When was the last time you cleaned your range hood filter? I didn’t even know this was a thing that needed to be cleaned! Don’t worry, I walk you through the very easy steps!
I consider myself to be on top of all the home stuff! But recently, I had a horrifying realization – I had never cleaned my range hood filter. Ever. And we renovated our kitchen almost five years ago! Given how much we cook (Or should say, Finn cooks?), you can imagine how disgustingly greasy it was. I had to wash my hands multiple times after just touching it!
If you’re like me and didn’t realize that this was a thing that needed regular cleaning, you’re not alone. But here’s the deal: a dirty range hood filter isn’t just gross—it can be a potential hazard. Grease buildup can impact your kitchen’s air quality, cause strong odors, and in a worst-case scenario, even contribute to a house fire. Yikes.
The good news? Cleaning your range hood filter is easy, and once you do a deep clean, regular maintenance is a breeze. Whether you have a fancy hood over your stove or a microwave vent filter, this guide will walk you through the best way to get it sparkling clean.
Aluminum Filters vs. Charcoal Filters—What’s the Difference?
Before you start cleaning, you need to know what kind of filter you have. If you live in an apartment, you likely have a ductless range hood, which uses a charcoal filter to absorb odors. This is often found on the underside of your microwave, over your stove. Homeowners with a vented system will typically have an aluminum mesh filter designed to trap grease.
The easiest way to check? Remove the filter and inspect it. If it’s a metal mesh, it can be cleaned; if it’s black and solid, it’s a charcoal filter that needs replacing.
- Aluminum Mesh Filters: These are reusable filters that can, and should, be washed regularly. They’re typically found in ducted range hoods and are designed to trap grease particles.
- Charcoal Filters: These are usually found in ductless range hoods and help absorb odors. The bad news? They cannot be cleaned. Once they’re saturated, they need to be replaced. If you’re unsure which type you have, check your rangehood manual or look for a metal loop on your filter. You can buy replacements in bulk right here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Range Hood Filter
I know I’ll likely get questions about where we got our hood. All of our kitchen cabinets are from KraftMaid in the color “Cottage” and we ordered the hood cover and hood from them as well.
Step 1: Loosen Up the Grease with Steam
The first thing I did was bring a large pot of water to a boil. I let it simmer under the range hood for about 10 minutes to help loosen up all that stubborn grease build-up on the underside of the hood. It kinda reminds me of getting a facial. First, you’ve gotta get steam on the skin to open up those pores!
Step 2: Remove and Inspect the Filter
Next step – remove the filter. Most filters slide right out or have a latch. When I pulled mine out, it was absolutely disgusting – a thick layer of grease had built up over the years, making it almost impossible to touch without feeling like I needed to wash my hands immediately.
If your filter looks dark, sticky, or covered in food particles, you know it’s way overdue for a clean. At first glance, mine didn’t look too bad. But once I touched it, I knew it was bad!
Step 3: Create a Hot Water Solution
Fill your sink (or a stock pot if your sink isn’t big enough) with super-hot water. Add a generous amount of dish soap. I like to use Dawn because it’s a great degreaser. If your filter is really bad, adding white vinegar can boost the degreasing power.
You can then dump the boiling water into this water so it gets super hot. Just be careful not to put your hands into the water or you could burn yourself.
Step 4: Soak & Scrub
- Submerge the filter in the soapy water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a non-abrasive scrub brush, an old toothbrush, or a Scrub Daddy sponge to work in circular motions and remove the remaining residue. By now, that hot water has hopefully turned to warm water so you can get your hands wet while you work!
- I’ve seen people recommend baking soda, but you don’t want to damage the filter. Start with scrubbing and dish soap and see if that works.
Step 5: Give It a Final Deep Clean
For an extra-thorough clean, I popped mine into the dishwasher on a hot cycle after scrubbing. This step isn’t necessary, but it ensures you remove excess water and any leftover grime.
Step 6: Dry & Reinstall
Pat the filter dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towel; let it fully air dry; then pop it back in place. And just like that, your vent filter is good as new!
How Often Should You Clean Your Range Hood Filter?
For the average household, a deep clean every 3-4 months is a good practice. If you cook frequently – especially with oil – you may need to clean it more often. Now that I’ve tackled this cleaning process, I’m making it part of my seasonal cleaning routine! Oh, and you know this is a task I added to Your Home Playbook!
A greasy range hood filter not only affects the kitchen’s air quality, but it also makes your whole kitchen smell funky. This will help banish those cooking smells!
The good news is that once you’ve done a deep clean, regular maintenance is easy. You can just toss it in the dishwasher monthly to keep it in great shape.
It’s Okay To Not Know These Things!
This is one of those cleaning methods that no one talks about but it’s something that makes a huge impact. Honestly, I had no idea this was even something I needed to do. If this is news to you, don’t feel bad! Now you know, and your kitchen will thank you.
If you’re looking for more practical home maintenance tips like this, check out Your Home Playbook! It’s a month-by-month guide walking you through everything you need to know to keep your home running smoothly.
If you’re tackling your range hood filter soon, I’d love to hear how it goes!