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The Focus Way · Cleaning guide

How to clean a rangehood filter

By the Focus Cleaning team · Published

The short answer

Start by identifying the filter. Metal grease filters (mesh, honeycomb or baffle) are usually washable: soak them in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse and dry fully. Carbon (charcoal) filters in recirculating rangehoods generally can't be washed and are replaced as the manufacturer recommends. Check your manual first, as it may allow or rule out the dishwasher and certain products.

Clean stainless steel rangehood above a gas cooktop in a Sydney kitchen

Before you start

What you'll need

  • Your rangehood manual (or model number)
  • Rubber gloves
  • A sink or laundry tub big enough for the filter
  • Hot water and dishwashing liquid
  • Soft brush or sponge
  • Microfibre cloths

Safety first

  • Turn the rangehood off, unplug or switch it off at the wall if you can, and let it and the cooktop cool.
  • Don't use caustic cleaners on filters: many contain aluminium, which can react badly with them.
  • Take care with hot water and wear gloves.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
  • Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
  • Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
  • Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Check the surface

  • Metal grease filters (mesh, honeycomb or baffle) are usually washable.
  • Carbon or charcoal filters are generally not washable, unless the manual says they're a washable long-life type.
  • Dishwasher: only if the manual says it's safe. Some metals discolour.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Switch off and cool

    Turn the rangehood off and let the hood and cooktop cool down.

  2. 2

    Identify the filter

    Check the manual or the filter itself: metal grease filter (washable) or carbon filter (usually replaced).

  3. 3

    Remove the filter

    Release the clips and lower the filter out carefully, as it may drip grease.

  4. 4

    Soak in hot soapy water

    Soak a metal grease filter in hot water with dishwashing liquid for about 10 minutes to soften the grease.

  5. 5

    Scrub gently

    Scrub both sides with a soft brush or sponge, without bending the mesh or frame. Soak again if grease remains.

  6. 6

    Rinse and dry fully

    Rinse the filter and let it dry completely, so water doesn't sit in the mesh.

  7. 7

    Wipe the hood

    Wipe the inside and outside of the rangehood with warm soapy water, then dry it.

  8. 8

    Refit or replace

    Clip the dry metal filter back in. Replace a carbon filter on the schedule your manual gives.

What the Focus team recommends

Little and often is easiest: grease that's soaked off every month or two comes away far more readily than grease left to harden. If the manual is missing, the model number on the label inside the hood usually finds it online.

Questions

How often should I clean a rangehood filter?

CHOICE suggests around every one to two months for grease filters, more often if you cook a lot of fatty or fried food. Carbon filters are replaced as the manufacturer recommends.

Can I put the filter in the dishwasher?

Only if your manual says it's safe. It may discolour depending on the metal and detergent, and hand-washing is gentler.

Can I use bicarb soda for stubborn grease?

Some guides suggest it for stubborn grease on metal filters, but check your manual first. A longer soak in hot soapy water is the gentler first step.

Sources and further reading

Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.

Last reviewed:

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