How to Clean Kitchen Chimney: Get to Learn About the Various Kinds of Chimney Filters with 5 Different Methods for Cleaning Your Kitchen's Chimney (2021)

Kitchen chimneys are probably the most important element of a clean kitchen. They keep all the smoke and vapors away while cooking. And, thanks to this, your kitchen doesn't smell of grime or grease anymore. But guess what? Kitchen chimneys are often the most ignored when it comes to cleaning. Always remember that You have to deep clean the kitchen chimney on a timely basis for the equipment to work without any hitches. Also, regular maintenance ensures that the kitchen chimney functions efficiently and to its full potential.

But before we get ahead with the cleaning part, it is important to know about the different types of chimney filters. Each of the filters calls for a different cleaning method and disassembling.
Here are the main types of kitchen chimney filters used popularly in India.

This is one of the most commonly used filter types in kitchen chimneys. In the mesh type of filter, the air is sucked through multiple layers of aluminum mesh. Also known as the cassette filter, this filter leaves behind a lot of grime or stickiness on the mesh. But it is not easy to clean. Hence, this filter is best used for cooking styles where less oil and spice are involved.

Baffle filters are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel. These kinds of filters have equally spaced, and thick baffles set side by side on a slab. They offer optimized airflow and helps to capture grease efficiently. The oily impurities drain along with the baffles and move into a collecting trough. Hence, they are effortless to clean and best for Indian kitchens.

This filter is made up of a charcoal slate with holes in it. The holes absorb oil and smoke particles in the kitchen. It is used in conjunction with baffle or mesh filters. They are not washable and has to be replaced every 3 or 4 months. These filters are suited for Indian cooking but are very expensive.

If you are into some quick cleaning of the kitchen chimney, then you don't have to take the whole chimney apart. You can go with a quick dab with a cloth and cleaning liquid. But in order to thoroughly clean all parts of the kitchen chimney - filter, mesh, baffles, and hood, you need to go into some deep cleaning solutions. Here are five different ways to clean your kitchen chimney like a pro. The best part is that all methods are natural and will not harm the expensive kitchen chimney! Also, these methods are all tried and proven to be effective.

White vinegar is a commonly available ingredient and is mostly found in all households. It is a good cleaning agent and can be used for multipurpose cleaning. Vinegar has disinfectant properties owing to its acidic and abrasive nature. As a result, you can also keep germs away apart from cleaning the chimney. To clean the kitchen chimney with white vinegar, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Acclaimed to be an all-purpose cleaning agent, baking soda is also an excellent idea when cleaning kitchen chimneys. Owing to the alkaline and abrasive properties, baking soda can break down grease and clean surfaces without causing any harm. Chemically known as Sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is also great for scrubbing away tough stains.

Dishwashing liquids consist of chemicals that are specifically designed to remove grease and oil. The liquid surfactants present in the detergent will break down the oil deposits and cuts down tough grease stains.

Paint thinners are powerful solutions containing organic solvents like acetone, toluene, turpentine, and other mineral spirits. As a result, they have the capability of removing stubborn grease and oil stains—however, a word of caution. The solvents in the paint thinner evaporate easily and result in you inhaling quite a lot of the harmful vapors. So, always refrain from cleaning the whole filters like in the previously mentioned methods. Instead, you can clean the hard to reach places and crevices in the kitchen chimney (where the most stubborn grease is found).

Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is commonly used in industries as a cleaning agent. However, it is generally not used in households as it is strong in composition and may cause chemical burns if handled inappropriately. But if you are dealing with stubborn stains and grease, then maybe the previously mentioned methods may not cut it.

Kitchen chimneys are designed to absorb smoke, airborne grease, fumes, and steam while cooking, which is then vented outside. Kitchen chimneys have several working components that trap substances like grease, droplets, and soot.

So, if you do not clean the parts of the kitchen chimney on a regular basis:

The frequency of cleaning your kitchen chimney ideally depends on the type of food you prepare and the number of times you use it in a day. If you generally prepare oily and spicy food, it is best to clean the meshes and filters at least once in 2 months. If you have a charcoal filter in the chimney, then make sure to replace it every six months.

Some of the modern-day kitchen chimneys have the option to auto clean themselves. Upon clicking a button, the chimney's heating elements break down the grease and oil and send it to an oil collector box. All you have to do is to remove the collector and clean it thoroughly.


However, most of the commonly used kitchen chimneys in India require your regular maintenance and cleaning effort. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while cleaning kitchen chimneys:

Cleaning the kitchen chimney is not an easy job. There are certain things that you need to give importance to while deciding to clean the electrical equipment. However, the process is worthwhile if you follow the recommended steps in cleaning and using the right cleaning agents. Nonetheless, the process of cleaning the kitchen chimney is viewed with much apprehension. There are always quite a few questions that pop up now and then.

Here are a few FAQs related to cleaning the kitchen chimney: