How to Clean Range Hood Grease

Follow this guide to tackle stubborn grease and keep your kitchen fresh.

How Often Should You Clean Your Range Hood?

Cleaning frequency depends on how often you cook and the type of food you prepare. For daily home cooking, clean the exterior weekly and deep-clean the filters and interior monthly. If you cook frequently or use a lot of oil, you may need to clean it more often.

Gather Supplies that You’ll Need

Gather these supplies to clean your range hood:

• Dish soap (degreasing formula works best)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Bucket or sink
• Screwdriver (if needed to remove filters)

How to Clean the Range Hood

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean grease from your range hood.

1. Unplug the Range Hood and Prepare for Cleaning

Before cleaning, unplug the range hood or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety.

Place newspaper or an old towel on your stove to catch any drips.

2. Clean the Exterior of the Range Hood

For a stainless steel hood, use warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

If grease buildup is stubborn, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

For painted or wooden surfaces on the range hood, use a gentle cleaner to avoid damaging the finish.

Wipe down the exterior of the range hood and then wipe the range hood with plain water and dry the exterior surfaces.

Use stainless steel cleaner to polish and protect the exterior of a stainless steel range hood.

3. Remove and Clean the Grease Filters

Most range hoods have metal mesh or baffle filters that trap grease. To remove them, check your owner’s manual or look for release tabs.

Follow these steps to clean the grease filters:

1. Fill a sink or bucket with hot water. Add a few squirts of degreasing dish soap and a half-cup of baking soda.
2. Place the grease filters in the solution. Let the filters soak for 20-30 minutes.
3. After soaking, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away grease. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let them air-dry completely before reinstalling.

4. Clean the Interior

Wipe down the interior of the hood with warm, soapy water.

For tough grease spots, apply a baking soda paste (mix baking soda with a small amount of water) and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Wipe down the interior using plain water to remove soap residue and dry the surfaces with a towel.

5. Wipe Down the Fan and Vent (If Accessible)

If your range hood allows access to the fan blades, wipe them with a damp cloth.

Be careful not to bend or damage any components.

If your vent is clogged with grease, a professional cleaning may be necessary.

6. Reassemble and Restore Power

Once everything is clean and dry, reinstall the filters and plug the hood back in. Turn it on briefly to ensure it’s working properly.

If your range hood isn’t working as it should, schedule range hood repair service to have a technician diagnose and repair the problem.

Tips to Keep Your Range Hood Grease-Free

Follow this expert advice to help minimize grease deposits on your range hood:

• Wipe the hood after each cooking session to prevent buildup.
• Use a degreasing spray weekly to break down and clean off grease before it hardens.
• Clean grease filters regularly for optimal performance.
• Run the hood fan while cooking to trap grease before it settles.

To keep your range hood in top shape, schedule professional range hood maintenance to have a service technician visit your home and thoroughly clean and maintain the range hood yearly.

A clean and well-maintained range hood not only improves air quality but also extends the life of your appliance.

Stick to a regular cleaning routine, and your kitchen will stay fresher and safer for years to come.