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Cleaning your cooker hood filters is one of those essential kitchen maintenance tasks that keeps your extractor fan working efficiently, reduces grease build-up and helps avoid lingering cooking odours. Filters clog quickly with airborne grease, smoke and steam from everyday cooking, so if they’re neglected the extractor fan can become less effective — even noisy or stressed. Knowing how to properly clean hood fan filters not only restores suction power but also prolongs the life of the hood’s motor and prevents greasy deposits from turning sticky or harder to remove over time.
In this guide we focus on practical, expert-approved steps to clean both metal mesh grease filters and charcoal/recirculating filters, using methods that deliver results without damaging the hood, without harsh chemicals, and without expensive tools.
Kitchen hood filter: What it is and why cleaning matters
The kitchen hood filter sits inside your cooker hood, capturing airborne grease and particulates before they reach the fan and ducting. There are two common types:
- Grease filters (metal mesh/aluminium) — capture grease and can be cleaned repeatedly.
- Charcoal filters (recirculating filters) — trap odours and need replacing rather than deep cleaning.
Over time, grease filters become clogged with oily residue that reduces airflow. This makes the extractor fan work harder, increases energy use, and can even contribute to greasy film on nearby surfaces. Regular cleaning keeps your extraction efficient and safer.
Pro tip: Ideally, every extractor fan filter should be cleaned once a month in a typical family kitchen — more often with heavy cooking (fried food, frequent use of high heat). If you notice reduced airflow or smell of grease, don’t wait — deep clean sooner.
How do you clean extractor fan filters?
Cleaning metal hood filters is a simple process if you follow the right steps. It’s about letting hot water and the right cleaning solution break down grease, then rinsing and drying thoroughly so no residue stays behind.
Tools and products you’ll need
Before you begin, gather:
- A large basin or sink big enough to submerge the filter.
- Dish soap with good degreasing action.
- Baking soda for boosting grease breakdown.
- Hot water — ideally as hot as your taps can safely deliver.
- A soft brush or old toothbrush to get into mesh.
- Microfiber cloth or paper towel for drying and finishing.
Ensure the extractor fan is switched off and unplugged before removing the filter.
Step-by-step method to clean mesh hood fan filters
- Remove the filter from the hood according to the user manual — usually by sliding or popping it out.
- Fill your basin/sink with hot water and add a generous squirt of dish soap plus 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Submerge the grease filter fully and let it soak for at least 15–30 minutes. The hot water and baking soda combo loosens particles in the mesh.
- After soaking, use your soft brush to gently scrub grease and particles off the mesh. Brush both sides, working top to bottom.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot running water until no suds or greasy residue remain.
- Shake off excess water and let the filter dry completely before reinstalling.
- Wipe down the hood interior with a damp microfiber cloth to catch any residual grease splashes.
Important: Never put charcoal or recirculating filters in this soaking method — they’re not designed to be washed repeatedly.
Best way to clean cooker hood filters: Alternative methods
If you want deeper degreasing power:
1. Dishwasher tablet cleaning method
Using a dishwasher tablet is a highly effective way to tackle stubborn grease in mesh filters:
- Fill your sink with very hot water.
- Drop in a dishwasher tablet (or two, depending on size).
- Soak the metal filter for 30–45 minutes.
- Gently brush and rinse well.
Dishwasher tablets are formulated to break down tough food and grease — this can make extraction easier and save elbow grease.
2. Boiling water and baking soda
For extremely greasy mesh filters, you can:
- Boil a large kettle or saucepan of water.
- Place the filter in a heat-proof container.
- Pour the boiling water evenly over the filter.
- Immediately add baking soda (it will fizz).
- Wait 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Always handle boiling water carefully — wear gloves and protect surfaces.
How often should ventilation hood filters be cleaned?
A general cleaning schedule:
| Usage Level | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Light cooking (steamed veggies, low grease) | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Moderate cooking | Every 4 weeks |
| Heavy frying / grilling | Every 2–3 weeks |
If the filter looks greasy or airflow seems restricted, clean sooner.
Can charcoal filters be cleaned?
Charcoal filters are part of a recirculating installation and trap odours. Unlike metal grease filters, they:
- Cannot be effectively washed with hot water or dish soap.
- Should be replaced when saturated (usually every 3–6 months depending on use).
Always check your hood’s user manual for the recommended replacement interval.
Cleaning extractor fan filters with baking soda or dish soap: which is best?
Both have a role:
- Dish soap: excellent base degreaser for routine cleaning and breakdown of common cooking oil residue.
- Baking soda: boosts cleaning power, especially for sticky, hardened grease.
Combining them — dish soap plus a baking soda soak — gives a highly effective cleaning solution without harsh chemicals.
Common mistakes to avoid
While cleaning hood filters seems straightforward, avoiding these pitfalls makes the job safer and more effective:
- Using abrasive tools like steel wool — these can damage the mesh and reduce effectiveness.
- Skipping drying — installing a wet filter can trap moisture and lead to odours.
- Ignoring the user manual — every hood design is slightly different; follow their removal instructions to avoid damage.
- Neglecting regular cleaning — grease builds up faster than you think, especially around busy kitchens.
Quick maintenance tips between deep cleans
- Wipe down exterior surfaces of your cooker hood weekly with a microfiber cloth and mild dish soap.
- After frying, let the fan run for a few minutes before switching off — this helps clear lingering grease and steam from the mesh.
- Keep a small spray bottle of diluted dish soap on hand to spot-treat localized grease near the hob or filter housing.
FAQ
How do you clean hood fan filters with baking soda or dish soap?
+Remove the filter and soak it in very hot water mixed with dish soap. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to boost grease removal. Leave it for 15–30 minutes, then brush both sides of the mesh with a soft brush, rinse with hot water, and let it dry fully before reinserting.
How often should ventilation hood filters be cleaned?
+In a typical kitchen, clean metal grease filters every 4 weeks. If you cook often or fry regularly, aim for every 2–3 weeks. For lighter use, you can usually stretch it to every 6–8 weeks, as long as airflow stays strong and the filter is not sticky.
How do you change extractor hood filters?
+Switch off the power supply first. Most metal grease filters slide or clip out: press the release catch and pull the filter towards you. Fit the new filter by reversing the steps. Metal filters should click securely into place, while charcoal filters must align correctly with the motor housing. Always follow your model’s manual, as fixing systems vary by manufacturer.
How do you clean hood fan filters with baking soda or vinegar?
+Fill a large sink or container with very hot water. Add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, then slowly sprinkle in a quarter cup of baking soda to control the fizzing. Fully submerge the filter for at least 15 minutes. Lift it out with tongs, brush both sides with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry completely before putting it back.
