How to Clean Range Hood & Exhaust Fan Filter
Heavily greased range hood filters are a kitchen fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association identifies range hoods as one of the most common ignition points in kitchen fires. Clean filters regularly.
What You'll Need
- Large pot full
- 1/2 cup
- Squirt
- 1
- 1
- 2
Step-by-Step Method
Most range hood filters pop out or slide out. Some have a latch. Check your manual if unsure. There may be one or two filters depending on hood size.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place it in the sink and slowly add 1/2 cup baking soda (it will fizz dramatically). Submerge the filter(s) in the solution. Soak for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, scrub both sides of the filter with a non-scratch sponge. Use a toothbrush for the mesh openings. For heavily greased filters, repeat the soak.
Rinse the filter thoroughly under hot running water. Shake off excess water and let air dry completely before reinstalling.
While the filter dries, wipe the range hood exterior with warm soapy water. For stainless steel hoods, wipe with the grain. For stubborn grease, spray with a vinegar solution and wipe.
- Do not put aluminum mesh filters in the dishwasher (dishwasher detergent can discolor aluminum)
- Do not reinstall a wet filter (traps moisture and reduces airflow)
- Do not ignore greasy filters for months (grease buildup is a fire hazard)
- If your filter is stainless steel or steel mesh (not aluminum), it can go in the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.
- Charcoal filters (common on ductless hoods) cannot be cleaned. They must be replaced every 6-12 months.
- Run your range hood while cooking AND for 10 minutes after finishing. This clears residual grease-laden steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every 1-3 months depending on how often you cook. If you fry food regularly, clean monthly. If you mostly bake or boil, every 3 months is sufficient. A greasy filter reduces ventilation efficiency by up to 50%.
A ducted hood vents air outside through ductwork. A ductless hood filters air and recirculates it back into the kitchen using a charcoal filter. Ducted hoods are significantly more effective at removing grease and odors. Ductless hoods require more frequent filter replacement.
Sources & Methodology
Range hood maintenance recommendations from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines on kitchen fire prevention. Grease accumulation as ignition source cited in NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026