Learn how to clean that greasy range hood filter using 3 simple ingredients and our easy step-by-step guide!
Over the years I have come up with a pretty good regular cleaning routine for my home.
I have my daily cleaning tasks, my weekly cleaning checklist, and then the larger monthly tasks I try to do.
But, every once in a while I come across something that is so dirty that I desperately need to clean.
Recently I was giving my stove a deep cleaning and I was shocked at how greasy and gross the underside of the hood over the stove was.
I have a really old downdraft range with a big fan. It's really annoying because while I am cooking I sometimes drop food down the fan hole.
A spaghetti noodle, a little bit of ground beef, a green bean, you name it and it's down there.
As you can imagine with all that food my fan filter gets pretty greasy and grimy really quick.
So when I take the time to clean the food particles out I usually try to clean the stove filter too.
Whether you have a downdraft or a hood above your stove the fan filter tends to get dirty and needs to be cleaned every now and then.
Know Your Rangehood Filters
Before starting range hood filter cleaning, you need to know what type of filter you have.
How To Clean Stove Hood Filters
Mesh Filters
- Material: Usually made from layers of aluminum or stainless steel mesh.
- Function: Traps grease and other particles.
- Maintenance: Needs regular cleaning; can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher.
- Common Use: Found in ducted and ductless range hoods.
Range Hood Baffle Filters
- Material: Made from stainless steel or aluminum.
- Function: Utilizes overlapping baffles to capture grease and allows air to flow through.
- Maintenance: Durable and dishwasher-safe; requires periodic cleaning.
- Common Use: Often used in a commercial kitchen and high-end residential range hoods for their efficiency and durability.
Charcoal Filters
- Material: Contains activated charcoal.
- Function: Absorbs odors and smoke; used primarily in ductless range hoods.
- Maintenance: Not washable or considered a reusable filter; the charcoal rangehood filter needs to be replaced every 3-6 months depending on usage.
- Common Use: Ideal for ductless (recirculating) range hoods where venting to the outside is not possible.
What You'll Need
- Hot Water (preferably boiling)
- Baking Soda
- Dawn Soap - or another brand of degreasing dish soap.
How To Clean a Range Hood Filter
Boil a large pot of water. Plug the kitchen sink with a drain stop.
Pour the boiling water into the sink.
Add two heaping tablespoons of baking soda and a small amount of Dawn dish soap.
Place the filter into the soapy water. Allow the greasy filters to soak for 20 minutes. Drain the hot water solution.
Then, rinse the filter with clean water and let it air dry on paper towels or dry with a soft cloth. Place the clean range hood filter back in and you are ready to go!
Helpful Tips
- If your filter is still dirty then you may want to do the process one more time. Usually, one time soaking is enough to get most of the grease and grime off for me. But if you haven't cleaned yours in years you may need a second go-round. You can also use a non-abrasive scrub brush or old toothbrush if needed. Do not use things like steel wool.
- While the hood filters are soaking, I like to clean the kitchen range hood to remove any other grease and grime.
- Don't have a large enough sink where at least half of your range hood filter can soak? Take it to the bathtub instead and use enough water so that the whole thing is covered.
- Use rubber gloves if desired while cleaning.
- The best way to keep the exhaust fan filters in the best shape is adding this task to your monthly cleaning list. Usually if they are cleaned every 1-2 months your stove's hood filter will last quite some time!
- If there is too much grease buildup and you can't get it off using warm water and the soda soap solution, it's a good idea to just purchase a new one.
FREE Appliance Cleaning Schedule!
Keep your appliance clean with this easy appliance cleaning schedule!
Common FAQs
Unfortunately you cannot clean charcoal filters. Instead, these need to be replaced about every 6 months. Normally these are black in color and are used with ductless range hoods.
Technically yes. If you have stainless steel filters or aluminum they can be washed on the bottom rack in the dishwasher. Just be sure to use a hot cycle, and mild dish detergent without other additives.
They help to trap heat, help with proper ventilation and indoor air quality, reduce the cooking fumes in the kitchen, and can prolong your range system by preventing grease and other things clogging the vents.
This easy way of cleaning will beat the grime off of the greasiest range hood filter without hardly any elbow grease in just a few easy steps.
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