How to clean and maintain your LAGAN extractor hood
The extractor hood above your hob is there for a reason: it removes cooking vapour, grease and cooking smells from your studio. But an extractor hood can only work properly if it is kept clean and its filters are maintained.
The IKEA LAGAN extractor hood used in our studios has a removable grease filter and, depending on the installation, may also use a charcoal filter for recirculation. IKEA specifically states that the grease filter can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher. (IKEA)
Regular maintenance is part of normal care of the studio and prevents grease, dirt and cooking residue from building up inside the appliance.
Why is cleaning the extractor hood important?
When you cook, the vapour released by the hob contains tiny particles of grease and oil. These particles are drawn into the extractor hood.
If the hood and filter are not cleaned regularly:
- the grease filter becomes clogged;
- the extraction capacity decreases;
- cooking smells remain in the studio for longer;
- grease can accumulate on the underside of the hood and around the motor;
- the extractor may become noisier;
- the appliance has to work harder to extract the same amount of air;
- accumulated grease and oil are also undesirable from a fire-safety and hygiene perspective.
A dirty filter does not become clean simply because the extractor hood is switched on more often. Once the filter is saturated, it needs to be cleaned.
1. Clean the grease filter regularly
The metal grease filter is the first filter that catches grease from cooking.
How to clean it
- Switch off the extractor hood and disconnect the power if necessary.
- Remove the grease filter from underneath the hood. The filter has a spring-release mechanism.
- Wash the filter thoroughly.
- The LAGAN grease filter is dishwasher-safe, according to IKEA.
- Allow the filter to dry completely.
- Put it back correctly before using the extractor hood again. The entire extraction opening should be covered by the filter. (IKEA)
If you wash it by hand, use warm water and washing-up liquid. Do not use aggressive or abrasive products.
Important: IKEA advises against abrasive sponges, scourers, metallic scrapers and corrosive cleaning products, as these can damage the appliance. (IKEA)
How often?
For normal student use, check the grease filter at least once a month.
If you cook frequently, fry food regularly or use a lot of oil, clean it more often.
A simple rule is:
If the filter looks greasy or feels sticky, it is time to clean it.
Do not wait until the filter is completely clogged.
2. Clean the outside and underside of the hood
The underside of the extractor hood also collects grease and cooking residue.
Wipe it regularly with:
- a soft damp cloth;
- warm water;
- a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
Do not spray large amounts of cleaning product directly into the extractor hood or electrical parts.
IKEA recommends cleaning the exterior with a soft cloth and mild washing-up detergent and specifically advises against abrasive or corrosive cleaning products. (IKEA)
3. Does your LAGAN have a charcoal filter?
This depends on how the extractor hood is installed.
Extraction to the outside
If the hood is connected to an extraction duct leading outside, the cooking air is discharged outside.
In this configuration, you do not need a charcoal filter.
You still need to clean the grease filter regularly.
Recirculation
If there is no extraction duct to the outside, the hood can operate in recirculation mode. The air passes through a charcoal filter before being returned to the studio.
The charcoal filter absorbs cooking smells. IKEA specifies the NYTTIG FIL 900 as the charcoal filter for the current LAGAN model 504.013.83. (IKEA)
4. Maintain the charcoal filter
The charcoal filter is different from the metal grease filter.
Its purpose is primarily to reduce cooking odours when the air is recirculated.
For the IKEA NYTTIG FIL 900, IKEA currently states that the filter should be cleaned approximately every 3 months. It can be washed in the dishwasher at a maximum of 70°C or by hand in warm water. IKEA specifically says not to use detergent or abrasive sponges for this filter. (IKEA)
After washing:
- dry it in the oven for approximately 2 hours at a maximum of 70°C, or
- allow it to dry completely at room temperature in a vertical position.
According to IKEA, a properly maintained NYTTIG FIL 900 can be reused for approximately 2–3 years. (IKEA)
Important: Not every IKEA charcoal filter is the same. Always check the filter type for the particular extractor hood before washing or replacing it. (IKEA)
5. When should a filter be replaced?
A charcoal filter eventually loses its ability to absorb cooking smells.
Signs that the filter needs attention include:
- cooking smells remain in the studio even when the extractor is running;
- the filter is visibly saturated or damaged;
- the extraction performance has noticeably decreased;
- the filter can no longer be properly cleaned or regenerated.
For the NYTTIG FIL 900, regular washing is intended to extend its useful life, so it is not necessary to throw it away after every few months. IKEA indicates a useful life of approximately 2–3 years when maintained correctly. (IKEA)
Before departure the filture needs to be replaced, you can buy the filter at IKEA look for NYTTIG FIL : https://www.ikea.com/be/nl/p/nyttig-fil-900-koolstoffilter-60401957/
6. Use the extractor hood correctly
Good maintenance starts with correct use.
When cooking:
- Switch on the extractor before or at the beginning of cooking.
- Use an appropriate extraction speed.
- Keep the extractor running for a few minutes after cooking so that remaining vapour and smells can be removed.
- Use lids on pans whenever possible.
- Avoid allowing large amounts of steam and grease to escape unnecessarily.
The extractor hood is not a substitute for ventilation. If the studio becomes humid or smells strongly after cooking, also ventilate the room appropriately.
A simple maintenance routine
| Frequency | What to do |
|---|---|
| After cooking | Wipe away visible grease or splashes |
| Weekly | Check the underside of the hood for grease |
| Monthly | Check and clean the metal grease filter if necessary |
| Every 3 months | Clean the NYTTIG FIL 900 charcoal filter if your hood uses one |
| When necessary | Replace a damaged or exhausted filter |
TIP:
to avoid replacing the charcoal filter more often, you can combine it in use with filter paper wchich can be placed inside the bottom plate of the hood, this is a cheap solution to help maintain your hood and and easy to be replaced more regularly.
https://www.bol.com/be/nl/s/?searchtext=dampkap+filterpapier
The important point – Do not wait until the extractor hood stops working properly.
Cleaning a grease filter takes only a few minutes, while cleaning a heavily contaminated extractor hood is much more difficult.
Keeping the extractor hood clean is part of the normal care and maintenance of your studio. It keeps the appliance working efficiently, reduces persistent cooking smells and helps prevent grease from accumulating inside the appliance.
For the LAGAN extractor hood, always follow the maintenance instructions applicable to the exact model and filter installed. IKEA’s product documentation should be used if you are unsure which filter your hood has. (IKEA)
Maintenance and usage Instructions can be found here
IKEA information: LAGAN extractor hood – IKEA Belgium
NYTTIG FIL 900: IKEA NYTTIG FIL 900 charcoal filter or https://www.ikea.com/be/nl/assembly_instructions/nyttig-fil-900-koolstoffilter__AA-2085839-6-1.pdf
