7 Tips For Cleaning Your Rangehood Filter

Cooking is one of those everyday tasks that can leave a hidden mess. Even when your benchtops are wiped and the stovetop sparkles, there’s one spot that often gets overlooked: the rangehood filter. Over time, it can become a magnet for grease, smoke residue and food particles, and if left uncleaned, it can affect both the air quality in your kitchen and the performance of the rangehood itself. 

The good news is, cleaning your rangehood filter is totally doable — and you don’t need fancy tools to get it right. In this blog, we’ll show you how to get it done and keep your kitchen in top shape.

1. Know what type of filter you have

Before doing anything, you need to understand what kind of filter you’re dealing with. 

Most rangehoods in Australian homes use either aluminium mesh filters or charcoal filters. Mesh filters are reusable and designed to be cleaned regularly. Carbon filters, on the other hand, are typically not washable and need replacing every few months, depending on how often you cook.

If you’re unsure which one yours is, check your rangehood manual or look for a model number online. Aluminium filters usually look like metal screens and feel slightly greasy to the touch when dirty. Carbon filters are heavier, darker and often sit behind the mesh filters.

If you clean a rangehood filter that’s not meant to be washed, you might ruin it, so take five minutes to confirm what you’re working with.

2. Remove the filter safely

It might sound obvious, but filters should always be removed with care. Make sure your stove and rangehood are turned off and cool to the touch. You don’t want to burn your hand on a hot metal panel.

Most filters simply click or slide out from underneath the rangehood. If they seem stuck, don’t force it out. Sometimes a build-up of grease can act like glue. Try gently easing them out using both hands. Have a towel or an old rag handy to catch any dripping oil.

Once removed, inspect the filter under a light. If it’s visibly clogged or yellowing, it’s well overdue for a clean.

3. Soak in a simple degreasing solution

Grease build-up doesn’t come off with water alone. For mesh filters, the best starting point is to soak them in hot water mixed with a degreasing solution.

Use a large tub and fill it with hot (but not boiling) water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, preferably one that’s made to cut through grease. Add half a cup of baking soda and stir until dissolved.

Submerge the filter completely and let it soak for at least 15–20 minutes. If it’s been a while since the last clean, you can leave it in longer. This step helps loosen hardened grime so you don’t need to scrub endlessly later.

Can you run it in the dishwasher instead? It’s a fair question — and while some mesh filters are technically dishwasher-safe, it’s not always ideal. High heat and strong detergents can wear down the metal and don’t always remove built-up grease properly. A good soak tends to do a better job in the long run. 

4. Scrub without damaging the filter

After soaking, take a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge and scrub both sides of the filter. Work gently but thoroughly, moving along the grain of the mesh. Avoid using steel wool or metal scouring pads. They might seem effective but can damage the fine mesh or protective coating.

Focus on the corners and edges where grease tends to settle the most. If your brush is too big for tight spots, a toothbrush works well for detailed cleaning. Rinse under hot running water as you go.

Repeat this process until the water runs clear and the filter looks visibly cleaner.

5. Rinse and dry completely before reinstalling

Once you’ve scrubbed the filter clean, give it one more good rinse under hot water. Make sure all soap, baking soda and grease are completely removed.

Drying the filter thoroughly is just as important. You don’t want to trap moisture in the rangehood when reinstalling. Place the filter on a rack or drying mat and let it air-dry completely. You can speed up the process using a hairdryer on a cool setting or patting it gently with a towel, but don’t rush it.

Only reinstall the filter once it feels dry to the touch.

6. Clean the surrounding rangehood surfaces too

The filter isn’t the only spot that gets greasy. While you have it out, take the time to clean around the rangehood as well.

Underside of the hood

1. Wipe down with a cloth soaked in warm degreasing solution.
2. Focus on the edges and grooves where grease builds up.
3. Buff dry with a lint-free towel to prevent streaks.

Control panel

1. Use a lightly damp cloth to wipe the surface.
2. Avoid too much moisture near the buttons or seams.
3. Gently dry with a soft cloth to protect electronics.

Fan housing

1. If safe to access, clean using a soft cloth dipped in degreasing solution.
2. Remove any built-up grime from around the fan blades.
3. Avoid touching any internal wiring or moving parts.

It’s also a great time to check whether the hood lights are working and if the fan sounds any different than usual. A bit of upkeep now can prevent costly repairs later.

7. Set a regular cleaning schedule

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long between cleanings. A greasy filter isn’t just unpleasant — it puts more strain on the motor, clogs up airflow and can even cause the fan to overheat.

For regular home cooking, aim to clean your stove hood filters and fans at least every one to two months. If you do a lot of frying or cook in a commercial setting, you might need to do it more often. You can set a reminder on your phone or add it to your monthly to-do list.

Routine cleaning takes a lot less time than a deep clean, and it helps keep your kitchen fresher and safer.

Rangehood filter cleaning made simple with Jim’s Cleaning

You’ve now got the best cooker hood filter cleaning tips in your toolkit — a solid start to staying on top of the task. But when the grease builds up or you’d rather not deal with it yourself, Jim’s Cleaning is here to help. 

Our team specialises in extractor hood filter cleaning, using safe, proven methods to remove deep-set grime and keep your ventilation system working as it should. Every cleaner is fully trained, insured and police-checked, so you can trust us to get the job done properly and professionally.

We also offer full kitchen cleans, covering everything from ovens and fridges to floors. And if you’re after something to help with day-to-day upkeep, we’ve got a range of quality cleaning products, including our best-selling oven and cooktop cleaner. 

Ready to say goodbye to grease and grime? Request a quote or book your professional rangehood clean with Jim’s Cleaning today. Need other areas sorted too? Check out our Express Cleaning Special — perfect for tackling the rest of your home in one easy go!