If you own a Bosch extractor fan, you must know how to clean it properly. A dirty extractor fan can lead to poor air quality in your kitchen and even cause a fire hazard.
Cleaning your extractor fan and filter is crucial not only for your appliance's longevity but also for your household's health and safety.
In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to clean your Bosch extractor fan and filter to keep your kitchen air clean and your appliance functioning efficiently.
Importance of Cleaning Your Bosch Extractor Fan & Filter
Keeping your Bosch extractor fan and filter clean is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe kitchen environment.
Over time, grease and other debris can build up in your extractor fan and filter, reducing their efficiency and increasing the fire risk.
A dirty extractor fan can also lead to unpleasant odors in your kitchen, making it less inviting and less enjoyable to spend time cooking and eating.
By keeping your extractor fan and filter clean, you can ensure that your kitchen remains fresh and odor-free.
In addition to improving the air quality in your kitchen, cleaning your Bosch extractor fan and filter can also help to extend their lifespan.
Regular cleaning can prevent damage and wear and tear, helping to ensure that your extractor fan and filter continue to function properly for years to come.
How to Clean a Bosch Extractor Fan
Cleaning your Bosch extractor fan is important to keep it running efficiently and prevent any grease or other debris buildup.
Follow the steps below to clean your Bosch extractor fan.
Step 1: Unplug the Extractor Fan
Safety comes first. It's essential to unplug your Bosch extractor fan from the electrical outlet before you start cleaning. This will ensure there's no risk of electrical shock as you work on the fan.
Step 2: Remove the Fan Cover
Gently remove the fan cover that shields the internal components of the extractor fan.
The process might require unscrewing or unclipping, depending on your Bosch extractor fan model. Keep the screws in a safe place so you don't lose them.
Step 3: Cleaning the Fan Cover
Fill a basin with warm water and add some washing-up liquid to create a soapy mixture.
Place the fan cover in the basin and gently wash it to remove any grease, dust, or other particles. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove the soap, and dry it with a clean towel.
Step 4: Cleaning the Fan Blades
Dampen a cloth in the soapy water (make sure to wring out excess water) and carefully wipe down the fan blades to remove grease and dirt.
Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean each blade thoroughly without bending or damaging them.
Step 5: Cleaning the Outer Casing
Prepare a fresh mixture of warm, soapy water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out to remove excess water.
Gently wipe the outer casing of your extractor fan to get rid of grease and dust buildup. Pay attention to corners and edges where grime may accumulate.
Step 6: Additional Cleaning (if needed)
If the fan is unclippable from the extractor, remove it and wipe it down with warm, soapy water.
For stainless steel extractor fans, you may need to find the direction of the stainless steel grain on your vent hood.
Wash the steel with a soft cloth and mild, soapy water, wiping in the direction of the grain.
Do not use chlorine-based cleaners or abrasive cloths. Instead, you can use a Bosch degreaser to remove greasy residue.
Consult the owner's manual for model-specific instructions to avoid damage or voiding the warranty.
Step 7: Rinse and Dry
Rinse all cleaned parts thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining soap residue. Allow the parts to dry completely.
You can place them on a dry towel in an area with good air circulation to speed up drying.
Step 8: Reassemble the Extractor Fan
Once all the parts are dry, reassemble the extractor fan. Secure the fan cover back with the screws or clips you removed earlier.
Ensure everything is firmly in place to avoid any rattling or loose parts.
How to Clean a Bosch Extractor Fan Filter
Over time, the filter can become clogged with grease, dirt, and other debris, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the fire risk.
Here's how to clean your Bosch extractor filter:
Step 1: Turn Off the Ventilation
Before cleaning the Bosch extractor filter, turning off the ventilation system to ensure safety is crucial. Doing this at the main switch is best to avoid any electrical hazards.
Step 2: Remove the Filters
Carefully remove the metal filters from the extractor fan or vent hood. They are typically held in place with clips or latches, so gently unclip or unlatch them and slide or lift them out.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Fill a basin with warm water and add dish soap to make a soapy solution. For added cleaning power, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the mixture, which will help break down grease.
If you have a dishwasher, it can be an alternative cleaning method for metal grease filters.
Simply place the metal grease filters in the dishwasher and run them through a wash cycle without any other dishes.
Step 4: Soak the Filters
Place the metal filters into the soapy water and vinegar mixture and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. This soaking will help to loosen the grease and grime that has accumulated on the filters over time.
Step 5: Scrub the Filters
After a good soak, take a soft brush and gently scrub the filters to remove the grease and grime.
For stubborn grime, you can make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and use it to gently scrub the filters until they are clean.
