The Most Effective Method to Clean a Greasy Range Hood Filter

Let’s be honest here. When was the last time you had a look at the filter in your range hood? 

Let me guess, it has been a while or you have never done this before. Well, do not feel bad, because up until a few months ago, even I had not given the state of my range hood filter a thought. I shall warn you though, it will not be pretty. The job of the filter is to collect grease, so if it is doing the job correctly, it is going to be greasy, grimy and frankly, pretty disgusting.

As soon as I saw the filter, I knew I needed to do something about it, but was not sure what! 

Even though this is not how you planned to spend your time, you are going to want to make sure your filter is well maintained and clean. So, to get on with it, we will discuss the most effective method to clean a greasy range hood filter.

The Function of Hood Filter

It is important to understand the function of your range hood. It pulls smoke, odors, and steam through the filter. The filter collects grease to avoid it from accumulating in the vent itself, which allows the range hood to effectively pull the air through. 

A blocked range hood filter can be dangerous. If you do not have a clean filter, your smoke alarm could go off time by time due to buildup of smoke and the grease can attract pests. Particularly fruit flies and cockroaches. 

It is very important to keep a clean range hood filter. Here is how you can clean your filter to protect your house and family.

Thing You Will Need

• Boiling water
• Dish Soap
• Baking Soda
• Scrub Brush (Non-abrasive)
• Dish cloth or paper towels

Steps to Clean a Greasy Filter

1. Remove the filter from hood

Filter usually slide or pop out from underneath. If your filter has a metal loop, grab and push the filter up and slide it out

2. Fill a sink or bucket with boiling water

You need hot or boiling water for it to be effective. The best way is to boil the water in an electric tea kettle and then pour it into the sink.

3. Pour in baking soda and dish soap

Squirt or put a good amount of dish soap and a quarter cup of baking soda in the hot water. Mix it with a brush until the water is nice and soapy.

4. Put greasy filter in water

Put your greasy exhaust filter into the water making sure the filter is completely covered.

Let the filter soak for about 10 minutes.

5. Scrub the filter

After you have soaked the filter, take the brush and scrub the filter. Add more dish soap if you think it is necessary while scrubbing.

6. Rinse and dry

Rinse the filter thoroughly in hot water and dry the filter with a clean cloth or a paper towel.

7. Replace the filter and repeat as needed

Put the filter back into your range hood and repeat it as needed

We hope we have helped you in cleaning a range hood filter. Please remember to regularly clean your hood filter to increase the life of your filter and the hood.