Your range hood pulls cooking fumes, grease, and smoke out of the air — but most of that gunk gets caught in the filter.


Over time, that buildup:


Blocks airflow → reduces suction power

Holds onto odors → makes your kitchen smell like old fried food

Increases fire risk → grease is flammable

Forces your motor to work harder → shortens the hood’s lifespan

And if you cook often (hello, stir-fry lovers), your filter can get clogged in just a few weeks.


So how often should you clean it?


Every 1–2 months for regular cooks

Every 3–4 weeks for heavy users 


Yes, really.


🔍 What Type of Filter Do You Have?

Not all filters are cleaned the same way.


1. Aluminum Mesh Filters (Most Common)

Found in most under-cabinet or island hoods

Dishwasher-safe (usually)

Reusable and long-lasting

✅ Best for: Regular cleaning and high-heat cooking


2. Charcoal Filters (In Recirculating Hoods)

Built-in and not removable

Can’t be washed — must be replaced every 3–6 months

Neutralizes odors, not grease

🚫 Note: These don’t get greasy — but they lose effectiveness over time.


3. Stainless Steel Filters

Durable and dishwasher-safe

Often used in high-end hoods

Need occasional deep cleaning

For this guide, we’ll focus on aluminum mesh filters — the kind most people have.


🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Range Hood Filter

What You’ll Need:

Sink or large bowl

For soaking

Hot water

Loosens grease

Dish soap (like Dawn)

Cuts through oil

Baking soda (optional)

Extra degreasing power

Soft brush or sponge

For scrubbing

Microfiber cloth

For drying


Step 1: Remove the Filter

Turn off the hood

Slide or unclip the filter out (check your manual if stuck)

Place it in the sink

Step 2: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill the sink with hot water (as hot as your hands can handle)

Add 1–2 tablespoons of dish soap

Soak for 15–30 minutes

For extra-greasy filters:


Add ½ cup baking soda to the soak

Let sit for up to 1 hour

Step 3: Scrub Gently

Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub both sides

Focus on the mesh — that’s where grease hides

Don’t use steel wool — it can damage the filter

The grease should lift easily after soaking.


Step 4: Rinse & Dry

Rinse thoroughly under warm water

Shake off excess water

Dry completely with a clean towel or let air dry

⚠️ Never reinstall a wet filter — it can drip grease into your kitchen.


Step 5: Reinstall & Wipe Down the Hood

Slide the clean filter back into place

Wipe the hood interior with a damp cloth

Remove any loose grease or dust

Now your hood will breathe better, smell better, and work better.


🧼 Bonus: Deep-Cleaning Hack for Super-Greasy Filters

If your filter looks like it’s made of tar:


Try the Boiling Method:

Fill a large pot with water

Add 1 cup vinegar + 2 tbsp dish soap

Bring to a boil

Drop in the filter and simmer for 10–15 minutes

Remove, cool, and wipe clean

Grease will slide right off.


✅ Safety tip: Use tongs and wear gloves — boiling grease water is no joke.


🧠 Final Thoughts: A Clean Filter Is a Silent Kitchen Hero

We don’t think much about our range hood — until it stops working.


But the truth is:


The filter is the unsung hero of your kitchen. 


It protects your air.

It protects your cabinets.

It protects your peace of mind.


So next time you’re wiping down the counters or loading the dishwasher…


Don’t forget the filter.


Give it a soak.

Give it a scrub.

Give it some love.


Because sometimes, the difference between a smoky kitchen and a fresh one…


Isn’t in the fan.


It’s in the filter.


And once you clean it?


You’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.