How to Deep Clean a Range Hood Filter

Range hood filters are invisible workhorses. They catch the grease and smoke that rise from your stovetop, but nobody thinks about them until they're caked solid and your hood stops pulling air. A clogged filter doesn't just reduce ventilation—it makes your kitchen smell trapped, sends grease up into the ductwork where it becomes a fire hazard, and forces your motor to work twice as hard. Deep cleaning is straightforward work that takes maybe 30 minutes and costs nothing if you use what's already under your sink. The difference in how your kitchen feels afterward is immediate. There are two types of filters you're likely dealing with: metal mesh (usually aluminum or stainless steel) and charcoal cartridges. Metal filters can be cleaned and reused indefinitely. Charcoal filters are typically disposable, though some people try to refresh them. This guide covers metal mesh filters, which is what most homeowners have. If your filter is charcoal, replacement is usually the better move—they're not designed to be cleaned effectively.

1. Remove the filter from the hood. Turn off the range hood and let it cool for a few minutes. Most filters slide or clip into the hood housing. Push up or to the side (check your model) to release the clips, then slide the filter straight out. Set it on your countertop or over a sink—it will drip grease.
2. Fill a sink or tub with hot water and degreaser. Use the hottest water that comes from your tap—as hot as you can tolerate touching. Fill a basin, sink, or large pot with water, then add a good squirt of liquid dish soap or a dedicated degreaser. If the filter is really caked, add about 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water as well; it helps break down baked-on grease. Stir to combine.
3. Submerge and soak the filter. Place the filter into the hot soapy water, pushing it down so it's completely submerged. If it floats, weigh it down with a plate or heavy object. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The hot water and soap will start to loosen the grease and carbon buildup immediately. You'll notice the water turning dark and grimy—that's the buildup coming off.
4. Scrub both sides of the filter. Remove the filter from the water. Using a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or soft kitchen brush works well), scrub both sides of the mesh in a consistent direction—usually following the lines of the mesh. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where grease collects. Don't use a steel wool or hard scrub brush; you can damage the mesh or puncture it. Work methodically; you're not trying to rush this.
5. Rinse under running water until clear. Hold the filter under hot running water, tilting it to let water run through both sides. Keep rinsing and lightly rubbing the mesh with your hand or brush until the water running off is completely clear. No soap residue, no dark streaks. This might take 2-3 minutes of steady rinsing. The filter should look metallic and relatively clean when you're done.
6. Dry the filter completely. Shake off excess water, then stand the filter upright on a clean towel or drying rack. Let it air dry for at least 15-20 minutes before reinstalling, or wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth to speed things up. A slightly damp filter is fine to reinstall, but not dripping wet—water left in the hood can lead to rust or electrical issues.
7. Reinstall the filter. Slide the clean filter back into the hood housing, making sure it sits straight and clicks or locks into place securely. The frame should be flush with the hood—no gaps or tilting. Run the hood on high for 30 seconds just to confirm it's working and properly seated.