Introduction
It can be deeply frustrating when your kitchen looks spotless, the filters are washed, and the surfaces are gleaming—yet the stubborn smell under the kitchen hood refuses to go away. Your hood is designed to extract cooking odours, grease vapours, smoke, and steam, but when it falls short, the entire kitchen can feel unpleasant. In Abu Dhabi, where cooking with rich oils, spices, and high heat is common—and where humidity levels remain elevated—ensuring proper hood performance becomes even more important.
In this blog, you’ll discover why your kitchen hood may still smell after cleaning, the typical problem zones found in Abu Dhabi homes, and the step-by-step methods to restore freshness. You’ll also find a practical, localised maintenance schedule tailored to our regional climate, along with a helpful FAQ section that answers the most common questions homeowners have about lingering hood odours. Let’s dive in.
Why Does a Kitchen Hood Still Smell After Cleaning?
1. Hidden Grease Inside the Hood Assembly
Even when the grease mesh filter is washed, odours often come from deeper areas:
● The fan housing
● The motor chamber
● Behind the filter frame
● The inner hood canopy
● The first few feet of the duct
Grease oxidises over time, creating a stale, burnt smell. This internal buildup is one of the biggest reasons odours persist even after superficial cleaning.
2. Saturated Charcoal Filters (For Recirculating Hoods)
Many Abu Dhabi apartments use recirculating kitchen hoods instead of ducted models. These rely on activated charcoal filters to trap odours.
Once saturated, they stop absorbing smells and begin recirculating odours back into the kitchen—making it seem like the hood is still dirty even when the surface looks clean.
3. Blocked or Dirty Ductwork
If your hood vents outside:
● Dust
● Sand
● Bird feathers
● Grease residue
● Moisture buildup
…can clog the duct, especially in Abu Dhabi villas or high-rises exposed to dust and humidity.
A blocked duct disrupts airflow and causes odours to linger or backflow.
4. Moisture and Condensation Accumulation
Humidity in Abu Dhabi leads to moisture inside:
● The vent pipe
● The hood canopy
● Near rubber seals
● Around joints
Moisture mixed with grease produces a sour, musty smell.
5. Nearby Fabrics Absorbing Odours
Odours may also cling to:
● Curtains
● Kitchen towels
● Aprons
● Floor mats
● Upholstered dining chairs
Even after cleaning the hood, these materials can re-release trapped smells into the air.
6. Incorrect Hood Size or Weak Suction Power
If your hood is smaller than your cooktop, or if its CFM rating is too low, it fails to pull out the steam and oils efficiently.
A mismatched hood leads to lingering odours regardless of how clean it is.
How to Fix Kitchen Hood Smells – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clean the Grease Filters Thoroughly
Remove and wash the aluminium mesh or stainless steel baffle filters using:
● Hot water
● Dish soap
● A degreasing agent
● A soft brush
For heavy grease, soak for 20–30 minutes.
Ensure the filters are fully dried before re-installing.
Step 2: Clean the Internal Hood Canopy
Use a strong yet safe degreaser to wipe:
● The inner metal panels
● Around the fan area
● Behind the filters
● The hood walls and ceiling
This removes hidden odour sources that simple filter cleaning cannot reach.
Step 3: Replace Old Charcoal Filters (Recirculating Hoods)
Signs your charcoal filter needs replacing:
● The kitchen still smells after cleaning
● Cooking odours linger longer
● The filter looks grey, dusty, or oily
● It has been 6–12 months since last replacement
These filters cannot be washed. Replacement is the only fix.
Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Duct (For Ducted Hoods)
Check for:
● Dust and sand accumulation
● Grease coating the duct walls
● Blocked external vent covers
● Birds or insects nesting near the vent outlet
● Bent or collapsed ducting
A dirty or blocked duct is a major cause of stubborn kitchen smells.
Step 5: Improve Airflow and Ventilation
Let the hood run for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This helps remove steam and oils before they settle.
Open nearby windows if needed to promote cross-ventilation.
Step 6: Clean Kitchen Fabrics and Surroundings
Wash or replace:
● Towels
● Curtains
● Cloth napkins
● Chair covers
● Kitchen rugs
These absorb odours and re-release them even after hood cleaning.
Step 7: Check the Hood’s Suction Power
If your hood has lost suction:
● The motor may be clogged
● The blower wheel may be greasy
● The duct may be obstructed
● The hood may require professional servicing
Weak suction = persistent odours.
Abu Dhabi-Specific Kitchen Hood Maintenance Schedule
|
Task |
Frequency |
Notes |
|
Clean grease filters |
Every 4–8 weeks |
High oil & spice use requires more frequent cleaning |
|
Replace charcoal filters |
Every 6–12 months |
Critical for recirculating hoods |
|
Wipe interior hood surfaces |
Weekly |
Prevents buildup of odour-causing grease |
|
Deep clean hood & fan |
Every 6 months |
Ideal for Abu Dhabi's humid climate |
|
Duct inspection (ducted hoods) |
Every 6–12 months |
Dust & sand accumulation is common |
|
Run hood after cooking |
Every use |
Helps clear steam, oil vapours, and smells |
When to Call a Professional in Abu Dhabi
You should contact a specialist if:
● The hood smells bad even after thorough cleaning
● Suction feels weak or uneven
● Oil drips from the hood edges
● There is a humming or rattling noise
● Your duct is inaccessible for cleaning
● Charcoal filter replacements do not solve the odour
● The smell resembles burnt oil or spoiled food
Professional cleaning ensures:
● Internal components are disassembled and cleaned
● Fan and motor areas are degreased
● Ducts are cleared of grease, sand, and dust
● Airflow is tested and optimized
● Filters are replaced with the correct model
This level of service cannot be achieved with basic home cleaning.
Conclusion
A kitchen hood that smells even after cleaning is usually a sign of deeper issues—hidden grease, saturated filters, blocked ducts, or moisture accumulation. In Abu Dhabi’s humid and dust-prone environment, regular hood maintenance is essential to prevent lingering odours and ensure efficient air extraction.
If you want your kitchen hood to smell fresh and function at its best, book a professional deep cleaning with Gleam & Glisten Cleaning Services in Abu Dhabi. Our technicians remove hidden grease, clean the internal components, restore suction power, and ensure your ventilation system operates flawlessly.
Contact Gleam & Glisten today for expert kitchen hood cleaning and full kitchen hygiene services.
FAQs
Hidden grease, saturated charcoal filters, weak suction, moisture buildup, or blocked ducts may be causing lingering odours.
Every 4–8 weeks in Abu Dhabi due to oil-heavy cooking and humidity.
Because charcoal filters must be replaced regularly—they cannot be washed.
Yes. Condensation mixed with grease creates musty, sour odours.
Yes—running it for 5–10 minutes clears vapours and prevents odour buildup.
If cleaning filters doesn’t solve the smell, suction is weak, or ducts need service.