How to Clean a Kitchen Range Hood Filter

Grease builds up on your range hood filter faster than you'd expect, and a clogged filter works against you—it stops pulling smoke and cooking odors out of your kitchen, and it makes your hood motor work harder than it needs to. The good news is that cleaning the filter itself takes maybe 30 minutes and costs nothing. You don't need special tools or chemicals. The filter is removable on nearly every hood made in the last 20 years, and once you know the technique, you'll do it routinely without thinking about it. A clean filter keeps your kitchen air fresh and your hood running efficiently for years.

1. Cool the Hood First. Switch off the range hood at the wall switch or breaker. Let the hood sit for at least five minutes so any hot grease on the filter cools slightly. This makes the filter safer to handle and less likely to drip scalding grease on your hands as you work.
2. Locate and Slide Out. Identify the filter behind the grille or within the hood housing. Most filters slide or pull straight out—look for a metal frame with accordion-style pleats or a mesh screen. Some hoods require you to push a latch or release button on either side of the filter. Grasp the filter frame firmly and pull straight toward you with steady pressure. If it resists, check for a catch or latch you may have missed rather than forcing it.
3. Check for Damage. Hold the clean or dirty filter up to light and look for tears, holes, or separated seams in the mesh or pleats. A damaged filter won't trap grease or particulate matter effectively and should be replaced rather than cleaned. If the filter is intact, proceed to soaking.
4. Mix Soapy Hot Water. Use your kitchen sink or a large plastic basin. Fill it with hot water—as hot as your tap water will run, but not boiling. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of grease-cutting dish soap (the kind you use for washing dishes). Stir the water until the soap is dissolved and you see suds forming on the surface.
5. Let Soap Work. Place the filter into the soapy water, pushing it down so it's fully submerged. The hot water and soap will begin breaking down the grease coating immediately. Let it sit for 15 minutes without moving it. During this time, the grease will loosen and separate from the mesh or pleats, making it much easier to scrub away.
6. Brush Grease Away. Remove the filter from the soapy water and place it in your sink. Using a soft-bristled brush—a dish brush or an old toothbrush works well—gently scrub both sides of the filter, paying special attention to the accordion pleats or mesh. Work in vertical strokes to move grease particles downward. Don't scrub so hard that you risk tearing the mesh or bending the pleats out of shape. If grease is stubborn, soak the filter for another 5 minutes and scrub again.
7. Rinse Until Clear. Hold the filter under warm running water from your faucet, rinsing both the top and bottom surfaces. Continue rinsing until the water running off the filter runs clear and you no longer see soapy suds. If grease or soap residue remains, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process.
8. Air Dry Completely. Hold the filter vertically and shake it gently to remove standing water. Lean it against a dish rack or set it upright in your sink to air dry completely. This usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Do not reinstall the filter while wet—moisture on it can short out the motor or create electrical hazards.
9. Wipe the Hood Housing. While the filter is drying, wipe down the inside of the hood housing with a damp cloth or sponge. Grease can accumulate on the walls and damper inside the hood itself. Use the same soapy water from your sink if it's still there, or mix a fresh batch. Wipe any visible buildup away. This prevents grease from dripping back onto a clean filter.
10. Reseat the Filter. Once the filter is completely dry, lift it back into the hood housing in the same orientation you removed it. Slide it or push it in until it seats fully and any latches or catches click into place. The filter should sit flush with no gaps around the edges. Push it gently to confirm it's secure.
11. Test and Polish. Turn the hood back on and listen for normal operation. If the motor sounds strained or there's an unusual noise, turn it off and check that the filter is seated correctly. Once you're satisfied, wipe down the exterior grille or trim of the hood with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grease splatters from the cleaning process.