How to Clean Range Hood Filters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your kitchen has more appliances per square foot than any other area in your home, and keeping up with regular maintenance and cleaning can be daunting. The motivating takeaway, however, is that it helps keep those appliances from breaking down or faltering when you need them most.

Range hood filters may not be kitchen items you think about often, but it’s important to know how to clean them because the dirtier they get, the less effective they become. Fortunately, the range hood filter cleaning process is simple, and our step-by-step guide shows you how to accomplish this critical task in under an hour.

Your Oven Range Is Always Working Overtime

You likely use your oven range every day and clean the oven regularly. But what about cleaning the range hood filters? It’s an equally important home maintenance task that can help improve your appliance’s overall performance.

Most range hoods have at least two filters, and some wider units can hold three or more filters. They sit inside the range hood, which houses the vent above your oven range. As you cook, the filters collect grease and other particulates, while the exhaust fan pulls airborne pollutants into the range hood and vents them outside. Together, they help prevent grime and contaminants from circulating throughout your kitchen. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of using your range hood’s fan whenever you cook to help reduce exposure to potentially unhealthy air.

Types of Range Hood Filters

Range hood filters typically come in three types:

• Charcoal filters: These are single-use only filters. They cannot be put in the dishwasher or hand-washed, so you’ll have to replace them every 3 to 6 months.
• Metal filters (typically aluminum or stainless steel): These are reusable and can be cleaned. They are also dishwasher-safe. However, if your metal filters are heavily coated in grime, it’s best to hand-wash them.
• Baffle filters: These have angled metal slats (or "baffles") that redirect airflow to trap grease — you'll often see them in higher-end range hoods. Like metal mesh filters, baffles are reusable and dishwasher-safe. For heavy grease buildup, soak them in the same hot water and dish soap solution outlined in the steps below, then scrub between the slats with a soft brush.

Ready to Clean Those Gunky Range Hood Filters?

If you cook daily, you can easily imagine the amount of gunk that builds up on your range hood filters. As all of that greasy, sticky goop collects, the filters, exhaust fan, hood, and vent can lose their effectiveness.

If you have charcoal filters, simply purchasing new ones and replacing them solves the problem. However, to thoroughly clean metal or baffle filters, you’ll need the following supplies:

• A clean, non-abrasive scrub brush (and some ultra-fine steel wool for heavy-duty scrubbing if you’ve never cleaned the filters before)
• A large pot
• Plenty of dish soap
• Rubber gloves

10 Quick Steps to a Clean Range Filter

1. Insert a stopper in your kitchen sink drain and fill the sink about halfway with lukewarm water.

2. Boil a large pot of water, and carefully pour it into the sink.

3. Mix in a generous amount of dish soap and one-quarter cup of baking soda until the water is soapy.

4. Remove the filters from the range hood. If no screwdriver is required, then they’ll typically either pop or slide out.

5. Carefully and gently immerse the filters in the hot, soapy water until they’re completely covered. The water will still be hot, so use caution and protect yourself.

6. Soak the filters for at least 20 minutes. That’s typically enough time to allow the boiled water to cool.

7. As the filters are soaking, inspect the exhaust fan and wipe down both the underside of the hood and the outer surface. Turn on the fan to make sure the blades are turning properly. Clean around the housing as needed.

8. Scrub the filters with your non-abrasive scrub brush. Re-soak as needed or use the ultra-fine steel wool for tough spots.

9. Rinse the filters thoroughly in hot water and set them out to dry on a clean dish towel.

10. Place the filters back into the hood.

How Often to Clean a Range Hood Filter

If you cook regularly, get into the habit of scheduling range hood filter cleaning every two months. If you only use your oven range occasionally, you can likely get away with less frequent cleanings.

It’s also a good idea to check your filters periodically for signs of grimy build-up between cleanings. Cooking styles and the types of foods you prepare can affect how quickly grease accumulates, so use the two-month mark as a guideline and adjust your cleaning cycles as needed.

Home Warranty Coverage for Your Oven Range and Hood

Regular maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your oven and range hood, as well as other household appliances and systems, working properly. Yet even when well cared for, unexpected breakdowns can still happen. Help protect your budget from costly repair and replacement bills when covered items break with home warranty coverage from First American can h.

Learn more about our home warranty coverage and how it works, and get a free quote. Discover why homeowners rely on our home warranties for financial protection and peace of mind.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.