How to Clean a Cooker Hood Filter

Cooker hood filters work hard to trap grease, steam, and smoke. 

So, over time, they get clogged with sticky grime, which causes problems

Cleaning your filter regularly is simple. It keeps your kitchen fresh and saves on energy bills (and foul smells). 

Here is your ultimate, step-by-step guide to cleaning a cooker hood filter.

Why you should clean your cooker hood filter

Kitchen extractor fans draw air with grease, steam and smoke out from your kitchen. They trap them before their fans pump clean air back into kitchens.

So, for example, if you cook with gas, a properly functioning hood helps extract CO and NO₂ from the kitchen, and a blocked filter undermines that.

Ducted hoods clear steam before it condenses. Recirculating hoods don’t.

Either way, a clogged filter cuts airflow and weaker extraction means more condensation, and eventually more mould risk.

If you don’t clean them, several problems occur:

• Weak suction: The fan has to work twice as hard to draw air in
• Noise: A blocked filter restricts airflow and makes the unit noisy
• Odours: Trapped grease begins to smell stale over time
• Poor hygiene: Built-up grease and grime create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially as it sits above where food is prepared and cooked
• Fire hazard: Thick, accumulated grease can drip down or even ignite.

Maintaining kitchen appliances, such as your extractor fan, prevents unexpected mechanical failures and keeps your kitchen safe.

How often should you clean a cooker hood filter?

How often you clean depends on your cooking habits.

If your cooker is only used for light cooking (once or twice a week), cleaning the filter every two to three months should be enough.

But for normal cooking (daily), clean the filter once a month. And for heavy cooking (regular frying or spicy foods), every two to four weeks.

And regardless of the above, if your kitchen smells or the fan sounds louder than usual, clean it directly.

Understanding cooker hood filter types

Most modern cooker hoods use one or both of these filter types.

The first are metal grease filters, which are made from aluminium or stainless steel. They trap grease particles and are washable and reusable. 

The other are carbon filters, which contain active charcoal to absorb cooking smells. They are found in recirculating hoods and they can’t be washed; you must replace them.

Can you put cooker hood filters in the dishwasher?

You can put metal grease filters in the dishwasher if your manufacturer approves it.

Follow these rules for dishwasher cleaning:

• Check the material: Ensure your filter is aluminium or stainless steel
• Use a gentle cycle: Select a low-temperature cycle to prevent heat damage.
• Avoid harsh detergents: Standard dishwasher tablets contain aggressive chemicals that can tarnish or discolour metal.
• Wash separately: Never wash filters alongside dirty plates. Food debris can get trapped in the fine metal mesh.

Never put carbon filters in the dishwasher. Water will ruin them.

Which way up does a cooker hood filter go?

Installing your filter correctly ensures optimal airflow.

The outer metal mesh side must face down towards your hob to trap grease immediately.

Look for raised plastic tabs, labels, or arrows on the frame. These point the correct way up. And the release clips (or pull tabs) must face downwards and outwards so you can easily access them.

If you are unsure, check your manufacturer’s manual.

What you will need to clean your filter

You do not need expensive, specialized chemicals. You can clean your filter using common household items:

• Hot water
• Washing-up liquid or a mild degreaser
• Bicarbonate of soda
• A soft sponge or soft-bristled brush
• A clean towel.

Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemical cleaners. These will scratch and corrode the metal mesh.

How to clean a metal cooker hood filter step-by-step

1. Turn off and remove

Turn off your extractor fan and let it cool completely. Locate the release tab on the filter frame. Gently press the clip and slide the filter out. Be careful not to bend the mesh frame.

2. Soak the filter

Fill your sink with boiling water. Add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a generous squirt of washing-up liquid. Submerge the filter and soak for 15 minutes to loosen stubborn grease.

3. Scrub gently

Scrub the mesh gently with a soft sponge or brush. Work from the edges toward the centre. Apply extra washing-up liquid directly to thick grease build-up.

4. Rinse and dry

Rinse the filter thoroughly under hot running water. Shake off any excess water. Place the filter upright on a clean towel to air-dry completely. Do not use a hairdryer, as extreme heat can warp the metal.

5. Wipe down the hood exterior

Wipe down the inside and outside of the cooker hood using a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. This removes grease splashes and dust.

6. Reinstall the filter

Once the filter is dry, slide the top edge into place first. Push the clip in, push the filter up, and release the tab to lock it securely.

Can you wash a carbon cooker hood filter?

No. You cannot wash carbon filters (also called charcoal filters).

Water and soap will clog the microscopic pores of the activated carbon and wet charcoal turns into sludge. 

In short, a washed carbon filter will completely lose its ability to neutralise kitchen odours. Always throw away saturated carbon filters and fit brand-new replacements.

How long do cooker hood filters last?

Cooker hood filters do not last forever. You must track their lifespan to protect the extractor motor:

Metal grease filters can last the lifetime of your cooker hood. However, you must clean them monthly to prevent grease from choking the motor. Replace them only if the metal mesh gets torn, dented, or warped.

Carbon filters typically last three to six months. Or they must be replaced after approximately 120 hours of cooking.

How to clean stainless steel cooker hoods

Stainless steel hoods look sleek but show fingerprints and water spots easily.

Always rub your cleaning cloth in the direction of the brushed metal grain. Wiping across the grain can leave permanent microscratches.

Clean grease with warm soapy water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

And buff the dry surface with a microfibre cloth and a drop of baby oil or a dedicated stainless steel polish.

Finally, never use steel wool, abrasive scouring powders, or bleach. These strip the protective chromium oxide layer and cause the steel to rust.

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