The easiest way to clean your rangehood filters

When was the last time you cleaned your rangehood filters? When we think of cleaning our kitchen appliances, our rangehood filter isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Take a good close look at your rangehood filters – you will probably find that dirt, grease and grime has built up over time. Don’t worry, cleaning your filters is fast and easy and takes just a few simple steps.

What is a rangehood?

Rangehoods (also known as extractor hoods and stove hoods) are electric appliances that are mounted over the cooktop. They have an important job in your kitchen as they remove odours and help eliminate heat and excess steam when cooking.  A rangehood includes lighting, filters, speed selector switch, the duct system and the blower.  Kitchen designs often feature the rangehood as a key focal point in the kitchen.

What is a rangehood filter?

The rangehood filter helps remove grease and contaminants out of the air above your cooktop. There are 3 common types of filters:

1. Stainless steel baffle filters

2. Aluminium mesh filters

3. Charcoal filters

Metal filters can be cleaned and reused (often for many years!). Charcoal filters are generally disposable.

Why should you regularly clean your rangehood filter?

• It increases the effectiveness of your rangehood
• Removes grease, grime and contaminants
• Improves power efficiency and safety
• Prolongs the life span of your rangehood

Clean your rangehood in 5 easy steps

If you clean your metal mesh filters on a regular basis, it is a fast and simple process. You can opt for a simple DIY solution (with ingredients from your kitchen cupboard). For hard to clean filters that have not had much care or attention, you may need a degreaser.

What you will need:

• Dishwashing soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Cloth
• Scrub brush – nylon bristled brushes work well
• Paper towels

Now, lets get started!

Step 1

Gather your cleaning supplies and start by removing filters from your rangehood. Your filters generally slide out or have a small clip or fastener that releases them.

Step 2

Fill a sink or large baking dish or pot that is large enough for your filters to be completely immersed in with boiling water (the hotter the better!). Add a few drops of de-greasing dishwashing liquid. Add ½ cup of baking soda and give the solution a good mix.

Step 3

Place your filters in the hot, soapy solution. Let soak for approximately 15 minutes

Step 4

Use your scrub brush to remove excess food particles and grease. Add extra dishwashing liquid to your brush if required.

Step 5

Rinse with hot water. Place on paper towels and allow to cool and dry completely. After they are dry, insert the filters back into your rangehood.

Cleaning with vinegar

As an alternative, you may use vinegar and baking soda. Complete steps 1-5 as above. Substitute the dishwashing liquid with 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar.

Don’t forget to give the outer rangehood a good clean. Wipe down with warm, soapy water or spray with a light degreaser. Then wipe away with paper towels.

Simple hack! Clean your rangehood filter in the dishwasher

No time to soak? Pop your aluminium or stainless-steel filters in the dishwasher and put through a hot cycle. The steam will loosen particles and the water spray will get into all those nooks. Easy!

Have a hard to clean filter that needs extra care?

A powerful degreaser with active ingredients can easily lift away grease and grime. We recommend a non-caustic cleaner that will restore your filter to its original look and performance. Find it in our range of appliance cleaning products.

Maintenance is key

Once you have given your rangehood filters a good, thorough clean remember to maintain them on a regular basis.

• Wipe away grease and splatters around your rangehood straight after cooking
• Clean your filters monthly following our 5 easy steps
• Pop your filters in the dishwasher fortnightly to remove light grease and prevent build-up

Over time, your filter may need replacing. You can buy your replacement filters at Statewide. We have an extensive range of rangehood parts, including aluminium, stainless steel and charcoal filters for all leading brands. Shop Australia’s biggest range of appliance parts with fast, Australia wide delivery.