Smoke-Free And Fresh: How To Clean Kitchen Chimney

Your chimney does equal work in the kitchen as long as you cook. It sucks the smoke and keeps your modern kitchen breathable. Below are 10 simple ways to clean the appliance and keep it free from grime and grease.

Imagine working in a modern kitchen without a chimney, and you will be sweating just reading this statement. The appliance is a hardworking hero that sucks up oily fumes and smoke every day to ensure a breathable and clean cooking space. It also prevents the smoke from clouding up your house, making everyone sneeze or cough.

But over time, grease, soot, and grime clog the filters, reducing their efficiency and creating an unhygienic mess. While regular cleaning not only ensures better suction but also prolongs the life of your chimney. The best part about chimney cleaning is you don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals to make it spotless. Below are some easy methods you can follow to clean the appliance.

Baking Soda Boil

Baking soda is a superman when it comes to degreasing appliances and utensils. It is tough on stains and reduces manual efforts. Fill a large pot with water, add two to three tablespoons of baking soda, and bring it to a boil. Take out the filters and submerge them carefully, using tongs, and let them boil for 10–15 minutes. The bubbles will loosen the oil and grime glued to them. Later, scrub lightly if needed, rinse under running water, and air dry completely before putting them back.

Lemon Scrub

Lemon is naturally acidic, which is not only used to balance flavours in a dish but also to cut through grease and deodourise appliances and utensils. First, cut a large lemon in half and rub it directly over greasy spots on the chimney hood and filters, don’t forget the edges and top portion. Squeeze it gently as you scrub to release more acidic juice. Let the citric extract sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp paper towel or microfibre cloth. You can even soak filters in hot water with a few lemon slices, degreases and deodourising.

Steam Cleaning Method

If you have a steam cleaner, you have invested in the best cleaning product. It is a chemical-free, efficient, and hassle-free option. Fill it with water, switch it on, and aim the steam jet at greasy filters and chimney surfaces, but not for too long. The hot steam will melt built-up grease, which you can later wipe off with a microfiber cloth, but wait for the surfaces to cool off first. For heavy grime, steam each area for just a few seconds longer. Steam cleaning also sanitises the chimney naturally and kills bacteria or moulds.

Degreasing Soap

For a ready-made solution that does not come with harsh chemicals, pick an eco-friendly liquid soap especially crafted for kitchen grease. Mix a small amount of this mild soap with warm water and soak the filters in the solution for 30 minutes. For the chimney hood, soak a microfibre cloth piece in it and wipe off the surface with it. Rinse and dry the filters, and your chimney will shine like a new one.

Salt and Baking Soda Paste

For stubborn spots that seem to be permanently glued, mix baking soda and salt with a little bit of water to form a thick but coarse paste. Rub it directly on the grime over the chimney hood and filters. Leave it to work its magic for 15–20 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge dipped in water, rinse the filters and wipe off the surface with a damp cloth piece. Salt is mildly abrasive and will help you get rid of the dirt and grime without scratching surfaces, while baking soda will neutralise the foul odours.

Hot Water and Dish Soap Soak

One of the easiest and no-expense ways to clean greasy chimney filters is a hot water and dish soap bath. Remove the filters and place them in a large basin or tub filled with water and lemon-scented dishwashing soap. Let them soak for 30–40 minutes before you start scrubbing them with a sponge. The hot water will loosen the tough grease, and the soap breaks down oil. Reinstall the parts after they have dried.

Vinegar Spray Solution

White vinegar is another natural cleaning agent that is widely used in kitchens for cleaning appliances and utensils. It dissolves sticky grease quickly, reducing your manual labour. Make a solution with equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, and spray it on the filters and outer chimney hood. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before using a non-abrasive sponge to wipe away the loosened grime and food build-up. For extra shine, wipe the appliance with a clean damp cloth and dry it. 

Boiling Water Pour

If you don’t have the time to clean, this is a quick trick to remove mild grease buildup. Dismantle the filters and place them over a large basin or sink before pouring hot boiling water on them. The liquid will wash away the dirt and dust. Repeat this method a couple of times until the water runs clear. Follow up with a gentle scrub if needed. This method is easy and effective for routine cleaning on weekends.

Rice Water Wash

A surprising but handy tip is to use leftover rice water instead of throwing it away. It can help clean greasy filters without any harsh chemicals. The starch in rice water can loosen grime. Collect starchy water after boiling rice, then soak your chimney filters in it for at least 30–40 minutes. Scrub them gently with a sponge or soft brush, rinse with clean running water, and dry in the air. This traditional trick is popular in some households because it minimises waste.

Regular Microfiber Wipe-Down

Prevent heavy grease buildup by giving your chimney a quick wipe-down every few days. Use a damp microfiber cloth — its fine fibres trap oil and dust better than ordinary rags. Wipe the outer hood, switches, and edges where grease tends to accumulate. Doing this regularly reduces the need for intense deep cleaning. For extra shine, dampen the cloth with a bit of diluted vinegar or lemon juice. Consistency is key for a fresh, smoke-free kitchen.