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The Easiest Way To Clean A Greasy Range Hood Filter

Jill Nystul  ·  June 1, 2023  ·  Updated: April 5, 2024
comments icon 42 Comments
4 from 2 votes

Have you inspected the filter in your range hood lately? (Hint: you probably should.)

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The easy way to clean a range hood filter is in a big stock pot on the stove.

Greasy Filter In Your Kitchen Exhaust Fan? That’s A Problem

When was the last time you checked on the state of the filter in your range hood? It was probably a while ago. Well, don’t feel bad, because up until a few years ago, I hadn’t ever thought about the state of my cooker hood or the filter inside it!

Then one day, as I was replacing the burnt-out lightbulb in my range hood, I caught sight of the filter. It was greasy, grimy, and frankly, pretty disgusting. I knew I needed to do something about it, but I wasn’t sure what!

After researching online, I discovered an easy and mess-free method to degrease even the greasiest range hood filter. I was shocked by how well it worked, and after bringing my range hood filter back from the brink, I learned that my kitchen exhaust fan could now do its job correctly.

Here’s how it’s done so you can also clean up the all-important filter in your stove vent!

How To Clean Your Range Hood Filter

Clean a Stove Hood Filter with a stock pot, water, and baking soda.

You’ll need:

Directions:

Grab a stock pot that’s large enough to accommodate at least half of your range hood filter, and fill it with water.

To clean a range hood filter on the stove, boil water in a large pot and add 1/2 cup of baking soda, a little bit at a time.

Bring the water to a boil, and slowly add the 1/2 cup of baking soda. Slowly is the operative word here, as the baking soda will fizz up as you add it to the water. I usually end up adding it about a tablespoon or so at a time.

To clean a Stove Hood Filter in a pot, the pot needs to be big enough that at least half the filter will be under water at a time.

Once all the baking soda has been added to the pot, place your greasy range hood filter into the boiling water. (You might have to do one half of the filter at a time depending on the size of your filter.)

After you clean the Stove Hood Filter, the water in the pot will be disgusting, but the filter will be clean as a whistle!

Let the filter boil in the baking soda water for a few minutes, and watch as the grease and grime start to rise to the surface! It’s gross, yet fascinating.

Once you’ve boiled the whole thing for at least a few minutes, rinse the filter under hot water from your tap. Once the water starts running clean, you’re done! If there’s still some grease and grime trapped in the filter, refill your stockpot with clean water and repeat the steps again.

Finally, prop your clean range hood filter up and allow it to air dry for several hours. Once the filter is completely dry, replace it in your hood vent. And that’s all there is to it!

These before and after photos show how effective it is to clean a range hood filter on the stovetop.

The filter at our studio is practically brand new and wasn’t dirty at all, but luckily for us, our photographer Kaitlyn had a dirty one at home! The filter is on the older side so it definitely doesn’t look perfect after cleaning, but you can see how the color is almost completely different once all that gunk and grease is boiled off! Amazing!

More Cleaning Hacks To Explore

Could your range hood filter stand to be cleaned?

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There are lots of natural ways to make your house smell great, including wax melts, essential oils, orange peels, and baking soda.

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A pot filled with water on top of a stove, while learning how to clean your range hood filter.

How To Clean A Range Hood Filter

Jill Nystul
Even the greasiest hood filter is no match for this cleaning method!
4 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Large stockpot big enough to submerge at least half the filter
  • Range hood filter(s)

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Baking soda
  • Water

Instructions
 

  • Put enough water in the stock pot so that at least half the filter can be submerged.
  • Bring the water to a boil and slowly add the baking soda. (The soda will fizz up, so add it about a tablespoon at a time.)
  • Put the range hood filter in the boiling water. (You may need to clean one half at a time, depending on the size.)
  • Boil for a few minutes, remove carefully, and rinse under hot tap water until the water runs clear.
  • If the filter is still greasy, refill the pot and start over.
  • Once the filter is clean, prop it up and allow it to air dry before replacing it in the hood vent.

