If you haven’t recently inspected your kitchen’s range hood and filter, it’s probably due for a good cleaning. It’s time to properly clean the range hood filter if it’s loud or isn’t clearing smoke properly.
Cleaning is essential to make the hood look, smell, and function like new. Plus, dirty hood ranges can contaminate a home’s HVAC system and potentially contribute to a house fire.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a greasy kitchen range hood filter.
A great way to check if your vent is functioning correctly is to hold a piece of newspaper over it. If the vent pulls the paper up and holds it there, it’s working well.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools:
- Soft nylon-bristled scrub brush
- Sink, large pot, or glass baking dish
Materials:
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of degreasing dish soap
- Boiling water
- Spray-on degreaser or a homemade vinegar solution
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
How to Clean a Range Hood and Filter
Removing the Filter
The filter is on the bottom of the hood, facing the cooktop. To take out the reusable filter, either slide it out or use the latch to pop it out.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a sink or large pot with boiling water. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of degreasing dish soap. Then add 1/2 cup of baking soda and mix well to combine everything.
Soak the Filter
Place the filter into the solution and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. Make sure to remove the filter before the water completely cools and the grease starts to settle back onto the filter.
Scrub the Filter and Rinse
Use the scrub brush to scrub away any remaining grease or food particles on the filter. Rinse it thoroughly with hot water and make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in the range hood.
Clean the Range Hood Surfaces
First, clear the stovetop of any utensils. Then, spray a degreaser or a homemade vinegar solution on all the surfaces. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it down with a paper towel.
If there are still particles left, spray a little degreaser on a nylon-bristled brush and scrub the area. Finish by wiping away any remaining residue and rinse everything thoroughly with a wet cloth.
How Often to Clean a Kitchen Range Hood
If you cook daily, it’s a good idea to clean both the inside and outside of your range hood and its filter every month. If you don’t cook often, cleaning it seasonally should be enough. However, always clean the filter after cooking a big holiday meal, even if you don’t clean the rest of the hood.
A clear sign that your hood needs cleaning is if it fails to clear smoke from the room, even at the highest setting. This issue usually means that the filter or the ductwork is clogged with grease and needs cleaning.
Another sign that your hood needs attention is if the motor is unusually loud or constantly humming. This noise suggests the motor is working harder than it should, and it might need cleaning to function properly.
Tips to Keep a Kitchen Range Hood Clean Longer
Here are some additional tips for keeping your range hood clean:
- Use a degreasing cleaner that is safe for the exterior surface of your hood, along with a soft cloth to wipe away grease. Most range hoods, including under-the-cabinet models and mounted microwaves with vents, are made of stainless steel or painted metal.
- To prevent streaks on stainless steel surfaces, polish them with a microfiber cloth and a drop or two of olive oil.
- If you have a large decorative hood, dust it weekly and clean it monthly to keep it looking its best.
- For hoods made of copper or brass, you can either polish them to maintain a shiny appearance or let them develop a naturally aged patina. Always follow the builder or manufacturer’s guidelines for caring for different finishes.
How to Clean Interior or Exterior of Hood With a Homemade Degreaser Solution
To tackle grease buildup on your range hood, you can use a commercial degreaser, a rag soaked in undiluted vinegar, or a spray solution made of equal parts vinegar and water.
Vinegar consists of about 95 percent water and 5 percent acetic acid. This mild acid is effective at cutting through grease and doesn’t emit harsh fumes or contain strong chemicals. Although vinegar might have a strong odor initially, this smell fades away quickly.