The filter in your kitchen hood does a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Every time you cook, it traps grease, smoke, and odors so they don’t spread through your home. But over time, that filter gets dirty. If you don't have a clean exhaust hood, it can’t do its job. Regular cleaning helps your fan work better for proper ventilation, keeps your kitchen fresher, and can even lower fire risks. The question is, how often should you clean it... and what happens if you don’t?
How Often Should You Clean It?
If you cook a few times a week, regular maintenance once a month is a good rule for hood vent cleaning. For households that cook daily—especially if you fry, sear, or grill often—clean your exhaust hood filter every two weeks. The more often you cook, the faster heavy grease builds up. Yes, that might seem like a lot, especially if you've gone years between cleanings in the past, but it makes a big difference.
Some filters are dishwasher-safe, which makes kitchen exhaust cleaning easier. Others need a soak in hot, soapy water and rinsed in hot water. Either way, it’s not just about the cleaning process for the filter; it’s how often you do it. Put it on your regular cleaning schedule. A clean filter keeps air moving and odors under control.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean It?
When the range hood filter is clogged, the range hood can't pull in air the way it should. That means steam, smoke, and smells stick around longer. The exhaust fan has to work harder. You might notice it getting louder or slower. And over time, too much dirt and grease build-up can wear down the motor.
Even worse, dirty hoods and grease buildup in the filter is a fire risk. Grease is flammable. If it collects inside the hood, it could catch fire under high heat. Skipping your exhaust hood cleaning routine might not seem like a big deal—but it can be.
Here are signs your filter is dirty and needs a complete cleaning:
- Grease dripping from the hood
- Smoke that lingers in the kitchen
- Strong or sour smells after cooking
- A louder or slower fan
- Grease stains near the vent
What Type of Filter Do You Have?
Most kitchen range hood filters are either mesh filters or baffle filters. Mesh filters are made of thin metal layers that trap grease. They clog faster and need more frequent cleaning. Baffle filters are heavier and made of solid metal panels; they don’t clog as easily but still need care.
To figure out which one you have, take a look. Mesh filters feel lighter and look like wire screens. Baffle filters have slanted metal panels and are often found in more powerful hoods, usually in commercial kitchens. Either way, both need regular attention.
Some ductless kitchen hoods use charcoal filters/carbon filters. These don’t get washed; they get replaced. If your kitchen hood doesn’t vent outside, this might be the kind you have. Charcoal filters usually need replacing every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you cook.
FAQ
What’s the best method for cleaning a range hood filter?
Soak the filter in hot water with dish soap and a little baking soda paste. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft scrub brush. Rinse and dry before putting it back. If it’s dishwasher-safe, place it on the top rack using a regular cycle. For stubborn grease or baked-on grease, you can soak them in a degreaser solution and warm water before using the scrub brush. The powerful degreasers will help break up the dirt and grease buildup.
Can a dirty range hood affect indoor air quality?
Yes. If the filter is clogged, the hood can’t remove smoke, steam, or odors properly. Over time, that means more grease particles in the air, more lingering smells, and more mess on nearby surfaces. Also the filter itself begins to smell from the grease possibly going rancid.