Read This Next


Jill Nystul Photo

Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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4 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Comment

42 Comments

  1. I am a lover of all things Dawn. It is the one of the best grease cutters ever. Think about doing a test on that filter using baking soda, Dawn, and Crud cutter. Price could be a factor, but I would be curious as to which is the most effective. Thanks for all your tips

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  2. I just did this with my range filter and it worked great! Very easy to do. Thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  3. Update please. Did you clean your dishwasher? Were you surprised?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  4. Thank you that worked Great! I put the boiling water in the sink. (I don’t have a pan big enough) and then put the baking soda that was expired. It worked!
    My question is do you happen to have a way to clean up there were the fan goes. That area? the whole area. and a easy way. Please! Under the hood

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  5. my stove hood filters are metal, like the ones in the photos, but they also have inserts of plasticky foam, that absorbs grease. Is there a way to clean these inserts? I’m trying to reuse things as much as possible because plastic pollution is such a problem.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  6. They’re not expensive in Canada. I just buy a new one. Especially when I’m now renting. Don’t want to clean someone else’s grease. Have a dishwasher so maybe I’ll put this new one in after 6 months use. Shouldn’t be too greasy. Don’t do much frying on the stove if you have an air fryer.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  7. Awesome
    And works fast.
    I didn’t even put in pot. I put it in my sink and Wrinkle baking powder on top. Then boiling water over it. Works like a charm
    thank you

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  8. Amazing, works like magic. Have used this technique a few times & each time it works like a charm. Shared the idea with friends & they all agreed – IT WORKS & very quickly too!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  9. Hi just cleaned filter for range hood,using the boining water. My filters were too big for my pot so but filters into sink and boiled water. Added the half cup of baking soda in the sink then poored the water over slow. I let them sit until water cooled down this is the best i have ever gotten clean. Thanks for the info. The boinging water makes the difference.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  10. How do you dispose of the scabby water that’s left behind? I’m not pouring that down my sink.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

      • It will kill the grass, it is safe to put down the sink, even if you have a septic system

  11. Thanks so much for sharing. Your right the boiling water looked so gross. Works like a charm!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  12. I just put mine on top rach of my dishwasher, works like a charm!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  13. Range hood filter cleaning….WOW! worked like magic! thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  14. Uggg, I finally tried this and my biggest pot is not nearly deep enough….although it is wide enough.
    There is major gunk coming out so it’s still a good method

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • You’ll just have to flip it half way through :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  15. I figured out a way to clean the range hood filters and actually by experimenting. They were pretty bad and all I had was pine-sol and dawn. I soaked them in boiling water with a bit of each overnight. Although it removed some grease, I was disappointed. The next morning, I found the perfect way to remove it and recommend it to everyone because it worked! I drained the water out of the sink, cleaned it real good then filled with boiling water and just a couple of squirts of dishwasher detergent. In less than an hour, it removed everything and they were sparkling like brand new. I could not believe it after years of scrubbing these nasty things! Try it.. it really does work and you won’t be disappointed!!! I have done this since then without soaking them in dawn or pine-sol or anything else with the same result… sparkling clean like brand new with just boiling water and dishwasher detergent. I used Palmolive Eco. Good luck!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  16. Thank you for nudging me into doing this job, feel very virtuous now. Was easy!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  17. I tried the dishwasher first for my hood filters, as it seemed the easiest way. After doing that twice they’re still grimy. Now will do the baking soda pot. Maybe cleaning them every 10 years not enough??!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  18. Best tip ever! I saw your post on instagram and couldn’t remember the last time I cleaned the filter. This method cleaned it quick and easy! Thanks!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  19. Love the hood range cleaning advice but just a tip it is very fizzy! She is very right and when you put the filter in it will bubble even more. But boy it is clean now!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  22. Even when running through the dishwasher, they still come out somewhat sticky. Probably because we don’t use chemical solvent ladened dishwasher tablets with chemical fragrances, thankfully. Don’t want those poisons on items we cook in, eat with, or eat off of. We tried a free Cascade tablet that came with our dishwasher and everything smelled just awful with chemical perfume. Gross! Had to rewash everything a few times! This boiling method with baking soda is a great idea and works…
    Thanks Jillee

