Special Home Decor & Lifestyle Reporter: The smoke, spices, and steam from cooking in the kitchen can cause a thick, stubborn layer of sticky grease and dust to accumulate on the kitchen fan or exhaust fan. Cleaning this accumulated grease and grease with plain water or dishwashing liquid is a major headache. People often purchase expensive chemical cleaners or tire themselves out after hours of scrubbing.
But did you know that expired toothpaste, which you were about to throw in the trash thinking it was useless, can remove this stubborn grease in no time?
Yes, the mild abrasives, baking soda, and detergent agents in toothpaste work wonders in dissolving accumulated oil and grease. Let’s learn how to use expired toothpaste to polish your kitchen fan without any hassle.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Method for Cleaning a Kitchen Fan with Toothpaste
Required Ingredients:
Expired toothpaste (white toothpaste is most effective)
1 teaspoon baking soda (if available)
1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid or liquid soap
A little lukewarm water
An old toothbrush or sponge
A dry cotton cloth or microfiber cloth
Complete Cleaning Method:
Safety First:
Before starting cleaning, turn off the main power switch of the kitchen fan or exhaust fan and unplug it to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Prepare the toothpaste and cleaning solution:
Place 2-3 teaspoons of expired toothpaste in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add a little lukewarm water and make a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the fan blades:
Using an old toothbrush or sponge, apply the paste evenly to the fan blades and grease-covered areas.
Leave for 10-15 minutes:
After applying the paste, leave the fan for 10 to 15 minutes. The abrasives and baking soda in the toothpaste will loosen the bonds between grease and oil deposits.
Scrub gently:
After 15 minutes, gently scrub the fan blades with an old toothbrush or scrub pad. You will notice that the accumulated black grease and dust will begin to melt away like butter without any effort.
Wipe with a dry/wet cloth:
Now, soak a cotton cloth in lukewarm water, wring it out well, and wipe all parts of the fan. Finally, wipe the fan dry with a dry microfiber cloth. Your fan will shine like new!
Why is expired toothpaste so effective?
Mild abrasive properties: Toothpaste contains fine particles like calcium carbonate and silica, which scrape away stubborn stains without damaging the surface (without scratching).
Oil dissolving ability: Toothpaste contains surfactants that bind grease and oil molecules with water, making them easy to remove.
Odor elimination: The mint flavor of toothpaste completely eliminates the odor emanating from old grease on a kitchen fan.
Take these precautions when cleaning a kitchen exhaust fan:
Do not let water get into the motor: Do not pour water or liquid into the motor part of the fan or exhaust. Clean only the blades and outer body.
Safe for both plastic and metal: This toothpaste recipe is completely safe for both plastic and metal (iron/aluminum) fans.
The next time you have expired toothpaste, instead of throwing it away, use this easy hack to easily clean your kitchen fan, chimney, and exhaust fan!