How to Clean a Greasy Hood Range Filter

A hood range filter can become loaded with greasy build-up after weeks, months and even years of use. The hood range filter is basically out of sight, so it's one of those items you don't often think about cleaning. That means it's also more likely to accumulate caked-on debris over a long period of time. Plain old soap and water aren't strong enough to remove this kind of grime, but you can get your hood range filter sparkling again with a little work and a few handy tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cast iron frying pan
• Dishwasher
• Dishwasher detergent
• Water
• Engine degreaser
• Greased Lightning brand cleaner (optional)
• OxiClean brand cleaner (optional)
• Mean Green brand cleaner (optional)
• Latex gloves
• Wire brush
• Scrub pad

Method #1

1. Remove the filter from its location and place it into a cast iron frying pan that is large enough to hold the entire filter. Make sure none of the filter is hanging over the edge of the pan.

2. Place the pan and filter into the oven and turn the oven to 250 degrees.

3. Allow the pan to stay in the oven long enough for the grease to melt. This may take up to an hour, but you should check the pan every ten to fifteen minutes to make sure there's no smoke or fire. The grease shouldn't catch on fire at this low temperature, but it should monitored.

4. Remove the pan and filter from the oven and place the filter in the dishwasher. Add detergent to the dishwasher and run the filter through an entire cycle. It should come out very clean.

5. Return the filter to its place.

Method #2

6. Remove the filter from its location and place it in a basin, tub, sink or container that you don't mind getting dirty.

7. Soak the filter in one of the following: engine degreaser, hot water and OxiClean, or a cleaner such as Mean Green or Greased Lightning.

8. Use a wire brush or scrub pad to scrub the filter after it soaks. When dealing with chemical solvents, be sure to wear latex gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.

9. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Return the filter to its place.

References

• Degreasing Range Hood Filters