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • I don’t use dishwasher tablets. I use liquid dishwasher detergent BUT only fill the dispenser HALF way. The dishes are clean and the detergent is all rinsed off. No odor no soap left on dishes. I do the same with clothes. We use too much soap!!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  23. I will try this at home…! I let my filter get so bad that nothing worked on it anymore. Now I will try this today!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • I put my filter through the stock pot 3 times. The edges were still alittle sticky so I used a brillo on the edges and it cleaned up. Thanks for the great tip!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • Some baking soda and hydrogen peroxide fizzes up, I allow the fizz to settle down and then I add some hot water, it needs to be hot, but it does not need to be boiling. I am going to try putting it in the top tray of my dishwasher. That idea sounds great. Jillee has some nice recipes, which I modify for my GF husband, but some of her cleaning ideas are just too much work for those who work 40-60 hours a week or those of us who are old folks.

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  24. Yep! Run it through the dishwasher. NO effort required.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  25. I run my through the dishwasher and it comes out like new every time.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  26. I put Dawn on my filter than pour boiling water on it a few times. It works like a charm. If I had a dishwasher I would probably use the tip below.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  27. I have an extra large sink which I fill with extra hot water, dissolve a dishwasher tablet in and lay all three filters flat into it to soak. Then a run in the dishwasher, drain outside in the sun (if any) and refit. If I’m feeling frisky, I sometimes scrub the filters both sides before the dishwasher blast.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  28. I just put mine in the dishwasher, works every time.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

      • Years of gunk, would need to be treated first
        I am appreciative of Jilliee’s cleaning method, really breaks up the thick sticky grease. I’ll calandar a reminder to clean in the dishwasher every few months then after.

4 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Comment

42 Comments

  1. I am a lover of all things Dawn. It is the one of the best grease cutters ever. Think about doing a test on that filter using baking soda, Dawn, and Crud cutter. Price could be a factor, but I would be curious as to which is the most effective. Thanks for all your tips

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  2. I just did this with my range filter and it worked great! Very easy to do. Thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  3. Update please. Did you clean your dishwasher? Were you surprised?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  4. Thank you that worked Great! I put the boiling water in the sink. (I don’t have a pan big enough) and then put the baking soda that was expired. It worked!
    My question is do you happen to have a way to clean up there were the fan goes. That area? the whole area. and a easy way. Please! Under the hood

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  5. my stove hood filters are metal, like the ones in the photos, but they also have inserts of plasticky foam, that absorbs grease. Is there a way to clean these inserts? I’m trying to reuse things as much as possible because plastic pollution is such a problem.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  6. They’re not expensive in Canada. I just buy a new one. Especially when I’m now renting. Don’t want to clean someone else’s grease. Have a dishwasher so maybe I’ll put this new one in after 6 months use. Shouldn’t be too greasy. Don’t do much frying on the stove if you have an air fryer.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  7. Awesome
    And works fast.
    I didn’t even put in pot. I put it in my sink and Wrinkle baking powder on top. Then boiling water over it. Works like a charm
    thank you

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  8. Amazing, works like magic. Have used this technique a few times & each time it works like a charm. Shared the idea with friends & they all agreed – IT WORKS & very quickly too!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  9. Hi just cleaned filter for range hood,using the boining water. My filters were too big for my pot so but filters into sink and boiled water. Added the half cup of baking soda in the sink then poored the water over slow. I let them sit until water cooled down this is the best i have ever gotten clean. Thanks for the info. The boinging water makes the difference.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  10. How do you dispose of the scabby water that’s left behind? I’m not pouring that down my sink.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

