Cleaning Your Kitchen Exhaust Hood & Filter
The kitchen range hood and exhaust fan are among the greasiest surfaces in any home — and among the least frequently cleaned. Grease accumulation in range hoods is also a fire hazard when it reaches significant levels. Regular cleaning is both a cleanliness and safety issue.
Filter Types and Cleaning Approach
- Aluminum mesh filters (most common in Ontario homes): Remove by unclipping or unscrewing. Soak in hot water with dish soap and a small amount of baking soda for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. Replace when the mesh is visibly damaged. Should be cleaned monthly for households that cook frequently
- Baffle filters (commercial-style range hoods): More durable, dishwasher-safe, and easier to clean — run through a hot dishwasher cycle monthly
- Charcoal/carbon filters (recirculating hoods without exterior ductwork): These cannot be cleaned — they must be replaced every 3–6 months depending on cooking frequency
Cleaning the Hood Interior and Exterior
The hood interior — the cavity inside the range hood — accumulates grease on the metal surfaces. A commercial kitchen degreaser (available at Canadian Tire or Walmart Ontario) sprayed and left for 5 minutes before wiping cuts through grease buildup effectively. The exterior surface (typically stainless steel) responds well to a microfibre cloth with a small amount of dish soap, wiped in the direction of the steel grain, followed by a dry buff.
Professional Range Hood Cleaning
Commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning is a specialized professional service for restaurant equipment. For residential range hoods, professional home deep cleaning service includes hood exterior and filter cleaning as part of the kitchen deep clean.