How To Clean And Maintain Your Kitchen Chimney

From dusty corners to grimy surfaces: some serious kitchen chimney cleaning tips to keep your kitchen odour-free Every kitchen should have a whiff of deliciousness and not overpowering smells ...

From dusty corners to grimy surfaces: some serious kitchen chimney cleaning tips to keep your kitchen odour-free

Every kitchen should have a whiff of deliciousness and not overpowering smells that repel. And proper kitchen chimney cleaning is the key to achieving it. If you want to avoid going on a sneezing spree because of frying chillies or garlic, ensure that your chimney’s spic and span.

Why is kitchen chimney cleaning essential?

Any kitchen is incomplete without a chimney or a good exhaust. This is particularly true for Indian kitchens with desi tadkas and masala fumes. The chimney absorbs smoke, airborne grease, vapours, odours, and steam from the gas stoves. As a result, the meshes, filters, and baffles soak up all of these airborne contaminants.

Kitchen chimney cleaning ensures that these deposits and thick filth layers obstructing the passage of gases are removed. Otherwise, it can impact the smooth functioning of your chimney in the long run.

How often should you clean the chimney?

How to clean the chimney depends on the types of meals you cook. A monthly cleaning is recommended if you often consume fried foods with intense spices. Another critical aspect that determines the kitchen chimney cleaning process and frequency is the type of chimney you own. These include:

Mesh or cassette chimney

This type of chimney contains multi-layered filters made of aluminium. Since it has smaller pores, it requires fortnightly cleaning.

Baffle chimney

This type of chimney has filters that use cut-and-chop technology, which helps separate smoke from grease, thus reducing clogging. Can be cleaned in 3-4 weeks

Auto-clean, filterless chimney

Grime and dirt melt and accumulate into a detachable collecting tray in auto-clean filterless chimneys. You have to empty this tray and clean it. You don’t have to bother with filter cleaning if you own this chimney type.

External wiping (every day)

Routine maintenance involves wiping the chimney’s external surfaces daily with a damp cloth to eliminate dust and maintain its aesthetics. This is not time-consuming, but external cleaning can keep your chimney sparkling.

Filter cleaning (every 15 days)

You can thoroughly clean mesh, or baffle filters every 2-3 weeks using mild detergent and water. You can also use household items such as vinegar, baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Remove the filters and meshes and clean them separately. Let them dry properly before reattaching.

Deep kitchen chimney cleaning (Every 30-60 days)

Deep cleaning the chimney every couple of months is crucial. Though this process is cumbersome, it helps eliminate the grease and grime accumulated in the tiny pores of the filters. To keep your kitchen chimney running for a long time, you could consider minimising using them during your long, frying sessions. This will prevent oil vapour settlement on the chimney’s inner walls. Instead, opt for open windows during such cooking. This practice helps maintain the chimney’s effectiveness by reducing oil build-up over time.

Homemade hacks to clean the kitchen chimney

There are multiple ingredients you can use to clean the chimney. Some that may be easily available in your home are:

White vinegar

Using white vinegar for kitchen chimney cleaning eliminates accumulated filth and stains on the exterior, particularly on the hood and panels. A vinegar solution on a paper towel efficiently cleanses the hood, swiftly wiping surfaces to ensure no nook or cranny is missed. After letting it sit for a few minutes, a rinse with a plain water-dipped paper towel removes any remaining residue.

Baking soda

Baking soda, a classic kitchen staple, is an excellent cleaning agent. Its mild abrasive properties tackle tough stains when mixed with water. For instance, a paste of two teaspoons of baking soda and water effectively removes grease from the chimney hood. Substitute water with white vinegar for a more potent cleaning paste to enhance its potency. Additionally, 2 cups of vinegar, 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda, and salt are effective for cleaning filters and meshes.

Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid is another viable option for cleaning chimney filters, designed to tackle oil and grease efficiently. You can gently scrub the filters with dishwashing liquid, and boil them in a plastic bucket for two hours aids in thorough cleaning.

Paint thinners or nail polish remover

Paint thinners serve as potent agents for filter cleaning. However, make sure to keep the room well-ventilated while using them. Begin by applying some thinner onto a cotton or microfibre cloth and gently scrubbing the grease. Alternatively, you can apply a few drops into a crevice. That will allow the thinner to work, facilitating grease removal with a sharp tool like a knife or blade. Regularly cleaning your kitchen chimney remains essential to maintain its efficiency and hygiene.