I've always hates cleaning my range hood filters. It doesn't take much for them to get gross, especially when you cook on the stove as much as we do (basically breakfast, lunch & dinner, every single day). But it's one of those jobs that neeeeeeeds to be done.
Cleaning your range hood filters is important for several reasons:
Improved Air Quality: Range hood filters capture grease, smoke, and other airborne particles produced during cooking. If they become clogged, they can’t effectively remove these pollutants from the air, leading to poorer indoor air quality.
Better Ventilation: Clean filters allow for better airflow and more efficient ventilation. This helps the range hood work effectively, removing smoke and odors from your kitchen more efficiently.
Reduced Fire Hazard: Grease buildup on filters can be a fire risk. Grease is flammable, and if a filter becomes too clogged, it increases the chance of a grease fire, especially if there’s a spark or heat source nearby.
Energy Efficiency: When filters are clogged, the range hood has to work harder to draw air through them. This can lead to increased energy consumption and potentially higher utility bills.
Longevity of the Range Hood: Regular maintenance, including cleaning the filters, helps extend the life of your range hood by preventing strain on its motor and other components.
In general, it's a good idea to clean your range hood filters every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently you cook and the type of food you prepare (more fatty or greasy food = more frequent cleaning).
OK so let's chat about the EASIEST way to clean range hood filters.
A "no scrub" method for cleaning range hood filters involves soaking them to loosen and remove grease and grime without using abrasive scrubbing tools or really... any effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
No-Scrub Cleaning Method for Range Hood Filters
Materials Needed:
Dish liquid
Baking soda
Citrus Essential oil (such as lemon, wild orange or grapefruit)
Large stockpot (the bigger the better)
Instructions:
Remove the Filters:
Turn off the range hood and ensure it is cool.
Locate the filters (usually metal mesh or baffle filters) and carefully remove them from the range hood. Check the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure how to remove them.
Boil the Water
Fill the stockpot and boil the water
If your range hood filters will fit in the pot, keep the water in the pot. If your filters are too big, put the plug in your sink and pour the water into the sink (less effort than multiple kettles worth of water)
Mix 2-3 drops of your essential oil with 1/2 cup of baking soda (bicarb soda) and add it to the boiled water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid.
You can either turn the stove off here or just lower it to a simmer to keep it hot if you'll be staying close and keeping an eye on it.
Soak the Filters:
Place the filters into the water mixture as submerged as you can. If your whole filter is submerged, great! If not, you might have to do half and then flip it like I did.
Let them soak for at least 15-30 minutes. The mixture will help to break down and loosen the grease and grime.
Rinse and Check:
After soaking both sides, carefully remove the filters from the water.
Rinse them thoroughly under warm running water to remove any remaining grease and soap residue.
Dry the Filters:
Gently shake off excess water from the filters.
Place them on a clean towel or paper towels and let them air dry completely before reinstalling them.
Reinstall the Filters:
Once the filters are completely dry, reinsert them back into the range hood according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Additional Tips:
If the filters are particularly greasy and need extra help, you can let them soak longer or use a soft cloth to gently wipe away stubborn spots after soaking. Although mine were in really bad shape and I didn't have to wipe them at all.
For regular maintenance, clean the filters every 1-3 months to prevent heavy buildup.
This method helps to remove grease and grime effectively without the need for scrubbing, keeping your range hood filters clean and functioning well.
CAN YOU WASH RANGE HOOD FILTERS FIT IN YOUR DISHWASHER?
Yes! You certainly can place your range hood filter in the dishwasher if yours fit. All you need to do is run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle for pons and pans.
I hope you love this hack - if you give it a try make sure you share & tag me on Instagram @itscourtneydow
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