How To Clean Kitchen Chimneys at Home Effectively – A DIY Guide

how to clean kitchen chimney at home

The sizzle of spices, the joyous splash of simmering curries – an Indian kitchen is a pan-pot full of flavours. But with this joyous ride of taste comes a not-so-harmonious byproduct: greasy buildup on your chimney. Fear not, fellow MasterChef! Keeping your chimney clean, or more specifically, knowing how to clean chimneys at home, is an achievable feat, ensuring both efficient ventilation and looks spick and span.

Some trusty DIY solutions are hiding in your pantry. Vinegar and baking soda, these natural cleaning champions, can tackle greasy filters effectively. They might require more time but are budget-friendly and gentle on your filter. In this DIY guide, let’s unleash their power for a sparkling clean and learn how to clean the chimney from the inside at home only

Why Clean Your Chimney?

Blockage of the chimney is surely more than just an eyesore. Here’s why regular cleaning is essential: 

  • Improved Efficiency: A clean chimney means good airflow, allowing for the increased evacuation of smoke, odours, and grease particles. In other words, you get a cooler environment to cook in. 
  • Enhanced Safety: The accumulation of grease beyond the usual level can be a potential fire threat. Routine washing reduces the chance of contamination, making the kitchen safe. 
  • Extended Lifespan: The right maintenance means your chimney is efficient for many years, saving you the chance of damaging your worthwhile investment.

The Essential Cleaning Arsenal 

Now that you understand your chimney let’s gather your cleaning supplies. These will help you clean minor dust and heavy, greasy oil, effectively teaching you how to clean chimney oil.

  • For Filters: Warm water, dishwashing soap, degreaser spray (optional), baking soda (optional), and a large tub or kitchen sink for soaking. 
  • For the Hood: Microfiber cloth, degreaser spray, and warm water with a mild dish soap solution. 
  • Safety Gear: Rubber gloves (for using caustic soda or degreaser sprays).
clean baffle filter chimney

Conquering the Grease: Step-by-Step

Step 1. Cleaning the Filters

  • For all Chimney Types: Baffle Filter Chimneys, Ducted Chimneys, Ductless Chimneys, Auto Clean Chimneys, Island Chimneys, Wall-Mounted Chimneys
  • Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks for regular use, more frequently for heavy cooking.
  • The Process:
    1. Gather your supplies: Warm water, dishwashing soap, degreaser spray (optional), baking soda (optional), and a large tub or sink for soaking.
    2. Disassemble the filters: Refer to your KAFF chimney’s manual for proper filter removal instructions specific to your model.
    3. Soak the filters: Fill your tub or sink with warm water and dishwashing soap. Submerge the filters and let them soak for 2 hours. This loosens greasy deposits.
    4. Tackle stubborn stains:
      • Degreaser spray: For tough grease, consider a degreaser spray following the product instructions (ensure compatibility with your filter material).
      • Baking soda paste: Alternatively, create a paste with baking soda and water to scrub gently on stubborn stains.
    5. Rinse and dry: Rinse the filters thoroughly with clean water and dry them completely with a clean cloth before reinstalling them.

Step 2. Cleaning the Hood

  • For all Chimney Types: Baffle Filter Chimneys, Ducted Chimneys, Ductless Chimneys, Auto Clean Chimneys, Island Chimneys, Wall-Mounted Chimneys
  • Frequency: Monthly or as needed.
  • The Process:
    1. Safety first: Turn off the chimney and unplug it for safety.
    2. Wipe down the exterior: Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the hood’s exterior.
    3. Fight tough grease: For tougher grease stains, use a degreaser spray following the product instructions. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the surface.
    4. Clean the light fixture: Use a damp cloth to clean the light fixture and surrounding areas.

Tips to Clean Tough Grease from Chimney:

  1. If using caustic soda (a powerful degreaser), handle it cautiously. Wear gloves and goggles, and ensure proper ventilation. It’s recommended only for very stubborn grease buildup.
  2. For heavily clogged filters, consider using a professional chimney cleaning service. They have specialised equipment and techniques to handle deep-seated grease.

    Whenever you need a chimney cleaning service or repairs, search locally. KAFF offers one of the best chimney repair services for their products all over India. 

The KAFF Advantage

KAFF is known for providing premium kitchen appliances in India and beyond and offers a wide range of chimneys designed for efficient performance and effortless cleaning. Many KAFF chimney models, like the Auto Clean Chimney and the Baffle Filter Chimney, boast features that make your life easier.

Remember, with proper cleaning and maintenance, your chimney will continue to be the silent guardian of your kitchen, ensuring a clean and healthy cooking environment for years to come. KAFF chimneys come with a warranty of upto 2 year on product and 12 years for motors, giving you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

FAQs:

Q. How often one should clean a kitchen chimney?
A. It’s recommended to clean your kitchen chimney every 2-3 months for optimal performance and air quality.

Q. What time of year is best to clean a chimney?
A. Anytime is suitable for chimney cleaning, but consider doing it before the heavy cooking seasons to ensure uninterrupted ventilation.

Q. What happens if you use a dirty kitchen chimney?
A. A dirty chimney can reduce efficiency, cause unpleasant odours, and cause fire hazards. Regular cleaning is essential for safe and effective ventilation.

Q. Do burning potato peels clean chimneys?
A. Some believe in the potato peel method, but it needs to be a proven or recommended cleaning technique. Opt for safe and reliable cleaning methods instead.

Q. Can I use thinner to clean a chimney?
A. Thinner can remove grease, but it’s not recommended for chimney cleaning due to safety concerns. Stick to safer cleaning agents like vinegar or baking soda.

Q. Can you clean the chimney with water?
A. Yes, you can clean certain chimney parts with water, but avoid soaking electrical components. For thorough cleaning, use a combination of water and gentle cleaning agents.

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