      • It will kill the grass, it is safe to put down the sink, even if you have a septic system

  11. Thanks so much for sharing. Your right the boiling water looked so gross. Works like a charm!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  12. I just put mine on top rach of my dishwasher, works like a charm!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  13. Range hood filter cleaning….WOW! worked like magic! thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  14. Uggg, I finally tried this and my biggest pot is not nearly deep enough….although it is wide enough.
    There is major gunk coming out so it’s still a good method

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • You’ll just have to flip it half way through :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  15. I figured out a way to clean the range hood filters and actually by experimenting. They were pretty bad and all I had was pine-sol and dawn. I soaked them in boiling water with a bit of each overnight. Although it removed some grease, I was disappointed. The next morning, I found the perfect way to remove it and recommend it to everyone because it worked! I drained the water out of the sink, cleaned it real good then filled with boiling water and just a couple of squirts of dishwasher detergent. In less than an hour, it removed everything and they were sparkling like brand new. I could not believe it after years of scrubbing these nasty things! Try it.. it really does work and you won’t be disappointed!!! I have done this since then without soaking them in dawn or pine-sol or anything else with the same result… sparkling clean like brand new with just boiling water and dishwasher detergent. I used Palmolive Eco. Good luck!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  16. Thank you for nudging me into doing this job, feel very virtuous now. Was easy!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  17. I tried the dishwasher first for my hood filters, as it seemed the easiest way. After doing that twice they’re still grimy. Now will do the baking soda pot. Maybe cleaning them every 10 years not enough??!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  18. Best tip ever! I saw your post on instagram and couldn’t remember the last time I cleaned the filter. This method cleaned it quick and easy! Thanks!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  19. Love the hood range cleaning advice but just a tip it is very fizzy! She is very right and when you put the filter in it will bubble even more. But boy it is clean now!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  22. Even when running through the dishwasher, they still come out somewhat sticky. Probably because we don’t use chemical solvent ladened dishwasher tablets with chemical fragrances, thankfully. Don’t want those poisons on items we cook in, eat with, or eat off of. We tried a free Cascade tablet that came with our dishwasher and everything smelled just awful with chemical perfume. Gross! Had to rewash everything a few times! This boiling method with baking soda is a great idea and works…
    Thanks Jillee

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • I don’t use dishwasher tablets. I use liquid dishwasher detergent BUT only fill the dispenser HALF way. The dishes are clean and the detergent is all rinsed off. No odor no soap left on dishes. I do the same with clothes. We use too much soap!!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  23. I will try this at home…! I let my filter get so bad that nothing worked on it anymore. Now I will try this today!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • I put my filter through the stock pot 3 times. The edges were still alittle sticky so I used a brillo on the edges and it cleaned up. Thanks for the great tip!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

    • Some baking soda and hydrogen peroxide fizzes up, I allow the fizz to settle down and then I add some hot water, it needs to be hot, but it does not need to be boiling. I am going to try putting it in the top tray of my dishwasher. That idea sounds great. Jillee has some nice recipes, which I modify for my GF husband, but some of her cleaning ideas are just too much work for those who work 40-60 hours a week or those of us who are old folks.

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  24. Yep! Run it through the dishwasher. NO effort required.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  25. I run my through the dishwasher and it comes out like new every time.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  26. I put Dawn on my filter than pour boiling water on it a few times. It works like a charm. If I had a dishwasher I would probably use the tip below.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  27. I have an extra large sink which I fill with extra hot water, dissolve a dishwasher tablet in and lay all three filters flat into it to soak. Then a run in the dishwasher, drain outside in the sun (if any) and refit. If I’m feeling frisky, I sometimes scrub the filters both sides before the dishwasher blast.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

  28. I just put mine in the dishwasher, works every time.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

      • Years of gunk, would need to be treated first
        I am appreciative of Jilliee’s cleaning method, really breaks up the thick sticky grease. I’ll calandar a reminder to clean in the dishwasher every few months then after.