How to Clean a Rangehood Filter: Step-by-Step Guide
Your rangehood works hard every time you cook, trapping grease, smoke and cooking odours before they spread through your home. But all that captured grease has to go somewhere — and it ends up in your rangehood's filters. A clogged filter means reduced suction, more noise, and a rangehood that's essentially not doing its job. Here's how to clean it properly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Rangehood Filter?
As a general rule:
- Light cooks (1–2 meals per day, mostly simple cooking): Clean every 2–3 months
- Moderate cooks (regular family cooking with frying and roasting): Clean monthly
- Heavy cooks or commercial-style cooking: Clean every 2–3 weeks
An easy visual indicator: hold your filter up to the light. If you can barely see light through it, it needs cleaning. If it feels heavy or looks dark and sticky, it's overdue.
Types of Rangehood Filters
Aluminium Mesh Filters
The most common type found in ducted and recirculating rangehoods. Silver or grey aluminium mesh panels, usually 1–3 per rangehood. These are washable and reusable.
Stainless Steel Baffle Filters
Found in professional-style and high-end rangehoods (Smeg, AEG, Miele). More efficient at trapping grease, easier to clean, and more durable. Also washable.
Carbon/Charcoal Filters
Found only in recirculating (filterless duct) rangehoods. These trap odours rather than grease. They cannot be washed — they must be replaced every 3–6 months.
What You'll Need
- Dish soap or degreaser (Fairy Platinum, Method Heavy Duty Degreaser, or similar)
- Boiling or very hot water
- A large baking tray or sink
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Microfibre cloths
- Rubber gloves
How to Clean Aluminium Mesh Filters
Method 1: Dishwasher
Many aluminium rangehood filters are dishwasher-safe (check your manual). Place them in the bottom rack, run a hot cycle with your usual dishwasher detergent. This is the easiest method for mild-to-moderate grease build-up.
Method 2: Hot Water Soak
- Boil a kettle and carefully pour the boiling water into a baking tray or sink large enough to submerge the filters.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of dish soap and 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda helps break down grease.
- Submerge the filters and let soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove loosened grease.
- Rinse thoroughly under hot running water.
- Allow to dry completely before reinstalling — this usually takes 30–60 minutes air-drying, or pat dry with a cloth.
Method 3: Degreaser Spray (for heavy build-up)
- Lay the filter flat in a baking tray outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- Spray generously with a kitchen degreaser (Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap, Jif Multipurpose Spray or a commercial degreaser).
- Allow to sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Scrub with a brush, then rinse thoroughly.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Baffle Filters
Baffle filters are robust and handle aggressive cleaning well:
- Remove the baffles (they typically slide or lift out).
- Soak in hot water with dish soap or degreaser for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub if needed, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dry with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spots on the stainless steel.
Cleaning the Rangehood Body
While the filters are drying, wipe down the inside of the rangehood with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. Pay attention to the area around the filter slots where grease can accumulate. Never use abrasive pads on stainless steel rangehoods — they will scratch.
Reinstalling Filters
Make sure filters are completely dry before reinstalling. A wet filter can cause spotting on the stainless steel and may affect the rangehood's performance. Slide or clip them back into place as per your model's instructions.
Signs Your Filter Needs Replacing (Not Just Cleaning)
- The mesh is deformed, bent or has holes
- The aluminium is discoloured or heavily corroded
- Cleaning no longer restores suction performance
Replacement filters are available for most brands and are generally inexpensive ($20–60 depending on the rangehood model).
Need a New Rangehood?
If your rangehood is old, noisy, or simply not powerful enough for your kitchen, we stock a full range of rangehoods from leading brands including Smeg, AEG, Miele, Bosch, Electrolux, Westinghouse and more. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.