Start with the filter—it's the easiest part and makes the biggest difference

The filter is where grease and cooking particles collect, and cleaning it first will improve your hood's suction when ready. Most range hoods have either a mesh filter or a baffle filter (a series of curved metal plates). Both can be removed by hand or with a straightforward twist—check your hood's manual or look for a release button or clip on the sides of the filter.

Once the filter is out, soak it in hot water with a degreasing dish soap for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away the buildup, working in the direction of the mesh or between the baffle plates. Rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear, then let it air dry completely before reinstalling it. Never put a mesh or baffle filter in the dishwasher unless the manual says it's safe—high heat can warp the metal.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and soak the filter in hot soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush to remove grease buildup.
  • Wipe the hood's exterior and interior surfaces with a degreaser or a cloth dampened with vinegar and water to cut through grease.
  • Clean the ductwork inside the hood by reaching in with a damp cloth or using a flexible brush if you can safely access it.
  • Let all parts dry completely before turning the hood back on to avoid electrical hazards.

Clean the hood's exterior and interior surfaces

While the filter soaks, wipe down the outside of the hood with a cloth dampened in a degreaser or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Work from top to bottom so drips don't run over already-cleaned areas. Pay special attention to the edges and seams where grease pools. For stubborn buildup, spray the degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.

The interior of the hood—the part you see when you look up at it—also collects grease. Use the same cloth and degreaser to wipe the underside of the hood's canopy and the walls inside the hood opening. If your hood has a light fixture, wipe around it carefully but do not spray liquid directly onto the bulb or socket. Stainless steel hoods can be finished with a stainless steel cleaner afterward to restore shine, but this is optional.

Reach the ductwork and damper if you can access them safely

Grease also accumulates inside the ductwork that carries air out of your home. If your hood has a removable section of duct or an accessible damper (a flap that opens and closes to let air out), you can clean these parts too. Turn off the hood and any power to it before you start. Use a damp cloth to wipe inside the duct opening as far as you can reach safely—do not force your arm into tight spaces.

If the ductwork is long or runs horizontally, grease buildup deeper inside can be harder to reach. A flexible brush designed for duct cleaning can help, but if you cannot see or reach the area, it is better to stop than to risk damaging the duct or getting stuck. For heavy buildup in ductwork, a professional duct cleaning service has the right tools and can do it safely.

Clean the damper and exterior vent if your hood vents outside

If your range hood vents to the outside (rather than recirculating air back into the kitchen), the damper—a hinged flap on the duct—can get stuck open or closed if grease hardens on it. Locate the damper where the duct exits your home, usually on the outside wall or roof. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and work it gently back and forth to make sure it moves freely. A stuck damper will reduce airflow and let cold air back into your home in winter.

While you are outside, check the exterior vent opening for debris, spider webs, or bird nests. Clear away any blockages by hand or with a soft brush. A blocked exterior vent will force the hood to work harder and can cause grease to back up into the ductwork.

Reassemble and test the hood

Once the filter is completely dry, slide or twist it back into place until it clicks or seats firmly. Make sure it is oriented the right way—most filters have an arrow showing the direction air should flow. Close any access panels or covers you removed. Turn the hood back on and run it for a minute to check that it is pulling air normally. You should feel suction at the front of the hood and hear the motor running smoothly.

If the hood is noticeably quieter or pulls air better after cleaning, the filter was the main culprit. If suction is still weak after a clean filter, the ductwork may need professional cleaning, or the motor may be failing—that is a sign to call a technician.

How often to clean your range hood

The filter should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months, depending on how much you cook and what you cook. Frying and high-heat cooking produce more grease than boiling or baking, so adjust your schedule accordingly. The hood's exterior and interior can be wiped down monthly as part of your kitchen cleaning routine. The ductwork and damper should be inspected and cleaned once a year, or more often if you notice reduced airflow.

Keeping up with regular cleaning prevents grease from hardening and becoming difficult to remove, and it keeps your hood running efficiently. A clean hood also reduces fire risk—grease buildup is flammable, and a clogged hood cannot pull smoke and steam out of your kitchen as it should.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my range hood filter in the dishwasher?

Only if your hood's manual says it is safe. Most mesh and baffle filters can warp or corrode in the dishwasher's heat. Hand-washing in hot soapy water is safer and just as effective. Check your manual before putting any filter in the dishwasher.

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

A damaged filter will not trap grease effectively and should be replaced. Measure the filter's dimensions and order a replacement from the hood's manufacturer or a home improvement store. Installation is usually as straightforward as sliding the new filter into place.

My range hood is very loud after cleaning. Is that normal?

A clean hood should run at its normal volume. If it is louder than before, the filter may not be seated correctly, or something may be loose inside the hood. Turn it off, check that the filter is fully installed, and look for any debris inside the hood opening. If it remains loud, the motor or fan blade may need service.

How do I know if my ductwork needs professional cleaning?

If the hood pulls air weakly even after you have cleaned the filter and interior, or if you see grease dripping from the duct opening outside, the ductwork is clogged. A professional duct cleaner has a camera and brush system to clear buildup safely without damaging the duct.