And inside your range hood, a filter helps keep air safe and clean.
Range hood filters trap grease and dirt to keep the range hood operating correctly.
Good news: it’s not a time-consuming chore.
Credit: wertinio/Adobe Stock
How Do I Know If I Need to Clean the Filter?
When was the last time you cleaned your range hood filter?
Turn your range hood on and hold a piece of newspaper or notebook paper up to the filter.
If the range hood is drawing properly through a clean-enough filter, the paper will stick to the filter.
On most range hoods, the filter is visible on the underside of the hood.
Other range hood filters might have a pinching mechanism that you must squeeze to slide out.
Once you’ve successfully removed the filter, take it to the sink to assess before cleaning.
Look at your filter to determine if it is completely clogged and covered.
McAllister offers two options for cleaning your range hood filter.
The first option is to spray it with Mr. Clean multipurpose cleaner and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Then wash the filter with a scrub brush.
“You will just have to soak it longer if you have never cleaned it before.
However, she cautions that aluminum filters can tarnish.
Now your filter can get back to work so you’re able to enjoy fresh air.
So for optimal range hood performance, it’s best to clean the filter regularly.
McAllister recommends cleaning your range hood filter monthly and says to always run your range hood when cooking.
“Turning on your range hood is just as important as cleaning it,” she says.
This, in turn, makes yourkitchen cabinets, floor, and backsplash sticky and greasy.
It has a domino effect.”
