The Single Best Thing You Should Do This Weekend to Prepare for Fall
It’s coming — can you feel it? I do, at around 7 o’clock in the morning. It’s carried by the wind, well before the day crawls toward the high ’80s. It’s the slight, crisp note in the air. I see the tips of trees licked with what can only be the beginning of fall color. (Please excuse me — I’m heading into my first real fall in Tennessee, and I have zero chill about it!)
But it’s not just about the beautiful autumn hues. Fall means the beginning of comfort cooking and holiday baking; the start of ovens humming and stovetops sizzling with love in a skillet and served on a platter.
Whether it’s cheesy grits, beef and tomato soup, or pan-fried bacon to feed your family and guests, this is the time of year your kitchen will be on overdrive to whip up all kinds of tasty dishes.
This weekend, there’s one easy but often-overlooked thing you can do to get ready for cooking season: cleaning your greasy hood filter.
All of the air from your cooking gets sucked up through these filters, and while most of it gets siphoned into your vents, greasy residue gets left behind on the grate. This residue collects dust, and pretty soon it’s a sticky, dirty mess that’s very unappetizing, to say the least.
And while it seems complicated to clean, it isn’t! Let us show you how.
How to Clean Your Range Hood Filter
The first step is removing your range hood filter. This alone makes the thought of cleaning so much more attainable. If it’s not clear how to easily remove the filter, research your unit online so you can remove it without denting it.
Next, gather dish soap and baking soda and boil water. Plug your sink or use a basin that will fit your range hood filter, and add hot water, baking soda, and dish soap.
Place your filters in the solution, and let them soak. After about 10 minutes or so, use a soft cleaning brush and scrub. The grease and grime should come right off, and you should be left with shiny, squeaky-clean filters.
Then, set them out to thoroughly dry on a towel before installing them back in your range hood. You’ll feel so prepared and ready to usher in the bustle of fall with a completely fresh cooking station.
How do you prepare your kitchen for fall? Tell us your tips in the comments below.