Cleaning a Range Hood: These Tricks Will Make Your Range Hood Sparkle Like New (And Save You Money!)
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Is your range hood covered in a sticky film of grease? You're not alone. As kitchen ventilation experts, we've seen it all – from barely-there smudges to hood filters so clogged they're practically fire hazards.
But here's the good news: cleaning your range hood doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. With a few simple steps, you can transform your grimy hood into a gleaming kitchen centerpiece. Let's get that range hood clean! Check out this blog to learn how to clean your duct.
Why Bother Cleaning Your Range Hood?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why regular hood cleaning matters:
- Prevents fire hazards: Grease buildup is flammable – a clean hood is a safer hood. Click here to learn how to clean your grease trap.
- Improves ventilation efficiency: A clean hood removes cooking odors and smoke better.
- Extends the life of your hood: Regular maintenance prevents costly replacements.
- Keeps your kitchen cleaner: Less grease circulating means cleaner surfaces everywhere.
How Often Should I Clean My Range Hood?
The answer depends on how much you cook:
- Heavy cooking (daily frying/grilling): Clean the filter monthly, deep clean every 30 hours of cooking or every month.
- Average cooking: Clean the filter every 2 months, deep clean twice a year.
- Light cooking: Clean the filter every 3-4 months, deep clean annually.
What You'll Need
- Degreasing dish soap
- Baking soda
- Boiling water
- Large pot or bucket
- Non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves (to protect your hands)
Step-by-Step Hood Cleaning Guide
1. The Filter First
The filter is the greasiest part of your hood. Here's how to tackle it:
- Remove the filter: Turn off the hood and carefully remove the metal filter(s)
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Fill your sink or a large pot with boiling water, add 1/4 cup of degreasing dish soap and 1/2 cup of baking soda
- Soak: Submerge the filter and let it soak for 15-20 minutes
- Scrub: Use your non-abrasive brush to gently scrub away remaining grease
- Rinse: Thoroughly rinse with hot water
- Dry: Let the filter air dry completely before reinstalling
Need to clean your motor? Learn more here.
💡Pro tip: If your filter is extremely grimy, you might need a second round of soaking.
2. Cleaning the Hood Exterior
- Mix a solution: Combine warm water with a few drops of degreasing dish soap
- Wipe down: Using a damp microfiber cloth with your solution, wipe the hood exterior
- Tackle stubborn spots: For persistent grease, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the spot, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean
- Stainless steel care: For stainless steel hoods, wipe in the direction of the grain and finish with a dedicated stainless steel cleaner for extra shine
Check out this video on how to clean stainless steel:
3. Cleaning the Hood Interior
This is where things get serious – the inside of your hood can be surprisingly gross!
- Safety first: Turn off the power to your hood at the breaker box
- Remove what you can: Take out any removable parts according to your manufacturer's instructions
- Degrease: Spray the interior with your degreasing solution, let sit for 10-15 minutes
- Wipe clean: Use microfiber cloths to wipe away the loosened grease
- Reassemble: Once everything is clean and dry, put it all back together
Learn more: How To Clean The Inside Of Your Range Hood
Common Hood Cleaning Questions
Can I put my metal filter in the dishwasher?
Yes, most metal filters are dishwasher-safe! Place it on the bottom rack and use a normal cycle with regular detergent. However, check your manufacturer's instructions first, as some premium filters may have special care requirements.
What about charcoal filters?
Unlike metal filters, charcoal filters (found in ductless hoods) cannot be cleaned. They need to be replaced every 3-6 months depending on use. Learn more about how to maintain charcoal filters: How To Clean And Maintain Your Range Hood's Charcoal Filters (Properly!)
My hood still smells after cleaning. What now?
If odors persist after a thorough cleaning, check that:
- You've cleaned both sides of the filter
- The hood interior is degreased
- Your charcoal filter (if applicable) has been replaced
- There's no grease buildup in the ductwork
How do I maintain my hood between deep cleanings?
Wipe down the exterior weekly with a damp microfiber cloth and a few drops of dish soap. This quick maintenance prevents heavy buildup and makes deep cleaning much easier.
The Bottom Line
A clean range hood isn't just about aesthetics – it's about safety, efficiency, and extending the life of your appliance. With regular maintenance, you'll avoid the dreaded deep clean and keep your kitchen functioning at its best.
Remember: the best hood cleaning routine is one you'll actually stick to. Even if you can't follow every step every time, doing something is always better than nothing when it comes to kitchen maintenance!
Now go enjoy cooking in your fresh, clean kitchen with your sparkly range hood working at peak performance!
Keep your range hood working at peak performance with regular cleaning.
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