How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood

 

🧼 How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Sparkling Kitchen

If you cook often, you know that your range hood works hard — sucking up smoke, steam, and especially grease. Over time, this grease can build up on the hood’s surface and filters, making your kitchen look (and smell) less than fresh.

Luckily, with just a few household ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can clean your greasy range hood and restore its shine — no harsh chemicals or expensive degreasers needed.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting it spotless.

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🛠️ What You’ll Need

• Dish soap (preferably degreasing like Dawn)

• Baking soda

• White vinegar (optional for tough grease)

• A pot of hot water

• A non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush

• Microfiber cloths

• Screwdriver (if needed to remove filters)

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🧽 Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Greasy Range Hood

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🔹 Step 1: Turn Off Power and Remove Filters

Safety first.
Turn off the range hood and unplug it if possible. Remove the metal filters (they often slide or pop out easily) and set them aside. If your hood has a light cover, wipe it gently as well.

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🔹 Step 2: Soak the Filters

Fill a sink or large basin with hot water, and mix in:

• ¼ cup baking soda

• A few squirts of dish soap

Stir the water until the baking soda dissolves, then place the filters in to soak for 15–20 minutes. This loosens heavy grease and grime.

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🔹 Step 3: Scrub the Filters

After soaking, use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub away the grease. Rinse with hot water and inspect. Repeat if needed for tough spots. Let them air dry completely before reinstalling.

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🔹 Step 4: Clean the Hood’s Exterior

While the filters soak, clean the outside of the hood:

1. Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap.

2. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe down the entire surface — top, front, sides, and underside.

3. For stubborn grease, sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge and scrub gently.

4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a fresh microfiber towel to prevent streaks.

Optional degreasing spray: For especially greasy buildup, spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe away.

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🔹 Step 5: Wipe Down the Underside and Fan Area

Grease collects underneath too — especially near the fan and light area. Use your soapy sponge and a little baking soda to carefully clean these parts. Avoid dripping water into electrical components.

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🔹 Step 6: Reinstall Filters

Once everything is clean and dry, reinstall the filters and plug the range hood back in. Turn it on briefly to ensure everything is functioning.

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✨ Maintenance Tips

• Wipe the hood weekly to prevent heavy buildup.

• Soak and scrub filters monthly if you cook often.

• For stainless steel hoods, use a polish or oil to maintain shine.

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🧼 Final Thoughts

Cleaning a greasy range hood might not be your favorite chore, but it’s one that makes a huge difference in your kitchen’s cleanliness and air quality. With just a few common ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a shiny, fresh-smelling range hood that’s ready for your next cooking adventure.