How to clean extractor filters with three natural ingredients — no elbow grease required

(Image credit: Shutterstock) What’s the worst item in your kitchen to clean? For me, three items top my list: my oven, baking sheets and extractor fan filters.You can shut your oven door and pretend for a while that all is good, and if all else fails, you can replace your baking sheets, but there’s no getting away from a dirty extractor fan. It’s in plain sight above your cooktop and can’t be disguised.Beyond looking unsightly, a clogged extractor doesn’t work as effectively to remove steam, grease and unwanted odors while you cook.But extractor fans aren’t that easy to clean; they are not always dishwasher-safe, and a quick wipe over with a damp cloth won’t remove the muck.So how do you get rid of build-up grime without calling in the cleaning brigade?According to Lynsey Crombie @lynseyqueenofcclean on Instagram, all you need are three cleaning staples: bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and water. (Image credit: Shutterstock)In her social video, Crombie removes the extractor filter and places it in a baking pan, then sprinkles the filter with baking soda. She then pours hot water straight from an electric kettle over it and uses a stiff scrubbing brush to lift the grease and grime.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.If you don’t have baking soda to hand, she also suggests placing the dirty extractor grills in warm water before adding a little white vinegar.Making a paste and spray will also work (Image credit: Shutterstock)Alternatively, you can make a paste with water and baking soda, using a 1:3 ratio of water to baking soda. Coat your extractor filters with the paste and leave it to work for 20 minutes.Then spray the surface with an equal mix of white vinegar and warm water, and let it fizz. Once the fizzing stops, scrub the filters to remove any residue, then rinse clean.Allow your filters to dry before replacing them.Top tipCleaning your extractor filters regularly will save having to give them a deep degrease every time. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. More from Tom's GuideStubborn air fryer grease? Here's why it sticks and how to eliminate itMove over vinegar: This $3 pantry staple is the real secret to grease-free cabinets5 top secret spring cleaning tips from the professionals — cut your time in half Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation. Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.