If you cook regularly, the grease filters will usually need cleaning more often - typically every 2-4 weeks.

Keeping the fan clean helps it work properly, reduces smells, and prevents grease building up over time.

Why Cleaning an Extractor Fan Matters

Extractor fans don’t just move air - they collect grease, dust, and moisture as they run.

Over time, this leads to:

  • Grease build-up on filters and inside the hood
  • Reduced airflow, meaning steam and smells don’t clear properly
  • Lingering cooking odours
  • Increased fire risk if grease builds up heavily

This is something you see quite a lot - the fan is technically working, but it’s barely pulling anything because the filters are clogged.

Types of Extractor Fans

The cleaning routine depends slightly on the type of fan you have.

Recirculating Cooker Hoods

  • Use grease filters and carbon filters
  • Clean the air and send it back into the room

Ducted Cooker Hoods

  • Extract air outside
  • Still use grease filters that need regular cleaning

Bathroom or Utility Extractor Fans

  • Wall or ceiling mounted
  • Designed to remove moisture rather than grease

Most problems come down to blocked filters or restricted airflow, regardless of the type.

How Often Should You Clean It?

Kitchen extractor fans

  • Grease filters:
    • every 2-4 weeks (heavy use)
    • every 1-2 months (lighter use)
  • Full clean (hood and surfaces):
    • every 1-3 months
  • Carbon filters (recirculating models):
    • replace every 3-6 months
    • these are usually not washable

Bathroom extractor fans

  • Light clean: every 3 months
  • Deeper clean: every 6-12 months

What You Should and Shouldn’t Use

Safe to use

  • Warm soapy water
  • Kitchen degreaser
  • Soft cloth or sponge
  • Soft brush for vents

Avoid

  • Abrasive pads or scourers
  • Strong chemicals that can damage finishes
  • Soaking electrical components
  • Spraying cleaner directly into the motor

Using the wrong cleaning method can damage the fan or leave moisture where it shouldn’t be.

How to Clean a Kitchen Extractor Fan

Step-by-step

  1. Switch the fan off
  2. Remove the grease filters
  3. Soak them in warm soapy water
  4. Gently scrub to remove grease
  5. Rinse and dry completely
  6. Wipe down the hood (inside and outside)
  7. Refit the filters once fully dry

Key points

  • Filters must be completely dry before refitting
  • Don’t rush this - moisture inside the unit can cause problems

How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan

Step-by-step

  1. Switch off the power
  2. Remove the cover
  3. Wipe away dust and debris
  4. Wash the cover with warm soapy water
  5. Carefully clean around the fan blades (avoid water in the motor)
  6. Reassemble once everything is dry

Common Problem Areas

Grease filters

  • The most common issue
  • Easily clogged if not cleaned regularly

Vents and airflow paths

  • Dust and grease can restrict airflow

Outer surfaces

  • Sticky residue builds up over time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving filters too long between cleans
  • Putting filters back while still wet
  • Using abrasive cleaning materials
  • Letting grease build up heavily
  • Cleaning without switching off power

Most performance issues come down to simple maintenance being missed.

Signs It Needs Cleaning

  • The fan feels weak
  • Steam isn’t clearing properly
  • Smells linger after cooking
  • Filters look greasy or blocked
  • The fan is louder than usual

Simple Maintenance Tips

  • Clean the filters regularly
  • Wipe surfaces after cooking
  • Don’t let grease build up
  • Replace carbon filters when needed

Keeping on top of it makes a noticeable difference.

When It’s More Than Just Cleaning

If cleaning doesn’t fix the issue, it could be something else.

Look out for:

  • No airflow at all
  • Loud mechanical noise
  • Fan not turning on
  • Electrical issues

At that point, it’s worth getting it checked before it turns into a bigger problem.

FAQs

Can I put extractor fan filters in the dishwasher?

Some can, but not all. Check the manufacturer guidance first - otherwise hand washing is the safer option.

How do I know if my carbon filter needs replacing?

If smells aren’t clearing properly even after cleaning the grease filters, the carbon filter is likely due for replacement.

Why is my extractor fan still weak after cleaning?

There could be a blockage in the ducting, or the motor may be wearing out.

How long do extractor fans last?

Most last several years, but performance will drop if they aren’t maintained properly.

Final Word

Cleaning an extractor fan is one of those jobs that’s easy to put off, but it makes a big difference.

Keeping the filters clean and staying on top of basic maintenance helps the fan work properly, keeps the kitchen fresh, and avoids bigger problems later on.