I asked 3 cleaners how to clean extractor fans - all said to use the same 1 natural item

Your oven might be sparkling clean at the moment, but if you peek under your cooker hood, you could find a different situation regarding your extractor fan filters. If it's been some time or if you've never checked this, it's likely not a pleasant sight. The role of a cooker hood filter is to trap grease in the kitchen, so if it's functioning properly, it's bound to appear and feel greasy.

As time goes by, the filter can get so clogged with grease stains and dirt that it stops working properly. This is why it's essential to clean these filters regularly, around every two to three months. To clean these filters properly, three cleaning pros have shared their go-to natural method, and they all recommended using baking soda.

Scott Kegerreis, owner of Kura Home Services, which specialises in vent hood degreasing and cleaning, claimed that the "best household item to remove grease from hood filters is baking soda".

He said, "Baking soda is a gentle but powerful degreaser. It will cut through any oily residue without damaging the metal mesh."

Scott noted that to clean the filters with baking soda, first fill your sink with hot water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda and a squirt of dish soap.

Soak your filters in the hot water mix for 15 to 20 minutes. You'll begin to "see the grease lifting on its own". After soaking, scrub with a sponge or soft brush and rinse thoroughly.

When Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at My Job Quote, was asked about cleaning extractor fan filters, she said that one of the "quickest ways" is with a simple paste made of baking soda and water.

Create a thick paste and spread it on the surfaces of your filters, and leave it to work overnight. Wipe off and rinse the next day with a clean cloth.

Polya Petrova, kitchen cleaning expert at Fantastic Services, is also a big fan of using baking soda to clean cooker hood filters. She said: "The best household item to remove thick grease from cooker hood filters is baking soda combined with dish soap and water.

She explained that this simple mixture "works exceptionally well" because each ingredient plays a crucial role in breaking down heavy grease buildup. Polya said: "The dishwashing liquid is designed to cut through oily residue, while baking soda provides mild abrasiveness and an alkaline boost that helps lift and dissolve stubborn grime. The hot water softens the grease, making it easier for the cleaning agents to penetrate and loosen it from the filter's surface."

To clean the filters "effectively", first make sure the cooker hood is turned off or unplugged. Remove the filters carefully and place them in a large sink or basin filled with very hot water. Add a generous amount of dish soap and two to three tablespoons of baking soda, then stir to mix.

Submerge the filters completely and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes, or up to an hour if the grease is particularly thick or old. After soaking, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh or baffle surfaces, focusing on the corners and edges where grease tends to accumulate.

Once they're clean, rinse the filters thoroughly under hot water to remove all residue, shake off excess water and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them in the hood.

Polya pointed out that after cleaning the filters, it's a good idea to wipe down the interior of the hood and the surrounding metal surfaces because these areas often accumulate the same sticky residue. She said, "This helps keep the system efficient and prevents freshly cleaned filters from becoming greasy again too quickly."