How to Clean Rotating Blades on a Kitchen Range Hood
The kitchen range hood removes grease and smoke from the kitchen as you are cooking. The steam, heat and grease eventually build up on the metal grease filter and the hood fan. A buildup of grease on the fan blades cause the fan to work slower and the motor to work harder. Cleaning rotating blades on a kitchen range hood helps to extend the life of the entire fan assembly. Most common range hoods use a simple fan motor assembly that uses a small plug to connect to the electricity. This makes removal of the assembly a quick, straightforward process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off the circuit breaker to the range hood. The circuit breaker is in your home's electrical box, but might not be clearly marked. Look for the circuit breaker that controls the range or the wall in the kitchen. Turn the range hood switch on and off until you get the correct circuit breaker. Although you are not working with the electrical system directly, it is still a good idea to be safe.
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2
Locate the metal grease filter under the hood. Pull the metal filter out of the range hood with your fingers. Most grease filters simply slide slightly to one side and pull right out, while some have small spring clips. Some hoods also have a charcoal filter behind the grease filter that pulls out as well.
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3
Rotate the range hood fan blade until you see the small plug wire from the fan assembly motor. The plug wire simply plugs into a small socket under the hood, much like a bathroom fan assembly. Grasp the plug with your fingers and pull it out of the fan hood.
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4
Remove the four hex head screws securing the fan assembly to the bottom of the range hood with a nut driver. Pull the fan assembly out of the range hood. Fill a small bowl with a solution of one part ammonia and three parts warm water.
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5
Dip an old toothbrush into the ammonia water solution and scrub the fan blades thoroughly, avoiding dripping water on the motor housing. A good way to accomplish this is to hold the assembly on its side on the kitchen counter or over the kitchen sink.
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Wipe the blades clean with a damp cloth. Continue scrubbing and wiping until the grease and grime is off the blades. Dry the blades and the blade shaft with a dry cloth.
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7
Position the fan blade assembly back into the range hood, lining up the mounting holes on the assembly to the holes in the hood. Secure the assembly with the mounting screws. Plug the small plug into the socket in the hood.
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8
Place the charcoal filter into the hood until it rests in position. Install the metal grease filter into the range hood. Turn on the circuit breaker to the range hood.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the metal grease filter while it is out of the range hood as well. Scrub it with the ammonia water and toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. Allow it to dry before reinstalling in the hood.
Do not remove the fan blades from the assembly. The blade secures to the shaft with special washer and clips that are difficult to remove and replace.
