid, to remove stubborn dirt and grease from the outside. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent streaks.

These methods require testing first and may not suit all materials. Whilst these solutions can help clean the outside of your extractor hood, they don't always deliver the most effective results. If you're unsure or the soiling is stubborn, we recommend choosing a professional cleaning product specifically designed for your type of extractor hood, such as HG grease away or HG stainless-steel cleaner.

Reasons why an extractor hood becomes soiled

The outside of an extractor hood can become dirty for several reasons. Here are the main causes:

• Cooking vapours and grease splatter released during cooking that settle on the outside of the extractor hood.
• Dust and airborne dirt from the air that accumulate on the surface of the extractor hood over time.
• Lack of regular cleaning or insufficient cleaning, allowing dirt and grease to build up on the outside.
• Use of unsuitable cleaning products that leave streaks or marks on the surface of the extractor hood.

To prevent soiling and keep the outside of your extractor hood from becoming soiled, you can take the following measures. Clean regularly, preferably after each cooking session, to prevent dirt and grease from building up. Use appropriate cleaners that suit the material of the outside of your extractor hood. Reduce grease splatter during cooking by cooking at lower temperatures and using the right cookware.