I’ve never professed to be the world’s greatest house cleaner. Apparently I’m pretty bad at it, since I tend to overlook things until they get to scary levels, then I finally notice them and freak out (and then question my ability as a mom, wife, etc.) Most areas in my life are pretty neat and tidy, but those areas that are easy to overlook are my nemesis. I’d noticed a few weeks ago that my range hood was getting pretty disgusting, but I had no real idea how to tackle it. Then I remembered how I figured out how to clean my ice maker, and I got to work.
I’m ashamed to show you that before photo… but I’m keepin’ it real, yo. It was truly disgusting. A greasy, yucky mess of who knows what was all gunked up in there. Blech.
So I pulled out my HomeRight SteamMachine Plus* and got to work. You could also use the classic SteamMachine* if you have one, but the plus version works not only for jobs like this but will also do floors (but that’s another post.) I also like the SteamMachine Plus because it’s similar to a compact vacuum in the fact that the larger machine will do the job, but a handheld is much easier to control in tight spaces.
I let the water warm up (the red light will turn blue) and then turned the steam on full blast before using the round brush head to quickly work up all the gunk and grime. Then I wiped it all off with a paper towel and gave the worst spots a second pass and wipe. In less than five minutes, the entire thing was clean.
I know that wiping it down regularly will keep it from building up this badly again… but I’m guessing that I’m not the only one out there who’s growing science experiments on their range hood. Just sayin’.
I love cleaning with steam, especially in the kitchen. I’m not a “crunchy granola tree hugging” kinda girl, but chemicals near cooking/food areas kinda creeps me out. So that’s why I use steam to clean a range hood.
*Thanks to HomeRight for partnering with me on this post. All ideas, photos, words & opinions are 100% my own. And this post contains affiliate links.*
Lisa Pregartner says
January 17, 2015 at 5:57 amLol! You are definitely not the only one who seems to forget about their range hood. I sometimes forget it is there until I make a huge bowl of soup. I like your tip and will definitely give it a try.
kathi says
January 17, 2015 at 9:20 amThat’s all fine and dandy for folks who have those cute little steam machines, but what about those of us who don’t have them? Any hints for us, other than don’t use your stove top? Thanks.
Gina Luker says
January 28, 2015 at 9:30 amHi Kathi,
I’m sure you could use a regular cleaner and scrubbing type sponge, but it would take a while longer to clean.
Francine says
February 1, 2015 at 12:25 pmI use about a half of a teaspoon of ammonia on a damp cloth….spotless in seconds!
Rosellen Ralph says
January 17, 2015 at 10:17 amPlease don’t think that you are the only one to let gunk build up before you notice! So do I. But the steam idea is great. Thanks for the post.
Celina says
January 17, 2015 at 10:49 amRecently, I was leaning behind the stove and the top of my head touched the vent hood and I made an embarrassing squeak noise and flapped at my head as if a spider landed on it. So yah, my vent hood is less than clean also.
Debbie says
January 18, 2015 at 9:37 amHow smart! I must buy a steamer. Thanks
Corinna - For My Love Of says
January 18, 2015 at 8:26 pmI just removed my shower doors today and have a more horrifying picture of what was growing beneath the frame. Your picture, not even close. Haha! Though now I’m afraid to look at our range hood/microwave because I know I haven’t touched it since we moved in. It’s embarassing.
Jenny says
March 24, 2019 at 10:37 amThis is such a helpful post – thank you. I’ll surely read and re-read it many times over.
Gina Luker says
March 25, 2019 at 11:38 amThanks Jenny 🙂