How to Clean a Cooker Hood Filter

Your cooker hood is doing an excellent job of removing steam, smoke, and grease from your kitchen. In the process, the filter in it accumulates oil and dirt, which can cause it to stop working. A dirty, greasy filter also imparts bad smells and can even become a fire risk.

Cleaning your cooker hood filter regularly makes it more efficient, your kitchen air fresher, and even saves you on energy bills. Below is a step-by-step instruction on how to clean a cooker hood filter safely and efficiently.

Why You Should Clean Your Cooker Hood Filter

When you are cooking, there is a bit of grease and smoke that rises from your hob. The cooker hood draws this in and filters the grease in the filter before pumping the clean air back into your kitchen.

If the filter gets clogged, your extractor has to work harder. You may notice reduced suction, louder noise, or unpleasant odours after cooking. At some point, the trapped grease can also drip or even catch fire.

Cleaning the filter purifies the air, conserves motor wear, and helps your device last longer.

How Often Should You Clean It?

How often you clean the filter depends on how often you cook and what you cook.

• Light cooking (1–2 times a week): Clean every 2–3 months.

• Normal cooking (daily or most days): Clean once a month.

• Heavy use (frying or spicy food): Clean every 2–4 weeks.

If your kitchen starts to smell or your hood is noisy, that’s a sign it’s time to clean.

Understanding the Types of Filters

Most cooker hoods have either or both of the following filters:

1. Metal Grease Filters

They are usually aluminium or stainless steel and are designed to trap grease particles. They can be washed and reused.

2. Carbon (Charcoal) Filters

These filters trap odours and are usually found in recirculating hoods. They cannot be washed and must be replaced every few months, depending on use.

Always refer to your cooker hood instructions to find out what type of filters you have.

What You Will Need

You don’t require any specialist equipment to clean your cooker hood filter. It’s easy to do with some items you’ll likely find at home already.

You’ll need:

• Warm water

• Washing-up liquid or a gentle degreaser

• Bicarbonate of soda

• A soft brush or sponge

• A clean towel or drying rack

For tougher grease, you can also use white vinegar, but avoid harsh chemicals that will damage metal surfaces.

Step 1: Turn Off and Remove the Filter

First, make sure that the cooker hood is switched off. If the filter is still warm from recent cooking, let it cool down.

Most metal filters simply slide or pop out from underneath the hood. If you’re unsure, check your manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Be careful not to bend the mesh or spill any parts when removing them.

Step 2: Soak the Filter

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water. Add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and some drops of washing-up liquid. Stir until soapy.

Submerge the filter in water and let it soak for at least 10–15 minutes. This will loosen the grease and make it more easily removed when cleaned later.

If the filter is larger than the sink, soak one side first and flip it over.

Step 3: Brush Off the Grease

After soaking, use a soft brush or sponge and scrub the filter lightly. Give extra attention to corners and where there is a lot of build-up.

Avoid using steel wool or rigid brushes — they’ll damage the metal mesh. If the grease is being stubborn, apply some more washing-up liquid directly and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

For a bit of extra cleaning power, spray on a mixture of half vinegar and half warm water, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Filter

When the filter is clean, rinse it well under warm running water to remove any debris or soap.

Shake off excess water gently and place it on a clean towel or drying rack. Let it air dry completely before putting it back. Don’t dry it in the oven or with a hairdryer, as it will warp the metal.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Cooker Hood

While the filter dries, clean the rest of the cooker hood.

Use a cloth dipped in warm soapy water to wipe the exterior and interior surfaces. This removes grease build-up and keeps your hood looking new.

If your hood is stainless steel, use a cleaner made for metal or a simple mix of vinegar and water. Wipe in the direction of the grain for the best finish.

Dry everything with a soft cloth to avoid streaks.

Step 6: Replace the Filter

Once the filter is dry, clip or slide it back into place. Make sure it’s firmly in position before continuing to use the cooker hood.

If you have a carbon filter, check whether it needs replacing. The majority of carbon filters last three to six months, depending on how often you cook. Replace them as recommended to keep your hood working effectively.

Tips to Make Your Cooker Hood Clean

Easy habits can go a long, long way towards making your cooker hood clean:

• Wipe the hood down after cooking to avoid grease build-up.

• Allow the extractor fan to continue running for a few minutes after cooking to extract the air.

• Never cook without using the hood — it stops grease spreading.

• Change or clean the filters frequently before build-up is hard to remove.

These easy steps will ensure your kitchen is odour-free and your hood operates at its optimum.

When to Change the Filter

If your metal filter becomes damaged or remains greasy after a clean, it might need to be replaced. The same applies to carbon filters that no longer trap odours efficiently.

Changing the filter when necessary ensures your cooker hood operates smoothly and the motor does not get damaged.

Keep Your Cooker Hood Operating Smoothly with Hometree

Cleaning your cooker hood filter regularly is an easy task that makes a huge difference. It will help to keep your kitchen clean, reduce odours, and make your appliance last longer.

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Discover how our appliance cover policies can help keep your cooker hood and other appliances protected all year round — Get a quote today.