How to Clean a Rangehood Filter
A rangehood's mesh filter is the first line of defence against grease, smoke and cooking odours. When it becomes blocked with grease, your rangehood loses suction power and can become a fire hazard. Cleaning it regularly — at least every 2–3 months — keeps your kitchen air clean and extends the life of your rangehood motor. Here's how to do it properly.
What You'll Need
- Degreaser (commercial or homemade baking soda solution)
- Dish soap (a strong grease-cutting formula works well)
- Boiling or very hot water
- A large container or sink
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Microfibre cloths
How Often to Clean
As a general guide:
- Light cooking household (1–2 people, rarely fry): every 3 months
- Average household: every 6–8 weeks
- Heavy cooking household (large family, frequent frying, Asian cooking): every 2–4 weeks
If your filter looks visibly dark brown or the rangehood seems louder than usual, clean it immediately.
Step 1: Remove the Filter
Switch off and unplug your rangehood (or turn off at the switchboard if hardwired). Most rangehood filters can be removed by pushing a tab or button and sliding the filter down and out. Some models have a latch you release by pushing upward. Consult your manual if you're unsure — forcing the filter can damage the clips.
Step 2: Soak in Hot Soapy Water
Fill a large sink or container with very hot (near-boiling) water. Add a generous squirt of dish soap and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda if you have it. Submerge the filter and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. The heat loosens the grease; the soap emulsifies it. For very grimy filters, let it soak for up to an hour.
Step 3: Scrub the Filter
After soaking, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub between the mesh layers. Work in the direction of the mesh, not against it. Avoid abrasive scourers that can damage the aluminium mesh. The grease should come off easily after a good soak — if it doesn't, soak for longer.
Step 4: Dishwasher Method (Alternative)
Many aluminium rangehood filters are dishwasher safe. Simply place the filter in the bottom rack of your dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle with your normal tablet. This is the easiest method and works very well for moderately dirty filters. Note: very greasy filters should be pre-soaked first to avoid putting excessive grease through your dishwasher drain.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the filter thoroughly under hot running water. Shake off excess water and leave the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling. Reinstalling a wet filter can cause corrosion over time.
Step 6: Reinstall
Once fully dry, slide the filter back into place. You should feel or hear it click into the clips. Run the rangehood briefly to check suction has improved.
Charcoal/Carbon Filters (Recirculating Rangehoods)
Some rangehoods recirculate air rather than vent outside — these use charcoal or carbon filters. These cannot be cleaned and must be replaced when they become saturated, typically every 3–6 months depending on cooking frequency. Replacement filters are available from appliance spare parts stores and many hardware stores.
When to Replace Your Rangehood
If your rangehood's motor is noisy, the fan blades are damaged or the rangehood is very old and inefficient, it may be time to replace rather than repair. Modern rangehoods are quieter, more effective and much more energy efficient. Oceania Appliances carries a range of rangehoods at competitive prices. Contact us to find out what's in stock.