How to Clean a Range Hood Filter by Type
Did you know you have to clean your range hood filter? Many people don’t realize the range hood has a filter, so it accumulates years of build-up.
The job of the range hood filter is to absorb grease and smoke, preventing it from clogging your exhaust. If this is the first time cleaning your filter, you may need to use a little extra scrubbing power to remove the heavy layers of grease. But once you get into a routine, cleaning the filter is fast and easy.
Here’s how to clean a range hood filter, depending on the type.
The Types of Range Hood Filters
There are three range hood filters: mesh, baffle, and charcoal.
- Mesh filters – Aluminum mesh filters look like rectangular sheets of mesh. They filter grease and contaminants out of the air.
- Baffle filters – Baffle filters are stainless steel and common for kitchens where lots of cooking takes place. These filters are easy to clean with dish soap and water, and most are dishwasher safe.
- Charcoal filters – Charcoal filters are for ductless vents. They trap grease and dust, but instead of cleaning them, you must replace them.
How to Clean a Baffle and Metal Mesh Range Hood Filter using Dish Soap
Cleaning a range hood filter is simple. All you need is hot water, Dawn dish soap, and a soft-bristled scrub brush.
After removing the filters from the range hood, follow these steps to remove tough grease.
Step 1: Fill Your Sink with Hot Water and Dish Soap
Fill your sink with hot water. (The most scalding water your sink will produce.) Use a large bucket if your sink isn’t big enough to house the filters.
After filling your sink, add several drops of dish soap and mix in the water. (Be cautious of the hot water, use a wooden spoon to combine.) Then, place your filter in the water and let it soak for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Scrub with a Soft Brush
After soaking, drain the water from the sink and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. If there’s still grease on the filter, repeat step one, allowing it to soak longer.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve removed all the grease, rinse with water and dry the filter. Once the filter is dry, place it back in your range hood.
After cleaning your filter, remember to clean your range hood. Use warm soapy water or Dawn Power Wash to cut through grease.
How to Clean a Dirty Range Hood Filter with OxiClean
If dish soap doesn’t provide the desired results, you can clean your baffle or metal mesh range hood filter with Oxiclean.
Step 1: Add Hot Water and Oxiclean to the Sink
Fill your sink with hot water and add a quarter scoop of powdered OxiClean. Swirl the mixture with a wooden spoon to combine.
Step 2: Place the Filters in the Water
Place your filters in the water and allow them to sit for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub
Drain the water from the sink and scrub the filters with a soft-bristled scrub brush.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the filters with water, dry them, and place them back in your range hood.
How Often to Clean Your Range Hood Filter
An average family can clean their range hood filter every six months. But, if you fry a lot of food, you’ll need to increase the frequency. Grease and smoke clog the filter, so the more oil you use, the more you need to clean the filter.