Clean your range hood in three parts: the filter, the fan blades, and the housing

A range hood collects grease and cooking particles every time you cook. The filter catches most of it, but grease builds up on the fan blades and inside the metal housing too. You need to clean all three parts to keep the hood working properly and prevent fire risk. The filter is the easiest and fastest; the fan blades and housing take longer but follow the same basic steps.

Start by turning off the hood and letting it cool for at least 15 minutes. Grease is slippery when warm and can burn you. If your hood has a light, turn that off too. Most range hoods take 30 to 60 minutes to clean thoroughly, depending on how much buildup you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and soak the filter in hot water and degreaser for 15 to 30 minutes before scrubbing, which loosens grease faster than scrubbing alone.
  • The fan blades collect grease and need to be wiped down with a degreaser cloth every month or two, not just when you clean the filter.
  • The metal housing inside the hood can be cleaned with the same degreaser you use on the filter, applied with a cloth or soft brush.
  • Aluminum filters can be washed in the dishwasher on a low heat cycle, but charcoal filters cannot and must be hand-cleaned or replaced.

How to clean the filter

The filter is the part you can see when you open the hood. Most filters slide or clip out from the bottom. Push up gently on the sides or look for a release button or latch. If it does not move, check the manual for your specific hood model — some filters are held in place differently.

Once the filter is out, hold it over a sink or trash can and tap it gently to knock loose any large particles. Then fill your sink or a large pot with hot water and add a degreaser. Use a commercial kitchen degreaser like Zep or Dawn Pro, or make your own by mixing one part white vinegar with one part hot water. Submerge the filter and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer soak loosens grease so you do not have to scrub as hard.

After soaking, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub both sides of the filter. Pay attention to the corners and edges where grease pools. Rinse under hot running water until the water runs clear. If your filter is aluminum and still has grease spots, you can place it on the top rack of your dishwasher on a low heat cycle — do not use high heat, which can warp the metal. Charcoal filters cannot go in the dishwasher and must be hand-cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer's schedule, usually every three to six months.

How to clean the fan blades

The fan blades sit behind or above the filter and collect grease over time. You can see them once the filter is removed. Turn off the hood and make sure the blades are completely still before you touch them. Never reach into a range hood while it is running, even if you think it is off.

Dampen a cloth with your degreaser solution and wipe each blade on both sides. Work slowly and support the blade with your other hand so you do not bend it. If the grease is thick, let the degreaser sit on the blade for a minute before wiping. For stubborn buildup, use a soft brush instead of a cloth, but do not scrub hard enough to scratch the metal.

Once all blades are clean, wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining degreaser. Reinstall the filter before you turn the hood back on. If you notice the blades are bent or damaged, the hood may not work properly and you should have it inspected by a professional.

How to clean the metal housing

The metal box that surrounds the fan is called the housing. Grease can coat the inside walls, especially near the top where steam rises. You can clean this with the same degreaser you used on the filter, but you will need to reach inside carefully.

Dampen a cloth or soft brush with degreaser and wipe the inside walls of the housing, working from top to bottom so gravity helps the grease run down. If the housing has a removable baffle or grease trap at the bottom, take it out and soak it in your degreaser solution the same way you soaked the filter. Wipe it clean and dry it before putting it back.

For the outside of the hood, use the same degreaser on a cloth. Stainless steel hoods can be wiped with a cloth dampened in degreaser, then dried with a separate cloth to prevent water spots. Painted hoods should be wiped gently to avoid scratching the finish.

What degreaser to use

You have several options. Commercial kitchen degreasers like Zep, Krud Kutter, or Dawn Pro are made for this job and work quickly. They cost between $5 and $15 per bottle and last through multiple cleanings. Follow the label instructions for dilution and soak time.

White vinegar mixed 1:1 with hot water is cheaper and works on light to moderate grease buildup. It takes longer to work than commercial degreasers and may need a longer soak or more scrubbing. Baking soda mixed into a paste with water can be used as a gentle abrasive for stubborn spots, but do not use it on aluminum filters because it can scratch them.

Do not use oven cleaner, bleach, or abrasive scouring powders on range hood parts. These can damage the metal, strip protective coatings, or create toxic fumes when mixed with grease or other cleaners. Stick to degreasers made for kitchen use.

How often to clean each part

The filter should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months, depending on how much you cook. If you cook daily or use high heat often, clean it monthly. If you cook occasionally, every three months is usually enough. Some filters are disposable and meant to be replaced rather than washed; check your hood manual to see which type you have.

The fan blades should be wiped down every month or two, even if you do not do a full cleaning. A quick wipe with a degreaser cloth takes five minutes and prevents heavy buildup. The housing can be cleaned at the same time you clean the filter, or every two to three months if you prefer.

If you notice the hood is not pulling steam or cooking smells as well as it used to, that is a sign the filter is clogged and needs cleaning sooner. Do not wait for your scheduled cleaning if the hood is not working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean the filter while the hood is still installed?

You can wipe the filter with a cloth while it is in place, but you cannot soak it or scrub it properly without removing it. Removal takes less than a minute and gives you access to the fan blades and housing at the same time, so it is worth doing a full cleaning rather than a quick wipe.

What if my range hood has a charcoal filter instead of a metal one?

Charcoal filters cannot be washed or soaked because water damages the charcoal. They must be replaced according to your hood manual, usually every three to six months. Some hoods have both a metal grease filter and a charcoal odor filter stacked together; remove and replace the charcoal one separately from the metal one.

Is it safe to use a pressure washer on range hood parts?

No. Pressure washers can bend or dent metal filters and housing, and the force can damage the fan blades. Stick to hand washing with a cloth or soft brush. The degreaser does the work; you do not need high pressure.

What should I do if the filter is damaged or has holes in it?

A damaged filter will not catch grease properly and should be replaced. Grease will bypass the filter and coat the fan blades and housing much faster, making your hood harder to clean and less effective. Check your hood manual for the correct replacement filter model and size.

Can I run the hood while the filter is drying after I wash it?

No. A wet filter can damage the motor and create electrical hazards. Let the filter dry completely — at least 30 minutes in the air, or use a clean cloth to dry it thoroughly before reinstalling. If you are in a hurry, you can run the hood without the filter for a short time, but do not make this a habit because grease will coat the blades and housing much faster.