Range hood filters trap grease vapour so it doesn't coat your kitchen walls and ceiling. When they get clogged, your hood loses suction and cooking smells linger. Cleaning them takes about 15 minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
How Often to Clean
Every 1–3 months depending on how much you cook. If you cook frequently or do a lot of frying and sautéing, monthly cleaning keeps performance up. A filter that looks visibly brown or sticky is overdue.
What You Need
- Boiling water
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Large pot or sink
Method 1: Boiling Water + Baking Soda (Best for Heavy Grease)
- Remove the filter from the range hood — it usually slides or snaps out
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda to the boiling water — it will fizz
- Submerge the filter in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes
- Use tongs to remove it and scrub with a stiff brush under hot running water
- Repeat if needed for very greasy filters
- Rinse well and air dry before reinstalling
Method 2: Dishwasher
Many aluminium mesh filters are dishwasher safe. Run on the hottest cycle with a full pod. This works well for maintenance cleaning but may not fully cut heavy grease build-up — use the boiling water method first if the filter is visibly caked.
Method 3: Baking Soda Soak
- Fill your sink with hot water and ¼ cup of baking soda and a squirt of dish soap
- Submerge the filter and let soak for 15–30 minutes
- Scrub with a brush, rinse well, and dry
Tips
- Never use steel wool on aluminium filters — it scratches and sheds particles
- Baffle filters (stainless steel accordion-style) can usually go in the dishwasher
- Charcoal filters (found on recirculating hoods) cannot be cleaned — they need to be replaced every 3–6 months
- Dry thoroughly before reinstalling — a wet filter can cause odour