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.