If your range hood feels a bit sticky, smells a bit off, or sounds like it’s working harder than it should, it probably needs a proper clean. Grease builds up quicker than most people think, especially if you cook often.

Here’s how you can get your range hood looking squeaky clean again.

Why Range Hood Cleaning Is More Important Than You Think

Most people ignore the range hood. It’s out of sight, so it gets left until it’s properly grimy. The problem is, once it’s dirty, it stops doing its job properly.

Here’s what’s actually going on:

Grease clogs the filters, which cuts down airflow
Cooking smells hang around instead of being pulled out
Built-up grease can become a fire risk
The motor ends up working harder than it should
That sticky residue slowly spreads to nearby cabinets and walls

How Often Should You Clean a Range Hood?

It really comes down to how often you cook and what you’re cooking.

A simple guide:

Light cooking: every 2 to 3 months
Regular home cooking: about once a month for the filters
Heavy or oily cooking: every 2 to 3 weeks

Not sure where you land? A quick check usually tells you:

Surfaces feel sticky
You can see grease sitting on the filters
The fan doesn’t seem as strong as it used to be

What You’ll Need

Basic supplies:

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Microfibre cloth or sponge
Soft brush or an old toothbrush
Gloves
Screwdriver if your filters are fixed in place

Optional but useful:

Commercial degreaser for tougher buildup

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Range Hood Properly

1. Turn Off the Power

Start by switching it off at the wall or unplugging it.

2. Remove the Filters

Most filters slide or unclip without much effort. If they don’t, don’t force them. Check the manual instead.

3. Soak the Filters

Fill your sink or a bucket with hot water, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dish soap and about ½ cup of baking soda for a full sink.

Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes
This is what loosens the grease so you’re not scrubbing forever

4. Scrub and Rinse

Grab a soft brush and give them a proper scrub.

Focus on corners and edges where grease builds up
Rinse them well with hot water
Leave them to air dry completely

5. Clean the Exterior

Use warm soapy water with a few drops of dish soap, or mix equal parts white vinegar and water.

Wipe down the outer surface
If it’s stainless steel, wipe with the grain
Skip anything abrasive so you don’t scratch it

6. Wipe the Interior

Carefully clean what you can reach inside.

Focus on visible grease near the fan
Leave any wiring alone

7. Dry and Reassemble

Make sure everything is fully dry before putting it back together.

Damp filters tend to trap smells
Once everything’s back in place, turn the power back on

How to Clean Different Types of Range Hood Filters

Not all filters are the same, so it helps to know what you’re working with.

Metal Mesh Filters

These are the most common in homes.

Best cleaned with soaking and light scrubbing
Keeping on top of it stops grease from building up

Baffle Filters

Usually found in more heavy-duty or premium hoods.

Some can go in the dishwasher, but it’s worth checking your manufacturer’s instructions first

Charcoal Filters

Used in ductless systems.

These aren’t washable
They need replacing every 1 to 3 months depending on use

How to Remove Heavy Grease Buildup

If it’s been a while, you might be dealing with stubborn grease on the filters or the hood itself. That’s normal.

Here’s what actually helps:

Use a baking soda paste on the worst spots
Let your cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping
Go over it again if needed instead of scrubbing too hard

What to avoid:

Steel wool or anything too harsh
Strong chemicals that can damage the finish

Common Mistakes That Make Cleaning Harder

Leaving it too long between cleans
Using harsh products that damage surfaces
Skipping the filters completely
Putting filters back while they’re still damp
Cleaning the outside but ignoring the inside

Most of this comes down to putting it off. Once you stay on top of it, it’s so much easier to manage.

Natural vs Commercial Cleaners

Natural options:

Vinegar and baking soda work well
Simple, effective, and easy to use

Commercial degreasers:

Better for heavy buildup
Work faster when things are more stubborn

The best approach is to keep it simple most of the time, and only bring out the stronger stuff when you need it.

Maintenance Tips to Keep It Cleaner for Longer

Once it’s clean, keeping it that way is much easier.

Wipe the exterior once a week
Clean the filters about once a month for regular use, or every 2 to 3 weeks if you cook often or use a lot of oil
Always run the fan while cooking
Let it run for a few minutes after you’re done
Try to keep grease splatter under control where you can

When It’s Time to Call Simone’s Cleaning Services

If you’d rather not deal with it at all, it’s time to get a professional to do it. You might want to bring in help if:

The grease is thick and not budging
It hasn’t been cleaned in a long time
There’s a smell that won’t go away
You just don’t have the time for it

Simone’s Cleaning Services is a Melbourne-based, family-run business that’s been around since 2017, known for being reliable and properly detail-focused.

Here’s why the city trusts us:

Cleaning plans that are tailored to your home and routine
Trained cleaners who pay attention to the small details
Services that cover everything from general home cleaning to oven cleaning, window cleaning, end of lease cleans, strata cleaning, and NDIS home cleaning.
Flexible options, whether you need a one-off clean or something regular

So if your range hood has gone past the point of a quick fix, or you just don’t feel like scrubbing grease, getting it done professionally saves you the hassle. Contact us today to book a cleaning schedule!

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