Many people can overlook the extractor fan, but over time, grease, grime and even bits of food can clog up the filters. A dirty cooker hood will have to work harder to suck up smoke and steam. The trapped grease is also a major fire hazard in the kitchen.

Jo Taylor-Tunnicliffe, a cleaner and founder of , said a big mistake people make when cleaning an extractor fan is to use a chemical degreaser as it is unlikely to work to remove grease . She said: "This sticky, greasy mess just seems to not want to budge, even with some degreasing spray. What I always say is, if you have to scrub hard, you are not using the right product.

"I always knew I was using the wrong product for filter cleaning, it was hard work. I am so glad that my mum has found this effortless method. The magic solution is...oxygen bleach!"

Oxygen bleach is considered a more eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach as it is biodegradable and does not release fumes while cleaning.

It is incredibly effective at breaking down grease and oils that have gotten stuck in the extractor fan, so you can clean the filters without having to scrub for ages.

To begin, put on a pair of rubber gloves and cover your kitchen counters with newspaper or old rags.

While oxygen bleach is safer than chlorine, you should always be careful when cleaning with any bleaching agent. Wear protective gloves, do not mix with other cleaning products, and always follow the guidelines on the label.

Remove the extractor fan filter. Most can be removed by simply sliding it out or pulling it down if it is held in place with a latch, but you may need to unscrew it depending on the type.

Place the extractor fan filters in a container filled with cold water to cover them fully. Then, add three scoops of oxygen bleach to the container and leave it to soak for one hour.

Jo said: "This is when the magic starts...in a little while, you will see the solution starting to fizz and bubble. Leave to soak for around an hour."

Once the time is up and the fizzing and bubbling has subsided, carefully pour away the water and rinse under a tap of cold water.

Next, fill a basin with hot, soapy water and gently scrub the filters using a small brush or old toothbrush. The grease stains should melt away and be incredibly easy to clean.

Your extractor fan filters will not be completely clean and grease-free. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back and switching on the fan again.