Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Kitchen Chimney at Home

A kitchen chimney is the silent hero of every Indian home. It pulls away smoke, oil, and odours—leaving your kitchen breathable and clean. But over time, your chimney starts collecting the very grease it clears. That’s where regular cleaning comes in.

If you’ve ever searched for how to clean a kitchen chimney, this is your go-to blog, especially if you use a Preethi chimney.

At Preethi, India’s No.1 mixer grinder brand and a trusted name in kitchen appliances, we design our chimneys with easy maintenance in mind. Let’s walk you through how to clean your chimney at home, the right way.

Why Cleaning Your Chimney Matters

Before we jump into chimney cleaning, here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it:

• Performance drops when grease clogs the filter
  
  

• Fire hazards increase with oil residue
  
  

• Unpleasant odours can spread into your kitchen
  
  

• Motor damage and long-term wear can be avoided
  
  

Whether you have a Preethi Alcor KH 211 or a Preethi Alya KH204, maintaining your chimney keeps your kitchen—and appliance—safe.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Chimney

Cleaning doesn’t require fancy equipment. Just a few things you probably already have at home:

• Dishwashing liquid or vinegar
  
  

• Baking soda (for heavy grease)
  
  

• A soft scrub brush or an old toothbrush
  
  

• Microfiber cloth
  
  

• A large tub or bucket
  
  

• Warm water
  
  

• Screwdriver (optional, for filter removal)
  

How to Clean a Chimney at Home: Step-by-Step

Let’s break down the cleaning process. This works for all standard chimneys, including Preethi’s baffle and filterless models.

Step 1: Switch Off and Unplug

Never start cleaning without turning the chimney off. Safety first.

Step 2: Remove the Filters

If your model has baffle filters like the Preethi Alya KH 204, gently unhook and take them out. If you’re using an auto-clean, filterless model like the Preethi Alcor KH 211, skip to Step 4.

Step 3: Soak the Filters

Fill a tub with hot water, and add:

• 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid
  
  

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  

Let the filters soak for 20–30 minutes. This loosens the grease stuck inside the baffle plates.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the filters gently. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Let them dry completely before placing them back.

If your model is filterless (like Alcor KH 211), clean the oil collector instead. Unscrew it, pour out the collected oil, clean it with soapy water, and wipe it dry.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a microfiber cloth with a mix of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Gently wipe down the hood, control panel, and sides.

Avoid using harsh chemical sprays—they can damage the finish on glass or stainless steel chimneys.

Step 6: Clean the Inside (Optional)

If you’re comfortable, open the interior panel and clean the fan blades and housing. A soft brush dipped in degreaser or vinegar water works best.

Note: Preethi chimneys with thermal auto-clean (like Alcor KH 211) reduce the need for internal cleaning, as oil residue is automatically collected.

Step 7: Reassemble and Switch On

Once dry, reattach all parts. Plug in the unit and do a quick test run to ensure everything works fine.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed chimney deep cleaning at home.

Cleaning Frequency: How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?

It depends on how much you cook and the kind of food:

Even if you own a Preethi auto-clean chimney, cleaning the oil collector monthly is essential.

Smart Chimney Maintenance Tips

Here are some chimney maintenance tips to extend your appliance’s life:

1. Clean filters or oil tray once a month
   
   

2. Wipe the outer body weekly with a damp cloth
   
   

3. Schedule professional servicing once a year
   
   

4. Avoid metal scrubbers or harsh chemicals
   
   

5. Use auto-clean mode regularly if your chimney has it
   
   

6. Keep your cooking area ventilated—chimneys work better that way
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don’t use boiling water directly on filters
❌ Never reinstall filters before they’re fully dry
❌ Don’t ignore a noisy motor—schedule service
❌ Avoid using acidic cleaners on glass or polished finishes
❌ Don’t skip regular cleaning—even if your chimney “looks clean”

Final Thoughts: Let Your Chimney Breathe

Knowing how to clean a kitchen chimney isn’t just a life hack—it’s part of responsible appliance care. At Preethi, we believe in appliances that work hard for you—and are just as easy to care for.

So whether you cook daily meals or gourmet feasts, make chimney cleaning part of your kitchen routine. Your food will taste better, your kitchen will smell fresher, and your chimney will last longer. 

Explore Our Bestselling Chimneys Today: Want more expert tips? Stay tuned to our blog for deep dives into kitchen maintenance, mixer grinder hacks, and more. Because your kitchen deserves the best—from India’s most trusted name in appliances.

FAQs: How to Clean Kitchen Chimney

1. How do I clean my kitchen chimney at home easily?

Unplug, remove the filters or oil collector, soak in warm soapy water, scrub, rinse, dry, and reassemble. If you use a Preethi auto-clean model, just clean the oil tray monthly.

2. What is the best way to clean a chimney without professional help?

Use dishwashing liquid and baking soda for effective home cleaning. Focus on filters and the outer body. Auto-clean chimneys like Preethi Alcor KH 211 simplify the process even more.

3. How often should I clean my kitchen chimney?

Every 3–4 weeks for regular use. For heavy Indian cooking, every 2–3 weeks. Auto-clean models require less frequent manual cleaning.

4. What are some effective chimney maintenance tips?

Clean regularly, use the auto-clean function if available, wipe surfaces weekly, and check the motor annually. Replace filters if damaged.