How to Degrease a Range Hood Without Harsh Chemicals, According to Cleaning Experts

A range hood is an essential kitchen appliance that pulls in hot air, smoke, steam, and cooking odors. However, over time, these airborne particles stick to the surface and filters, causing grease to build up on the range hood. Periodically degreasing your range hood is essential to maintaining its efficiency. If it collects too much grime, it won't ventilate your kitchen as efficiently. To help, we consulted two cleaning experts who shared their tips for degreasing a kitchen range hood, plus the common mistakes to avoid.

How Often to Degrease Your Range Hood

How often you degrease your range hood depends on how often and the types of foods you cook. However, the general guidance is every one to three months, or as needed between routine cleaning. "This is important because range hoods trap grease, oil, and airborne particles released during cooking, which quickly build up on the filters and hood surfaces," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean. "If the grease is not removed regularly, it can reduce airflow and ventilation efficiency, cause lingering odors in the kitchen, and create a potential fire hazard."

How to Degrease a Range Hood

Degreasing your range hood is an easy process that can be accomplished with common household supplies, such as dish soap and baking soda. Here's how Sokolowski says to do it.

1. Prepare the area: Turn off the stove and unplug the range hood (if possible). Lay down old towels to catch drips.
2. Remove the filters: Most range hoods have metal mesh or baffle filters that slide or pop out. Take note of how they fit so you can reinstall them correctly.
3. Soak the filters: Fill a sink or large basin with hot water. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of dish soap and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Submerge the filters and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for very greasy filters).
4. Scrub gently: Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the filters. Scrub along the metal mesh or baffles to remove remaining grease.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse the filters with hot water until soap residue is gone. Dry completely with a towel or air dry.
6. Clean the hood surface: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray the hood surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
7. Reassemble: Reinstall the filters once they are completely dry. Plug the range hood back in and run briefly to check airflow.

Additional Degreasing Methods

In addition to the above method, there are other techniques you can use to degrease your range hood.

• Dishwasher cleaning (if safe): Some metal range hood filters are dishwasher-safe, speeding up the cleaning process. "To use this method, place the filters on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle," says Sokolowski. "Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first to ensure your filters can safely go in the dishwasher without damage."
• Commercial degreasing sprays: Certain commercial degreasers can effectively clean a range hood, but Sokolowski recommends avoiding any product with harsh synthetic chemicals. "Instead, choose a natural or plant-based cleaner with ingredients like citrus oils or vinegar, spray it on greasy areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean with a soft cloth," she says.
• Baking soda paste: Another effective approach is to make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to stubborn grease spots and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently scrub the area with a soft sponge or cloth and rinse thoroughly with warm water, Sokolowski says.
• Soap and water: Dish soap is an effective degreaser. Mix 1 teaspoon with 4 cups hot water and use it to clean the exterior of your range hood, says Becky Rapinchuk, a cleaning expert and author of Simply Clean. She also recommends removing the filters and soaking them in a sink or basin filled with hot, soapy water. Rinse everything clean and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most range hoods are made from materials that are vulnerable to scratches, such as stainless steel, so it's important to be cautious when cleaning.

• Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as these can scratch metal and damage the finish.
• Skip harsh synthetic chemicals, such as bleach, when cleaning filters to avoid corrosion or discoloration.
• Don't soak any plastic range hood components, which Sokolowski warns can cause warping.
• Gentle pressure is essential when cleaning a range hood. Pushing too hard on filters or the hood can cause bending or damage, Sokolowski says.

Tips for Preventing Grease

To prevent grease from building on your range hood between cleanings, follow these expert tips.

• After cooking, wipe down your range hood with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup.
• Run the fan before and during cooking to capture grease before it settles, Sokolowski suggests.
• Set your burners to medium to low heat when possible, as high heat causes more airborne oil.
• Check your range hood monthly to see if it has collected grease, and clean as needed.