How to Clean Grease Off Your Range Hood
The range hood is one of the most neglected cleaning tasks in most kitchens, yet it accumulates the heaviest grease deposits of any surface — it sits directly above the stove and captures the concentrated cooking aerosols from every cooking session. A clogged range hood filter doesn't just look unpleasant; it significantly reduces ventilation effectiveness and becomes a fire hazard.
Range Hood Exterior
The exterior surfaces — particularly the underside and the panels surrounding the filter — accumulate a thick, sticky layer of cooking grease combined with dust:
- Apply a kitchen degreaser spray (Krud Kutter, Zep, or similar) to the exterior surfaces
- Allow 3–5 minutes dwell time — the degreaser needs to break down the oil before it can be wiped away
- Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth — the grease should wipe off with minimal scrubbing
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue
- For stainless steel hoods: wipe in the direction of the grain and dry immediately to prevent water spots
Range Hood Filter (Mesh or Baffle Filter)
The filter is the component that traps the most grease — it must be cleaned separately:
Method 1: Dishwasher
- Most metal range hood filters are dishwasher-safe — check your manual
- Run on the hottest cycle available
- The high temperature and detergent combination cuts through grease effectively
- Allow to dry completely before reinstalling
Method 2: Boiling Water and Dish Soap Soak
- Fill a large pot, sink, or bathtub with boiling or very hot water
- Add a generous amount of dish soap and 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Submerge the filter and soak 20–30 minutes
- Scrub with a stiff brush
- Rinse and allow to dry completely
Method 3: Degreaser Spray Soak
- Lay the filter on a surface and spray both sides generously with kitchen degreaser
- Allow 10–15 minutes dwell time
- Scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly with hot water
Frequency
- Filter: Monthly if you cook regularly, every 2–3 months for light cooking
- Exterior: Every 2–3 months
- Signs it's overdue: visible thick grease, smoke not being drawn up efficiently, or a greasy drip forming on the underside
Book a Maidless deep clean at maidless.ca — 4.9★, 100+ reviews, vetted cleaners across Toronto.