Your range hood does some pretty amazing things for your kitchen. It removes heat, steam, and toxins created while you cook. In order for your range hood to work properly, it’s important to clean the filter regularly.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to clean a range hood filter so you can rest assured the air in your kitchen is clean and fresh.

How to Clean a Range Hood Filter

The filter found within your range hood is responsible for removing the dirty stuff and returning you pleasant and breathable air. And, if you’d like to keep it that way, then you need to know how to clean your range hood filter.

Don’t worry, it is a simple and undaunting task, but one that should be added to your chore list.

Why Should You Clean Your Filter?

The amount of build-up that occurs in your range hood filter can be very gross if not cleaned. The more you cook, the more it is used. And, the more it is used, the more it is being contaminated with all sorts of toxins from your kitchen.

The range hood is designed to make life a bit easier – and healthier – for you. But, when it is not cleaned regularly, you may find that you are dealing with even bigger issues. For example, did you now that a dirty range hood filter may make us turn our noses up, but it attracts pesky creatures, such as roaches, flies, and gnats? Its food-flavored grease, so of course they will show up!

Also, the filter is used to snag up all the toxins delivered from your cooking processes. Over time, with no room for the filter to function and breathe, these toxins may find their way back into your kitchen. Yes – you read that right! The very toxins your range hood filter is designed to remove can end up right back in your kitchen.

Remember, a filter can only do its job if it is cared for through regular maintenance.

How Often Should You Clean Your Filter?

There is no right answer, necessarily, when it comes to how often you should be cleaning your range hood filter. After all, it only needs to be cleaned if it is dirty, right? And, well, if you don’t cook much or utilize your range and vent much, then your filter may require cleaning less frequently.

Ideally, in an average household, cleaning the filter of your range hood should be something you do at least once or twice a month. Of course, less or more depending on how often you cook.

This regular maintenance of your filter will help ensure that you and your family are receiving the freshest air while in your kitchen. Also, it helps keep your range hood working in an optimal fashion.

3 Ways to Clean a Range Hood Filter

Because everyone is different and will have their own preference, based on time, space, and ease, there are three different methods of cleaning your range hood filter. Thankfully, they are all relatively simple processes so you should be breathing clean air in no time.

So, which cleaning method will you choose? Perhaps you’d prefer to just place it in your dishwasher and move on. Or, simply cleaning the filter in your sink may be your ideal choice. Though, if you want to turn the steam on and get that filter clean, place it in a pot on the stove.

Check out these specifics:

1. The dishwasher method

The dishwasher method is not necessarily the best choice for cleaning a range hood filter that hasn’t seen the sight of clean in quite some time – if ever. So, if that is where you are in the process, you may want to move on to the sink or stove method.

Otherwise, for a newer filter or one that you are regularly cleaning, placing the filter in the dishwasher can be a great way to keep it clean, sanitary, and healthy – all without really having to lift a finger.

These filters can be sensitive, however, so it is important to keep them on the top shelf.

2. The sink method

Another method of cleaning your range hood filter involves simply using your sink. You will need:

• Hot water
• Baking soda
• De-greasing soap
• A non-abrasive sponge

Fill your sink or a bucket with hot water. It doesn’t have to be boiling, but the hotter, the better. Add about a ¼ cup of baking soda and a nice, long squirt of soap. Mix around using a large spoon until the mixture is nice and bubbly.

Add your filters to the water. You don’t have to let them soak a while, but it will make your scrubbing job much easier if you do. Soak for ten minutes should you choose to.

After soaking, add additional soap to your non-abrasive sponge and begin scrubbing the filters. You will be able to tell they are clean by appearance and feel.

Rinse and set aside until dry.

3. The stove method

Finally, the stove method is another option for getting your range hood filters nice and clean. Should you choose this manner for cleaning, you will need:

• A large stock pot (one that will fit at least half of your filter)
• Water
• ½ cup of baking soda

Fill the stock pot with water and bring it to a boil. To keep the fizzing maintainable, add your ½ cup of baking soda to the boiling water very slowly. Then, add your range hood filter.

Let your filter soak in the hot water and watch it de-grease itself.

Once you are done, rinse it off and set aside until dry.

Conclusion

Keep your range hood clean and your kitchen fresh by following one of these cleaning methods regularly. Be sure to wipe down and de-grease the hood itself when you do. Keeping your kitchen healthy will keep you and your family healthy, too.