Cleaning of kitchen chimney especially cleaning the baffle plates of the chimney is difficult. The stains of oil and grease are so stubborn that the baffle plates would show the oil and grease with lots of scrubbing done with detergent and hot water. Here is a simple procedure to super clean the baffles -
The must
- A packet of caustic soda - (usually costs 70 to 90 Rs)
- Industrial hand gloves for safety
- eye protective glasses for safety
- Flat plastic tray
- Boiling water
- Old tooth brush for scrubbing
Take out the baffles and chimney plastic covers covering the chimney lamps.
Take a flat plastic tray
Sprinkle some caustic soda crystals and keep the baffles in the tray. Notice the deep stubborn oil and grease stains on the baffles
Liberally sprinkle some caustic soda crystals on the baffles.
With protective gear (eye protector and gloves put on for safety) pour boiling water over it. Notice the bubble formation as caustic soda works on the stubborn stains
Scrub and remove the stains by old tooth brush. The process is very easy and may take from 30 s to 1 min. Once done, empty the tray of dirty water in the drain, and under a running water wash the baffles. Keep them for drying.
Wipe the dried baffles with a soft cloth. Your baffles are super clean in two minutes. While you are doing this, use a sponge soaked in the caustic soda boiling water solution and clean the exteriors of the chimney to your satisfaction. You will get a super cleaned chimney.
If you call a chimney cleaning mechanic he will charge you anything between Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 for deep cleaning. The headache of waiting for him is additional. Try this it is easy and quick.
Very important - Caustic soda is very corrosive. Use it on stainless steel surfaces. If used on oil painted surfaces, it will result in oil paint peeling and getting dissolved and your surface/ equipment will get damaged.
Note - Whatever you do, don't forget to clean up everything before you declare work is over. Otherwise your wife will end up cleaning the mess and you would end up getting scolded rather than getting a pat for doing up the kitchen chimney.
