A greasy range hood filter can quickly become sticky, dirty and difficult to clean. If you cook many foods that require frying or high heat, you may notice a buildup of cooking oils and grease on the filter over time.
The good news is that how to clean a greasy range hood filter doesn’t have to be complicated. For many removable metal filters, warm water, dish soap, and a little gentle scrubbing are enough to remove built-up grease.
This guide will take you through a simple step-by-step process to safely clean your range hood filter, and when a filter should be replaced rather than washed
Important: Always read your range hood owner’s manual before cleaning. Some filters and models may require different treatment.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather:
- Warm or hot water
- Dish soap or mild detergent
- Baking soda
- A large sink, basin, or tub
- Soft scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Clean towel
- Rubber gloves
You may not need it all. Begin with warm water and a mild dish soap, and then move on to the heavier stuff.
Before You Clean the Range Hood Filter
Safety first.
Turn off the range hood and allow the hood and cooking surface to cool before removing the filter. Whirlpool also recommends turning off the hood, and cleaning any removable filters in warm water and detergent or as directed in the owner’s manual.
If your range hood has a removable metal grease filter, it is usually removed by using the tabs or locking mechanism.
Don’t push the filter in. If you don’t know how to remove it, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.
Step 1: Identify What Type of Filter You Have
Check the type of filter you have before you put it in water.
Metal Grease Filter
These are commonly made from aluminum or stainless steel and are designed to trap grease from cooking.
Many removable metal filters can be washed with warm water and detergent.
Charcoal or Carbon Filter
Charcoal filters are often used in recirculating range hoods to help reduce cooking odors.
Don’t assume a charcoal filter is washable. Many charcoal filters are meant to be replaced, not cleaned. Whirlpool specifically states that their non-vented charcoal filters are not designed to be washed.
If your filter is charcoal, refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended replacement schedule.
Step 2: Remove the Greasy Range Hood Filter
Put on rubber gloves and carefully take out the filter.
A small handle, a tab or some kind of lock is fitted to most filters.
Place the filter directly in your sink or cleaning bowl.
If the filter is coated with a thick layer of grease, wipe off any loose grease with a paper towel before soaking.
Don’t pour large amounts of grease down the sink drain. Don’t put heavy grease in the filter. Wipe off heavy grease and toss it in the trash.
Step 3: Soak the Filter in Warm Water and Dish Soap
Add warm to hot water to your sink or basin.
Add a good squirt of dish soap and agitate the water.
Put the greasy filter into the solution and let it soak for 15-20 minutes or so.
Broan-NuTone recommends soaking grease filters in warm water with a mild detergent for 15-20 minutes on each side.
For additional filter-cleaning guidance, see Broan-NuTone’s official guide to cleaning range hood grease filters
The warm soapy water loosens the grease so you don’t have to scrub too hard.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda for Stubborn Grease
If the filter is still very greasy after soaking, sprinkle a little baking soda on it.
Add a bit more dish soap and work on the greasy spots with a soft scrub brush or non-abrasive sponge.
Focus on:
- Corners
- Edges
- Mesh openings
- Areas with thick grease buildup
If you’re also dealing with stubborn burnt food on your cookware, see our guide on [How to Remove Burnt Food From a Stainless Steel Pan] for more cleaning tips.
Do not scrub with steel wool or harsh abrasive pads, as they can damage some filter surfaces.
Step 5: Scrub the Filter Gently
Break up remaining grease with a soft bristle brush or sponge.
“Don’t try to scrub the whole filter at once, work in small sections,” he says.
For mesh filters, brush lightly in the direction of the mesh when you can.
If the grease is still difficult to remove, re-soak the filter for another 10-15 minutes instead of excessive force.
Step 6: Rinse the Filter Thoroughly
Once the grease is removed, rinse the filter under clean running water.
Make sure there is no leftover:
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Grease
- Cleaning residue
Hold the filter at different angles when you rinse it so that water can reach all surfaces.
Step 7: Dry the Filter Completely
Put the clean filter on a clean towel or drying rack.
Let it dry thoroughly, then put it back in place.
This step is important because you don’t want to put a wet filter back into the range hood.
GE Appliances also suggests you dry the cleaned metal filters thoroughly before putting them back in.
Step 8: Reinstall the Filter Correctly
When the filter is totally dry, reinstall it in the range hood.
Rest assured:
The filter is in the right direction.
Tabs are properly seated.
The locking mechanism is tight.
The filter is not costless.
