How to Degrease a Metal Kitchen Filter

Deep frying increases the grease on a fan filter.

A greasy metal filter on a fan in the kitchen is a fire hazard, blocks the flow of air venting out of the fan, and can smell stale. Removing the built-up grease on the filter is easy and is an important household chore that doesn't take long but makes a significant difference when cooking. Common household cleaners can remove the grease with little effort on your part.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Household cleaners (optional)
• Scratching pad (optional)
• Old toothbrush or kitchen brush (optional)
• Engine degreaser (optional)
• Hose (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the filter from the fan's housing. If you don't know how to take it out, refer to the instruction book for your stove's fan.

2. Rinse the filter with hot water to melt off some of the grease.

3. Put in the sink's stopper and fill with enough hot water to cover the filter and add some household cleaners designed to cut grease, then soak the filter for at lest an hour or as long as overnight. Likely cleaners include dish washing or dishwasher soap and all-purpose general cleaners.

4. Use a scratching pad or an old brush to loosen any residual grease, then rinse with hot water.

5. Spray the filter with concentrated cleaner and let it sit overnight. Rinse again, let the filter dry and put it back in the kitchen fan.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a note to clean your fan's filter at least once a month to avoid a heavy buildup of grease on the filter. If you fry a lot of food, clean it more often to avoid having to face a tough scrubbing job in the future.

• When there is still an oil buildup left on the filter after scrubbing it twice, consider using engine degreaser, available at car part stores, to get rid of the grease. Take the filter outdoors, spray it, let it rest for an hour and use the hose to rinse it. Wash it with soap and water before putting it back into the fan.

References

• Cleaning Tips: Vancouver Native Housing Society