If the filters to your range hood are coated with greasy residue, I’ve got an easy fix for you: a pod of dishwasher detergent! This method works well for dissolving the residue with no tough scrubbing. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
I have been there. Cooking something delicious, pans sizzling, fragrant spices, and the kitchen is a hive of activity… and your stove vent (or range hood) filter is quietly turning into a greasy mass. Over time, that slimy layer builds up and soon you have diminished suction and unpleasant smells, and if you ignore it long enough, possible safety problems. I have done some test runs and found that the best way to deal with this problem is to use a common household remedy: a dishwasher pod. It sounds like one of those tricks that are almost too good to be true, but believe me, it works!
In this article, I’ll take you step by step through how to clean stove vent filters with dishwasher pods, why you should do it, what you’ll need, exact instructions on how to do it, what not to do, how often to do it, and some good alternatives in case dishwasher pods are not your thing. Let’s go.
Why You Should Clean Your Stove Vent Filters
Your vent filters are an important part of the air quality and safety of your cooking. They are supposed to catch grease and smoke and oil vapors and cooking odors before they can escape into the air or ductwork. When they work well, your kitchen is cleaner and more breathable, and you are more comfortable. But if you let them go for too long without cleaning, what I call a dirty stove vent filter disorder, you’ll sure know it.
First, the suction will be lessened because the filter is clogged up with grease and dust. That means the smoke and odors will stay longer than they should. Secondly, grease is flammable. A film of oil on a metal filter is a legitimate danger as a fire hazard. Third, the motor in your hood may be laboring, making more noise, wearing out faster, and without a doubt failing.
Not long ago I went through this experience myself. I neglected my filter for too long and was well aware of the unpleasant odor in the kitchen, which reminded me of a greasy cafe (a popular eating place near our home). Finally, I took notice of my filter, and it was the same in quality as a glass of sand water. As soon as I cleaned it, note the difference! The air was clear, and also the fan was giving out smooth sounds again.
What You Will Need
Here is the list of everything you will need for this cleaning process. I like to get everything out on the floor ahead of time, so I’m not bothered with greasy hands while I hunt up a sponge.
Dishwasher tablet — powder or pressed form — but not gel balsam
Very hot water — not boiling hot
A large tub, bucket, or your kitchen sink
Gloves (optional — helpful if there’s much grease)
A toothbrush — old — or a sponge for loosening the heavy spots
That’s all there is to it. It requires no maintenance, and there is bound to be about all the stuff right around home.
Step-by-Step Method
Now let’s get the filters clean. Here is the method that I have and never am likely to leave.
Take out the vent filters. Before you start, make sure the stove and hood are turned off and completely cool. Then, pop the filters out. It is usually pretty easy as they either slide out or clip out.
Now fill the sink or basin with really hot water. It should be scalding hot, but not boiling. You want to have the water deep enough to cover the filters entirely.
Put in one dishwasher tablet. Let it dissolve entirely in the water. It will start to fizz a little bit and then work its grease-dissolving magic.
Let the filters soak in the solution for 15-30 minutes. Use this time to relax or maybe have a snack. The hot soapy water will loosen all the gunk that you’ve built up in the filters.
Carefully scrub if needed. If for any reason there are places that need a little extra scrubbing, use a toothbrush or sponge. Most of the grease and grunge will slide right off at this point.
Rinse thoroughly in clean water. Get all the soap off or it will mess things up as well.
Make sure the filters are completely dry before putting them back into the vent hood. I usually let mine air dry in a dish rack for an hour.
Tip: If your filters are particularly greasy, put a little baking soda in the water along with the dishwasher tablet. It gives the soaking a little more kick.
What Not to Do
Even though dishwasher tablets are pretty safe, they don’t work for every filter, so here are some things to avoid.
Don’t use this method with carbon or fabric filters, since they aren’t meant to get either wet or scrubbed.
Avoid putting boiling water in as it could warp or hurt metal filters. If your manufacturer warns against soaking and/or using detergent-based cleaners, heed this advice. Be sure and check.
Don’t allow the filters to stay wet. Moisture trapped in your range hood can foster rusting or funky smells. I’ve made that last mistake before, rushing to replace a moist filter. Trust me, whatever icky, musty smell that came from this was not worth it.
How Often to Clean Your Range Hood Filter
It really depends upon how often—and how much of a cook you are. If you are a person who fries foods often, uses much oil, or cooks daily, you should clean your filters once a month. If you are more of a casual cook (hello, frozen pizzas on a routine basis), every two or three months should be adequate.
As for me, I am more of a fryer about twice a week so I aim for once every six or eight weeks. If I let this beat and know for the longest time, I begin to notice a difference in how well the fan works and how long cooking smells stay around.
Other Options for Cleaning
Dishwasher tablets are what I use, but there are various other options. A few other methods I have used to clean my stove hood filters when other means are unavailable or when wishing variety are:
Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak
Fill the sink with hot water; pour in about one-half cup of vinegar and several tablespoons of baking soda. Let the filter sit inside there for thirty minutes or so, and then scrub and rinse off.
Degreasing Dish Soap
A bit of a strong dish soap (the kind for cutting grease) in hot water, about two or three squirts, will work wonders. Let the foam soak for twenty or thirty minutes and scrub lightly.
Professional Degreasing Sprays
If your filters are absolutely caked with grease, your best bet will be a commercial kitchen degreaser. Just be sure and rinse it well—these sprays can be intense.
I have tried all three of these methods, and while they work well, of the three, I still go to the dishwasher soap tablets most often, due to their ease and effectiveness.
And there it is—how to clean stove vent filters with dishwasher soap tablets, a method easy, fast, and freeing you from sore or tired arms from scrubbing. This is honestly the easiest cleaning hack I have ever stumbled across, and now it is a regular part of my cleaning routine.
Keeping filters clean not only results in better air in kitchens, but they also help the range hood last longer and perform better. And who doesn’t love to see grease melt away with very little effort? So the next time you are cleaning up after a meal and your vent is looking a bit dirty, don’t forget it. Try this method today, and your vent will look as good as new.
