Range hood filters can become very dirty in a very short amount of time, especially if you use your range a lot. Experts recommend you clean your range hood at least once a month. Putting off cleaning your filters can lead to decreased ventilation efficiency and extending the life of your range hood. You also cut your risk of health and fire hazards with a clean filter, and the filter is just easier to clean when you stay on top of it.
Of course, we here at Ambient Edge understand that many people may not have the time to dedicate to properly cleaning their range hood filters, especially as often as once a month. That’s why we offer preventive maintenance plans so that you can take all of the stress out of it and hire us to clean them for you. Working with an air duct cleaning and repair company also gives you peace of mind that the job will be done right. Give us a call to discuss setting up the preventive maintenance schedule that works best for you.
Types of Range Hood Filters
Most range hoods come with one of three different kinds of filters: charcoal filters, fabric grease filters, or metallic grease filters. You should be able to figure out the kind of filter you have by checking the owner’s manual for your range hood.
Filters that have “grease” in their name function best at removing grease and oil fumes from the air. Almost all range hoods have grease filters in them. Fabric grease filters absorb the grease and fumes, so you can’t clean these. You can only replace them. Metallic grease filters, on the other hand, require frequent cleaning. You can find these filters at the base of the range hood.
As for charcoal filters, you won’t have one of these unless you have a ductless range hood. This is they are only functional if you have the kind of range hood that recirculates cleaned air back into your kitchen.
If you do have a ductless range hood, then it’s important to note that, like fabric grease filters, you can’t clean charcoal filters, only replace them. On average, you should replace them every three or four months, or more often depending on how often you cook and what you cook.
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How to Clean Your Filter
To clean your filter, you should first remove it by either sliding or popping it out of the range hood. You may need to push it upward before you slide it. There should be a loop or latch there to release it. Make a note of how it came out so you can more easily put it back in when you’re done.
Fill a large pot, saucepan, or even just your sink with boiling hot water, a tablespoon or two of dish soap, and baking soda. The hotter the water, the better you will be able to dissolve the grease. Make sure the water is no longer boiling before you add the soap and baking soda.
Soak the filter – or, if you’re using a pot, half the filter at a time – for about 10 minutes. This gives the solution enough time to break down and dissolve the grease. Then, use a non-abrasive scrub brush to remove whatever’s left. Rinse the filter out, and then dry it off completely. Once it’s totally dry, pop it back into your range hood.
Need Help Cleaning or Replacing Your Range Hood Filter? Ambient Edge Is Here for You!
If you have the kind of range hood filter you can clean, then it is important that you do so frequently, at least once a month. If you find you keep missing months at a time because you simply don’t have the time or can’t remember to clean your filter as often as you should, our team can set you up with a preventive maintenance schedule and take care of the problem for you.
The same goes for replacing your filter. If you have a charcoal or fabric grease filter and you need to replace it often but can’t seem to remember to do so, we can put you on a schedule. That way, you’re never stuck with a dirty filter, and you don’t have to worry about health hazards, grease fires, or generally a dirtier kitchen.
Over the years, our technicians at Ambient Edge have worked on every make and model of range and range hood out there. We don’t only do range hoods. We have experience working with all kinds of appliances and HVAC systems. If you need help with your air conditioner, heater, or another aspect of your HVAC system, give us a call today for a free consultation!
