The Hidden Grease: Why Your Extractor Hood Could Be Affecting Your Air Quality

Your extractor hood works hard every time you cook. It removes grease, smoke, steam, and cooking odours from your kitchen. But when was the last time you had it properly cleaned?

The Hidden Problem

When you cook, particularly when frying or grilling, microscopic grease particles are released into the air. Your extractor hood is designed to capture these particles in its filters before they settle on your kitchen surfaces.

Over time, those filters become saturated with grease. When this happens:

• Airflow is reduced — the hood can't pull air through clogged filters
• Grease recirculates — particles that should be captured are blown back into your kitchen
• Bacteria grows — grease is a breeding ground for bacteria
• Fire risk increases — built-up grease is highly flammable

How Grease Affects Your Health

A dirty extractor hood doesn't just make your kitchen greasy — it can genuinely affect the air you breathe.

Reduced Air Quality

When the hood can't remove cooking fumes effectively, they linger in your kitchen. This is particularly problematic if you cook with gas, as the hood also removes combustion by-products that can irritate the lungs.

Bacterial Growth

Grease build-up in warm, humid kitchen conditions creates an ideal environment for bacteria. These can be circulated back into the air every time you switch on the hood.

Allergen Concerns

For people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, poor air quality in the kitchen can trigger symptoms. A clean, functioning extractor helps maintain healthier indoor air.

Signs Your Extractor Needs Cleaning

• The filter looks yellow or brown rather than its original colour
• The hood makes more noise than usual
• Cooking smells linger longer than they used to
• Greasy film appears on nearby surfaces
• The suction feels weaker than before

Why DIY Cleaning Isn't Enough

Most people wipe the outside of their extractor hood and occasionally remove the metal filters for a soak. While this helps, it doesn't address the real build-up:

• Inside the canopy — where grease collects in areas you can't see
• The motor housing — where grease can affect performance
• The ducting — if your hood vents outside, the ductwork can accumulate significant grease

A professional clean reaches all these areas safely.

How Often Should You Clean Your Extractor?

For the average household, a professional extractor clean every six to twelve months is recommended. If you cook frequently, fry often, or run a commercial kitchen, you'll need more frequent cleaning.

What a Professional Clean Includes

At Fordwell, our extractor hood cleaning service covers:

• Filters degreased in a dip tank
• Hood and canopy wiped down and polished
• Stainless steel restored to a shine
• Bulbs checked and cleaned

Prices start from £40, and we use non-caustic, food-safe products throughout.

Breathe Easier With a Clean Extractor

Don't let hidden grease affect your kitchen air quality. Book a professional extractor clean with Fordwell today. We cover Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex, and West Sussex.