A retractable ventilation system for a household appliance includes a lifting motor for moving the ventilation system in two opposing directions, and a switch controlling movement of the lifting motor. A first actuation of the switch moves the ventilation system in a first (or preferred) of the two directions, and a second actuation of the switch moves the ventilation system in a second direction opposing the first direction. Furthermore, a household appliance includes an extractor hood, a cooking appliance or a combination thereof, and at least one of the proposed retractable ventilation systems. A method for operating the retractable ventilation system is also described.