How to Clean Your Range Hood Filter (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Clean Your Range Hood Filters

Cleaning instructions will vary a bit based on the type of filter your range hood uses, so follow the instructions below for your specific filter.

And again, if you've got a ductless unit with charcoal filters, you'll just toss the old filters and replace them. To order new charcoal filters for a Hauslane range hood, click here.

How to Clean Aluminum Mesh Filters and Hybrid Filters

Step 1: Gather Cleaning Materials

Mesh and hybrid baffle filters require soaking to dissolve the grease and debris trapped inside the fine aluminum mesh. Gather the following materials for cleaning:

• Container for soaking: This can be a large baking pan, or you can even use your sink if it's big enough to submerge the filter
• Boiling water (or hot water)
• Degreasing liquid: You can use dish detergent like Dawn or a spray degreaser like Simple Green, Greased Lightning, or Goo Gone
• Baking soda
• Non-abrasive brush: A soft brush made for scrubbing dishes, or a toothbrush, will work well
• Paper towels or a dishcloth to lay on a counter for drying

Step 2: Remove the range hood filter

Removing your filters will be easy, no matter your brand or model. Look for a latch or loop you can grasp under the hood. You may need to push it up or slide it out.

Step 3: Fill the container with soapy water

Fill your sink or container with boiling or hot water. Add a half cup of baking soda to the water and stir to dissolve. If you're using a degreasing dish soap, add a generous amount. Two or three healthy squirts should be enough.

The mixture may fizz, and this is perfectly normal. If you're using a spray degreaser, spray it directly on the filter and let it sit for a minute while you fill the container.

Step 4: Soak the mesh filter

Submerge the filter (along with its support structure and the empty grease cup) completely in the solution you've created. Soak for 10 minutes to loosen and remove the grease.

Note: While you're soaking the filter, take a few minutes to wipe down the inside of your range hood.

Step 5: Scrub the filter

Use your non-abrasive scrub brush or toothbrush to clean any remaining gunk, and wipe down the frame with a soft cloth. You may want to wear rubber gloves for this part.

Step 6: Rinse and dry

Rinse the filter thoroughly and pat it dry. Place all components on the toweled surface you prepared and allow the filter and its components to completely dry.

Step 7. Reinstall the filter

Reassemble the parts in the reverse order. For a Hauslane range hood filter, this means:

• Place the filter into the frame
• Push the filter knob inward and set the baffle filter into place
• Plug the range hood back into its outlet

Important: Make sure your hands are dry before plugging the range hood back into the outlet.

How to Clean Baffle Filters

Baffle filters do not require soaking, and Hauslane baffle filters are dishwasher safe. That means you can simply run them through your dishwasher.

Of course, if you do want to soak them and wash them by hand, that's an option as well. Consult the instructions for mesh and hybrid filters if that's what you prefer.

Step 1: Remove the range hood filter

Removing your filters is easy. Look for a latch or loop you can grasp under the hood. You may need to push it up or slide it out.

Step 2: Run the baffle through the dishwasher

Run the dishwasher on the hot cycle, using normal dishwashing detergent.

Note: While you're running the dishwasher, take a few minutes to wipe down the inside of your range hood.

Step 3: Reinstall the filter

Once the filter is completely dry, reassemble the parts in the reverse order. For a Hauslane range hood filter, this means:

• Place the filter into the frame
• Push the filter knob inward and set the baffle filter into place
• Plug the range hood back into its outlet

Important: Make sure your hands are dry before plugging the range hood back into the outlet.

How Often Should You Clean Your Range Hood Filter?

At an absolute minimum, your range hood filter should get a thorough cleaning once a year. That said, we recommend cleaning your filter once a month to optimize indoor air quality, especially if you cook regularly.

Regular cleanings also make it easier and faster to clean each time, and they prevent grease and grime buildup in your ductwork.

This is a decision you can make by eyeballing it. How dirty your filter gets depends on how often you cook, what you cook, and what type of cooktop you have. When you're cleaning your stovetop, take a look at the underside of the hood. If you see a fair bit of buildup, you'll know it's time for a cleaning.

Deep Cleaning a Range Hood Filter

We also recommend the occasional professional cleaning every so often. Cleaning the fan and ductwork is not a good DIY project for the average homeowner.

How often you need to have your exhaust fan and duct cleaned depends on your cleaning habits. If you keep your range hood filter clean, your fan and ductwork won't need cleaning as often.

Look for telltale signs on the outside of the house near the vent. Is the area greasy and discolored? If the outside is dirty, chances are the inside will have greasy buildup as well.

Fortunately, if you own a Hauslane range hood filter and you clean your filters regularly, it's not likely that you'll see this kind of buildup. Thanks to efficient, top-quality filtration technology, Hauslane range hoods tend to vent air without leaving a greasy buildup.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We're happy to help.