Step 6: Rinse the Filters
Once you have scrubbed the filters thoroughly, rinse them under warm running water to remove the soap, vinegar, and any remaining grime.
Ensure that the water runs clear, indicating that the filters are clean.
Step 7: Dry the Filters
Allow the filters to dry completely before reinserting them back into the extractor fan.
You can place them on a dry towel or a drying rack and leave them to air dry, or if you're in a hurry, you can dry them manually with a clean towel.
Step 8: Reinsert the Filters
Carefully reinsert the clean and dry filters back into the extractor fan or vent hood, making sure they are securely in place. The filters should slide or clip back into place easily.
Step 9: Turn On the Ventilation
Once the filters are securely in place, turn the ventilation system back on and check to ensure that it's working properly.
Step 10: Replace Carbon Filters (if applicable)
If your Bosch extractor fan uses active carbon filters, these cannot be cleaned and will need to be replaced.
Check the user manual for recommendations on how often to replace carbon filters.
But typically, they should be replaced every 3 to 4 months if your ventilation system recirculates air in the kitchen.
Choosing between auto-clean and manual kitchen chimneys can impact maintenance. Check Which Kitchen Chimney is Best: Auto Clean or Manual? for insights.
How to Change a Bosch Extractor Fan Carbon Filter
If your extractor hood utilizes a recirculation kit, the carbon filter will require periodic replacement. Here's how:
Step 1: Turn Off the Ventilation
As with the earlier guides, always ensure the ventilation system is turned off at the main switch before you begin the replacement process.
Step 2: Remove the Outer Cover
Carefully remove the outer cover of the extractor fan to access the carbon filter. Look for the two small screws holding the body and gently unscrew them.
Lift the lid carefully away from the screws, ensuring not to misplace the screws as they will be needed to resecure the cover later on.
Step 3: Remove the Old Carbon Filter
Once the cover is removed, you can access the carbon filter. The carbon filter should come out easily. Carefully lift it from its position. If it's coated in grease, it indeed needs replacing.
Step 4: Insert the New Carbon Filter
Now, slide the new carbon filter into the position where the old filter was.
Make sure to use original Bosch filters to maintain the efficiency and warranty of your extractor fan. Position the filter properly to ensure a snug fit.
Step 5: Replace the Outer Cover
Place the cover back over the screws which hold it in position. Align the holes on the cover with the screws and gently lower it into place.
Step 6: Secure the Cover
Tighten the screws to hold the cover in place securely.
Ensure the cover engages well and is held firmly by the screws to prevent any rattling or movement once the extractor fan is in operation.
Step 7: Turn On the Ventilation
After securely reattaching the cover, turn the ventilation system back on. Check that the extractor fan is working properly with the new carbon filter in place.
You can refer to this short video for a visual walkthrough on the steps above.
If you encounter any difficulties or need further information on replacing the carbon filter, refer to the instruction manual of your Bosch extractor fan.
You can easily access the manual for your specific model via Bosch's Owner Manuals page.
Simply input your model number, browse through the suggestions that appear, and click 'next' to be directed to the downloads page.
Safety Measures When Cleaning Your Bosch Extractor Hood
When cleaning your Bosch extractor hood, it is important to take the necessary safety measures to avoid accidents. Here are some safety measures to consider:
- Always turn off the power supply to the extractor hood before cleaning it to prevent any electrical accidents.
- Before cleaning, ensure the appliance has cooled down, especially near the bulbs.
- Refrain from using high-pressure or steam cleaners as they could cause an electric shock.
- Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts or scratches, especially when cleaning around the edges.
- Steer clear of harsh, abrasive, or highly concentrated alcohol-based cleaning agents. Additionally, avoid using aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning agents.
- Make sure that the hood and filter are completely dry before turning the power supply back on.
- If cleaning the metal mesh grease filters in the dishwasher, place them loosely to avoid wedging.
How Often Should You Clean a Bosch Extractor Filter?
Maintaining a Bosch extractor filter is essential for the appliance's effective operation.
It's advisable to clean the grease filter at least every two months to ensure it continues to trap grease particles efficiently.
On the other hand, if your Bosch extractor operates in recirculation mode, it employs a carbon/charcoal filter to neutralize odors.
This filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced every 3 to 4 months to maintain a fresh environment in your kitchen.
However, please be aware that the frequency of cleaning and replacement may vary based on your level of usage.
While on the topic of maintenance, considering the insulation of your range hood vent could further enhance the performance of your extractor. Find out more in this guide.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Bosch extractor fan and filter is an important task that should be done regularly to ensure your kitchen is free from harmful pollutants and grease buildup.
A clean extractor fan and filter also help to improve the efficiency of your kitchen ventilation system.
Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily clean your Bosch extractor fan and filter without any hassle.