A high-quality range hood is not cheap, and many families expect it to be used for 5-10 years. However, in real life, some people’s range hoods will have problems such as reduced suction, increased noise, and oil leakage after only 2-3 years. The reason is not necessarily poor product quality, but more likely improper daily use and lack of scientific maintenance. In fact, as long as you master these 6 simple maintenance tips, you can effectively extend the service life of your range hood and keep it in "peak condition" for a long time.
First, clean the oil filter regularly – this is the most basic and important maintenance measure. The oil filter is the first line of defense for the range hood to block oil stains. A large amount of oil will accumulate on it after long-term use, which will block the air inlet and reduce suction. For families that cook 1-2 meals a day, it is recommended to disassemble and clean the oil filter once every 2-3 weeks. When cleaning, you can soak it in warm water with detergent for 10-15 minutes, then scrub it with a soft brush, and dry it before reinstalling. Avoid using hard objects to scrape the filter, so as not to damage the surface coating.
Second, clean the inner cavity in time. Even with the oil filter, some fine oil particles will still enter the inner cavity and adhere to the fan blades and air ducts. Over time, the accumulated oil will increase the load of the fan, leading to increased noise and reduced suction. It is recommended to clean the inner cavity once every 3-6 months. For models without automatic cleaning function, you can use a professional range hood cleaning agent – spray the agent on the inner cavity and fan blades, wait for 15 minutes to let the oil stains dissolve, then start the range hood and let the high-speed rotating fan blades throw off the oil stains, which will flow into the oil cup along the oil guide groove.
Third, empty the oil cup frequently. The oil cup is the "container" for collecting oil stains, and it should be emptied when it is 2/3 full. If the oil cup is too full, the oil will overflow and flow into the inner cavity of the range hood, or even drip onto the stove and floor, causing secondary pollution. When emptying the oil cup, you can wipe the inner wall with a paper towel first, then rinse it with warm water and detergent, and dry it before putting it back. Some oil cups have anti-stick coatings, so avoid using steel wool to clean them to prevent scratches.
Fourth, avoid using the range hood incorrectly. Many people turn on the range hood only when the oil fumes are heavy, but in fact, it should be turned on 1-2 minutes before cooking – this can form a negative pressure environment in the kitchen in advance, and oil fumes can be absorbed as soon as they are generated. After cooking, do not turn off the range hood immediately; keep it on for another 3-5 minutes to ensure that all residual oil fumes are exhausted. In addition, do not use the range hood to suck in large particles of debris, such as rice grains and vegetable residues, as this may block the air duct and damage the fan blades.
Fifth, check the parts regularly. Every 6-12 months, you can check the connection parts of the range hood, such as the air duct interface and the power cord, to see if there is any looseness or damage. If the power cord is aging or the plug is loose, it should be replaced in time to avoid safety hazards. At the same time, observe the operation of the fan – if there is abnormal noise or vibration, it may be that the fan blades are stuck by oil stains or the motor is faulty, and you should contact after-sales personnel for inspection and maintenance.
Sixth, choose the right cleaning products. Do not use strong corrosive cleaning agents (such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid) to clean the range hood, as these products will corrode the surface coating and inner cavity of the machine, reducing its service life. It is recommended to use neutral detergents or special range hood cleaning agents, which are mild in nature and can effectively remove oil stains without damaging the product. For stubborn oil stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and warm water, which is both environmentally friendly and effective.
Maintenance of range hoods is a "long-term task" that requires persistence in daily life. By doing these 6 points well, you can not only extend the service life of the range hood but also ensure its suction efficiency and safety performance, making it better protect your family’s kitchen environment and health.
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