When was the last time you cleaned your range hood filters? Here's how to do it like a pro

Cooktop Cove: When was the last time you cleaned your range hood filters? Here's how to do it like a pro

By Lia Blanchard

Did you know that you can — and should — remove the filters in your range hood for cleaning? How often will differ depending on how often you cook with grease, but keeping your filters clean reduces their attraction for bugs, foul odors and the risk of fire hazard.

Kathryn, Do It on a Dime blogger, demonstrates how easy it is to keep these mesh filters clean. First, she washes her filter by hand, using hot water and regular dish soap to remove excessive grime, and then she simply drops it into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning! She does recommend checking your owner's manual to confirm that using an automatic dishwasher is an option.

For cleaning the oven, Kathryn prefers not to use the self-cleaning cycle. Instead, she makes a paste of baking soda and water (about the consistency of glue) and spreads it all over the inside of the oven: walls, bottom, door. She lets it sit until "more or less dry to the touch," about two hours, then wipes it up with a soft cloth. The entire process takes about 30 minutes (not including drying time). "I think it does a phenomenal job," Kathryn says.

Oven racks can be cleaned by putting towels in the bottom of a bathtub, then putting the racks on the towels. Fill the tub with hot water and add 1/2 cup (about 60 g) of laundry detergent. Let the racks sit for a few hours, and then scrub clean and rinse thoroughly.

Watch Kathryn's video below for more deep-cleaning tips for the kitchen, including a few places you may not have realized needed cleaning!

Please SHARE these cleaning tips and add yours in the comments below.