Blog
Maintaining your kitchen extractor fan: 8 tips to help extend its lifespan and performance
Kitchen extractor fans work daily to remove steam, grease, and cooking odors, making them one of the most frequently used appliances in the home. Over time, their efficiency may decrease if they are not properly maintained, even if they are still functioning normally.
The good news is that maintaining the extractor fan does not require great effort or complicated maintenance, but rather depends on a set of simple habits that help maintain the suction power, reduce malfunctions, and extend the device's lifespan.
In this guide, we review the most important tips recommended by experts to keep your kitchen extractor fan in top condition.
1. Don't postpone cleaning the filters
Filters are the first part to receive vapors and fats during cooking, so oils accumulate on them more quickly than on any other part.
When filters become saturated with grease, air passage becomes more difficult, and the motor has to work harder, which may affect suction efficiency over time.
If the extractor fan is equipped with metal filters, clean them periodically using warm water and a suitable grease-removing detergent, making sure they are thoroughly dried before being reinstalled.
2. Replace the carbon filter in a timely manner
If the extractor fan operates with an air recirculation system, it relies on a carbon filter to absorb odors.
With frequent use, this filter loses its ability to perform its function, so it is not enough to clean it, but it must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or when odors are noticed to remain in the kitchen for a longer period than usual.
3. Pay attention to the external centrifugal system
In exhaust fans that rely on external force, care is not limited to the device itself, but also includes the air duct.
Make sure there are no blockages or obstructions inside the chimney or ventilation pipe, as poor airflow may reduce the efficiency of the extractor even if the motor is working normally.
4. Keep the extractor fan body clean
Grease not only accumulates on the filters, but also appears on the outer casing and control panel.
Cleaning these surfaces with a soft cloth and a suitable cleaner maintains the sleek appearance of the appliance and prevents the buildup of grease that becomes more difficult to remove over time.
It is also preferable to avoid using abrasive materials or metal tools so that the surfaces are not scratched.
5. Use the extractor fan correctly
Many people turn on the extractor fan after the kitchen is full of steam, while it is preferable to turn it on a few minutes before cooking begins, so that it starts drawing in air from the first moment.
It is also recommended to leave it running for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking is finished, to get rid of the fumes and odors remaining in the kitchen.
6. Select the appropriate operating speed
Not all types of cooking require the highest speed.
Lower speeds can be used during light cooking, while higher speeds are more suitable for frying or grilling, which produce larger amounts of steam and fat.
Using the appropriate speed reduces energy consumption and maintains device efficiency.
7. Do not neglect regular maintenance
Even with attention to cleaning, it is advisable to periodically check the extractor fan to ensure the integrity of the filters, lighting, and mounting parts.
If you notice a decrease in suction power, an increase in noise, or the appearance of unusual vibrations, it is best to contact an authorized service center before the problem develops.
8. Maintain a clean kitchen environment
The cleaner you keep the cooking area and surrounding walls, the less grease will reach the extractor fan.
Regularly cleaning the stove and surfaces also helps to reduce the spread of fumes and odors, and maintains a more comfortable and cleaner kitchen environment.
Common mistakes that shorten the lifespan of the extractor fan
Although the extractor fan is an easy-to-use device, some daily habits may affect its performance without the user realizing it, such as:
- Postponing filter cleaning for extended periods.
- Reinstall the filters while they are still wet.
- The extractor fan and filters are not properly installed.
- Using strong detergents may affect surfaces.
- Ignore replacing the carbon filter when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Avoiding these mistakes helps maintain the device's efficiency and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions.
