Your range hood is crucial in your kitchen because it removes odors, gas, and extra steam from cooking. A range hood also aids in the removal of heat from your kitchen, which is why it’s critical to keep your filter clean. Don’t wait until your filters get clogged up with dirt and grease. Clean those filters today! But how do you clean your range hood filters?
In this article, we will discuss what range hood filters are and how to clean them properly. So your hood can function properly for longer.
What are range hood filters?
Range hood filters are attachments that fit into your range hood. They filter grease, dust, smoke, and other impurities from your kitchen.
The three most popular filters are stainless steel baffle, aluminum mesh, and charcoal filters. You may also find wool filters, which can be placed over a mesh filter for added functionality.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
What are the different types of range hood filters?
Range hood filters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Below are some of the most common.
- Baffle filters
- Aluminum mesh filters
- Charcoal
Baffle filters
Stainless steel baffle filters are some of the most efficient filters on the market. They’re the best for capturing oil, grease, and other impurities from the air in your kitchen. These grease filters are made with three-sided baffles arranged to let the most air through and make the filter work best. When the air hits the top baffles, it quickly changes direction. The bottom baffles of the filter then pick up any unwanted pollutants.
Mesh filtered
Mesh Filters are often made of aluminum and stainless steel. You may find them with a honeycomb pattern. Filters made of stainless steel will last longer and grease more effectively than filters made of aluminum.
Some mesh filters include a grease trap to prevent grease and oil from building up too quickly. To catch infections more efficiently, some range hoods have a plastic grease trap inside the blower.
Charcoal filters
Ducted hoods typically use baffle or mesh filters. However, the majority of ductless or recirculating hoods utilize charcoal filters. Recirculating hoods recirculate the air they extract from the stovetop back into the kitchen. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to replace. Carbon filters are not washable and always need to be replaced.
Why should you clean your range hood filters?
Maintaining clean filters for your range hood is an important task, even if it doesn’t seem like the most productive use of your time. You should clean the filters at least once a month, as reputable manufacturers like Broan recommended.
If you’re a typical homeowner, that’s an awful lot of scrubbing. Many go years without cleaning their filters, and some go even longer. But as a self-proclaimed range hood expert, I have to agree with what the guys at Broan are telling you. Your filters need to be regularly cleaned because of the following issues:
- Improve power efficiency
- Longer service life for the fan motor
- Eliminating smoke and grease efficiently
- Reduced effort required for cleanup
How to clean a range hood mesh filter
It is a good idea to pull your range out and clean it thoroughly if you have been using it a lot recently or if it has been a while since you last checked on your filter. Excess grease accumulation over time on your filters can be tough to remove, so clean them regularly by following the steps below.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Take out the hood’s filters
Remove the filter from the range hood with care. Most filters are simple to remove; they simply pop out from beneath the hood.
Put hot water, baking soda, and dish soap in a sink
Make sure you have a big enough sink or bucket, then fill it halfway with boiling hot, soapy water and 1/4 cup of baking soda or any other soap that is a degreaser.
Soak oily filters in water for a while
Allow the filters to soak in the hot water solution for 10 minutes.
Clean out the filters
If required, and your filters are extremely greasy, scrub them with elbow grease and a scourer or dish brush.
Run a hot cycle in the dishwasher
Place the filters in the dishwasher and run on a hot cycle—if your dishwasher has one, a pots and pans cycle is ideal.
Let them dry
Now, just hang your filters up to dry on their own, and enjoy how beautiful and shiny they look. And that’s all there is to it!
Supply:
- Baking soda
- Degreasing dish soap
- Hot water
- Spray-on degreaser or vinegar solution
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
Tools:
- Soft nylon-bristled brush
- Sink or large metal or glass basin
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Clean Greasy Range Hood Filters!” How to Clean Your Stove Hood: Easy Cleaning Ideas from the YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about kitchen ventilation.
How often should your range hood filter be replaced?
If you use your stovetop frequently, you should replace your filter every six months. On the other hand, changing the filter once a year should ensure that it continues to work at its best.
Can you wash your range hood filter in the dishwasher?
Yes, your range hood filter may be washed in the dishwasher. Range hood filters can be washed completely in a dishwasher, as seen above, and work best when put on a very hot cycle for pots and pans.
What is the best way to clean your range hood filters?
The best way to clean your range hood filters is by putting them in boiling water and using a little baking soda. Follow the steps below.
Are charcoal filters washable?
No. You can not wash or clean charcoal filters; they must be replaced.
Conclusion
Cleaning your filters may look challenging, but don’t be frightened. It’s not as complicated as it may seem.
This post covered the range hood filters, their importance, and how to clean them. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- If you use your stovetop frequently, you should replace your filter every six months.
- range hood filter may be washed in the dishwasher.
- scrub the vent filters lightly with a sponge or scrub brush to remove any grime.
- rinse the filters thoroughly in hot or warm water and dry with a paper towel, clean cloth, or air dry.
- when scrubbing and drying your filter, move in the grain direction for a smooth, sleek finish.
So, now that you’ve read all the steps are you ready to clean your range hood filters? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on kitchen ventilation. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
