When you deep clean your kitchen, one area you don't want to neglect is your greasy hood filter above your stove. Think about it. The design of this contraption is to capture the smokey grease that occurs while cooking. Over time, the grime builds up and can make even the cleanest kitchens look dingy.
While this area of your kitchen can get pretty dirty, have no fear. There are a number of quick-fix solutions that will leave your hood filter looking like new. It just takes a few cleaning products and a few minutes of your time. Here's how to do it.
Method 1: Hot Water and OxiClean Soak
One of the most efficient and less messy ways to eliminate the grease from your oven hood filter is by soaking it in a hot water and OxiClean solution. This method is simple, yet remarkably effective. Here's how to do it:
Preparation: Find a container large enough to fully immerse your oven hood filter. This could be a large pot, a basin, or even a bathtub, depending on the size of your filter.
Boiling Water: Fill the container with boiling water. The hot water will help to soften and break down the grease, making it easier for the OxiClean to do its job.
Add OxiClean: Measure and add approximately one cup of OxiClean to the hot water. Stir the solution to ensure the OxiClean is fully dissolved. OxiClean is a versatile stain remover that works wonders on grease and grime, making it an ideal choice for this task.
Soak the Filter: Carefully submerge your oven hood filter in the solution. Ensure that it's completely covered by the water.
Wait: Allow the filter to soak for 10-30 minutes, depending on how greasy it is. The more buildup, the longer it should soak to ensure the solution has time to penetrate and loosen the grime.
Rinse and Dry: After soaking, remove the filter from the solution and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Shake off any excess water and let it air dry completely before reinstalling it in your hood.
Method 2: Baking Soda & Dish Soap
Tools and Materials Needed:
Hot water
Baking soda
Dish soap (preferably degreasing formula)
A large basin or sink
A soft brush or non-abrasive scrubber
Protective gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Remove the Filter: Carefully take the filter out of the hood. Most filters will either slide or pop out easily. Consult your hood's manual if you're unsure.
Dry Dusting: Gently tap the filter over a trash can to dislodge any loose particles. A soft brush can be used for this step to remove the surface dust.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Fill your basin or sink with very hot water, enough to fully submerge the filter. Add a generous squirt of dish soap and ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive agent that helps break down grease without damaging the filter.
Soak: Place your filter into the solution, ensuring it's completely submerged. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, though particularly grimy filters may benefit from longer soaking times, even up to a few hours.
Scrub: After soaking, use a soft brush or non-abrasive scrubber to gently clean the filter. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where grease accumulates the most.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the filter under hot running water to remove any residual grease and cleaning solution. Ensure the water runs clear, indicating a thorough clean.
Dry: Shake off any excess water and let the filter dry completely. You can either leave it to air dry or use a clean towel to pat it dry.
Reinstall: Once dry, carefully place the filter back into the hood. Ensure it's properly secured.
Method 3: Steam CleaningFor those who don't mind a bit more of a hands-on approach, using a steam cleaner can be another effective method to get your oven hood filter clean. Steam cleaning uses hot steam to break down and dissolve grease, allowing for a thorough clean. However, this method can be a bit messier than the soaking method. Here's how to use a steam cleaner on your filter:
Safety First: Before you start, make sure your steam cleaner is in good working condition and you have protective gloves to avoid burns from the hot steam.
Prepare Your Area: Since this method can be messier, prepare your cleaning area by placing towels or newspapers underneath the workspace to catch any drips or grease.
Steam Cleaning: Turn on your steam cleaner and wait for it to heat up. Once ready, direct the steam onto the filter, moving slowly across its surface. The steam will loosen and melt the grease, which can then be wiped away with a cloth or sponge.
Wipe Down: After steam cleaning, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened grease and grime. You may need to rinse the cloth or sponge frequently to ensure you're not spreading the grease around.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or grease. Shake off the excess water and let the filter air dry completely before putting it back in place.
