How to Clean Hood Fan Filters (in 7 Easy-to-Follow Steps)!
If you enjoy nice home-cooked meals like most Aussies, chances are your kitchen’s range hood filter is due for a clean. But you might ask: why even clean them in the first place?
Well, aside from the reduced "sucking" power and its grimy appearance, thick grease buildup can actually pose a serious fire hazard.
Keeping your filter clean is an essential part of kitchen hygiene. Plus, actively maintaining your filters means that your range hood is always working at its full capacity. All that cooking smoke and airborne grease should be sucked right out of the kitchen where they belong.
What You’ll Need
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Hot soapy water (dishwashing liquid of your choice in hot water)
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Microfibre cloth
- One of the following: Firm (but not metal) scrubbing brush, an old (clean) toothbrush, or the rough side of a kitchen sponge (used gently).
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Pair of gloves
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Large sink or bucket
- Non-toxic all purpose cleaner (optional). Learn whether eco-friendly cleaning products are truly worth it.
You don’t need harsh strong chemicals. In fact, natural degreasers like vinegar and baking soda work wonders without damaging your filter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Hood Fan Filter
1. Remove the Filter Properly
Before rushing to remove it, make sure the range hood is switched off and cool enough to touch. Most filters are easy to remove - they either slide or pop out with a small latch.
Hint: Check the edge or corner of the filter underneath the hood for the latch.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Fill a large sink or a bucket (big enough to completely submerge your filter in) with very hot water. As hot as you can safely manage. Add a good squirt of dishwashing liquid to create that hot soapiness.
For extra punch against stubborn grease buildup, toss in a half cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. The combo creates a natural degreaser that’s tough on grease but gentle on your filter.
3. Soak the Filter
Fully submerge the filter and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. If the grime is essentially baked in, give it a full 30 minutes. The hot water helps loosen up all that built-up grease, making the next steps much easier.
4. Scrub Gently
After soaking, put on your gloves and grab your scrubbing tool of choice (refer to the item list above). Gently scrub at the filter to lift away any remaining grime.
Warning: Pressing too hard on finer types of mesh filters risks bending or tearing the material. Remember, it’s fragile, and so dislodging the mesh and exposing the sharp edges of the aluminium is very possible. In fact, I cut myself doing exactly this earlier this week!
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’re happy with the result, rinse the filter under warm running water until all the soap and residue are gone. Give it a thorough rinse to make sure no grease is left behind.
6. Dry Completely
This is critical because putting a wet filter back into the hood can have the moisture damage your motor over time. Letting the filter air dry completely before reinstalling is optimal. Placing it on a microfibre cloth or clean tea towel can also help soak up moisture faster.
7. Reinstall the Filter
Once the filter is bone dry, carefully clip it back into place. Give the range hood exterior a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth and a splash of non-toxic cleaner. Then, you’re all done!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing too hard when scrubbing: This can warp or tear delicate filters.
- Not soaking for long enough: Not keeping the filter submerged for enough time will leave you scrubbing twice as hard with half the results.
- Using harsh chemicals: Heavy-duty cleaners although can get the job done will corrode the metal and shorten your filter’s life.
- Reinstalling while wet: Always dry the filter thoroughly to prevent damage to the hood’s motor above.
Why Regular Cleaning is Important
Keeping a fresh look is one thing, but here are some other benefits you might be overlooking.
Regular maintenance:
- Keeps your "sucker" power strong ensuring smoke and odours get pulled out efficiently.
- Significantly lowers the chance of fire hazards by removing grease buildup that can be set ablaze when exposed to heat.
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Prevents bacteria from growing from the grease. It also stops smells in your kitchen from creeping up.
FAQ Section
How often should I be cleaning my hood fan filter?
Every 1 to 3 months if you can. If you cook daily or you enjoy regular deep frying, monthly cleaning is suggested.
Is my range hood filter dishwasher safe?
Some metal filters are okay to go into the dishwasher, but check your appliance manual to be sure. If you go this route, run it on a hot cycle with no other dishes. That said, handwashing is often gentler and more effective for stubborn grease.
What if I want a natural alternative for my hot water solution?
Putting vinegar and baking soda into your bucket of hot water works wonders. This method is eco-friendly and can still achieve marvellous results.
How do I know when my filter needs replacing?
If your filter still looks discoloured, warped, or damaged despite having followed all the steps in this guide, it’s time to replace. Also, if you notice your hood isn't venting properly even after this thorough clean, that’s a sign you need a new filter.
So there you go. Real practical advice you can actually use to keep on top of your filter maintenance. As a result, your kitchen will stay fresher, safer, and your trusty range hood will keep sucking like a champ!