If your filter is directional, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not operate the range hood without the filter installed.
Can You Put a Range Hood Filter in the Dishwasher?
Sometimes, yes. Not all filters are dishwasher safe though.
Some manufacturers recommend hand washing, while others say some metal filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher. GE says dishwasher cleaning may be okay for common metal filters but can discolor them.
Some filters are dishwasher safe, says Broan-NuTone, and the owner’s manual should be consulted.
Before using the dishwasher:
Read your owner’s manual.
Verify that the filter is dishwasher safe.
Follow detergent manufacturer instructions.
Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstallation.
Never wash a charcoal filter in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is washable.
How Often Should You Clean a Range Hood Filter?
How often you should clean depends on how often you cook and how much grease your cooking produces.
If you do a lot of frying or wok cooking, you may need to clean the filter more often. Broan-NuTone recommends cleaning the aluminum mesh grease filters about monthly, depending on usage.
A good place to start would be:
Light cooking: A few times each year
Normal cooking: once a month or so
More frequent heavy frying or greasy cooking;
Do not follow general schedules, but the owner’s manual that came with your range hood.
Why Does My Range Hood Filter Get Greasy So Quickly?
A range hood filter is designed to trap grease and other cooking particles before they go any further into the ventilation system.
The filter can get greasy very quickly if you:
Eat fried food often
Cooking at high temperatures
Use a wok regularly
Cook foods that release a lot of oil
Infrequently clean filter
Operate hood at low fan speed
If the filter becomes heavily coated with grease, don’t wait until it’s hard to clean.
What If the Grease Won’t Come Off?
If regular dish soap and warm water don’t work, try this:
Soak the filter again.
Add a little more dish soap.
Sprinkle some baking soda on tough places.
Scrub with a soft brush gently.
Wash well.
If necessary repeat.
Don’t go directly to harsh chemicals.
Also, do not mix cleaning products. In particular, do not mix bleach, ammonia, or other household cleaners.
If the filter is badly clogged or damaged after cleaning, replacement may be a better choice.
When Should You Replace a Range Hood Filter?
Cleaning isn’t always the answer.
Consider replacing the filter if it is:
- Damaged
- Bent
- Rusted through
- Missing sections of mesh
- Unable to fit securely
- Permanently clogged with grease
- A disposable charcoal filter that has reached the end of its service life
Charcoal filters are not usually washable and must be replaced. The exact replacement period depends on the appliance and how often you use it.
How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood Filter and Keep It Cleaner for Longer
A few simple changes can help reduce grease build-up.
1. Run the range hood while cooking
Turn on the hood when cooking, especially when frying or producing a lot of steam and smoke.
2. Clean spills quickly
Do not permit grease to accumulate on the hood or on adjacent surfaces.
3. Clean the filter regularly
It’s better to do a quick monthly cleaning than try to clean months of built-up grease.
4. Use the correct fan speed
Select the fan speed appropriate for the type of cooking.
5. Check the filter regularly
A good sign that the filter needs cleaning is if it appears visibly greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean a greasy range hood filter?
Remove the filter and soak in warm, soapy dishwater for around 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully clean off any grease, rinse well and allow to dry thoroughly before replacing.
Can I use baking soda to clean a range hood filter?
Yes, you can use baking soda with dish soap and hot water to help loosen up tough grease. Use mild scouring rather than abrasive scouring.
Can I use oven cleaner on a range hood filter?
Avoid using oven cleaner unless the filter manufacturer specifically says it is safe. Some finishes and some metals can be damaged by strong chemicals.
Can I wash a charcoal range hood filter?
Usually no. Most charcoal filters are designed to be replaced rather than cleaned. See your owner’s manual for your particular model.
How often should I clean my range hood filter?
Depends on how much you cook and how greasy your cooking is. A lot of households find that cleaning once a month is a good place to start. Cooking that generates a lot of grease might need to be cleaned more often.
Can I put my range hood filter in the dishwasher?
Some metal filters are dishwasher safe, some are not. Refer to your appliance manual before placing the filter in the dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
It is easier to clean a greasy range hood filter if you don’t let the buildup go on for months.
A simple place to start for most washable metal filters is warm water, dish soap, soaking and gentle scrubbing. Always check your appliance manual before using any stronger cleaning product or dishwasher.
And if your hood has a charcoal filter, be aware that cleaning and replacing are two different things — most charcoal filters need to be replaced, not washed.
A few minutes of routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your kitchen cleaner and your range hood working properly.
