How To Clean Your Range Hood's Filter And Get Rid Of All That Grease Buildup - Tasting Table

"Range hood filters are just one more kitchen item that deserves your precious attention. These grease-catchers relentlessly collect pollutants while cooking, and too much buildup is a recipe for poor efficiency and heightened fire risk. Fortunately, grease removal is pretty easy: Simply leave the filter to soak in a mixture of boiling water, dishwashing liquid and baking soda. The easiest place to do this is in the sink, where you have the most space to clean the removable filters."

"Leave the filter to soak for between 15 and 60 minutes, and voila, the magic happens in your absence. Dishwashing liquid creates a high-alkaline environment through a careful concoction of chemicals. Its high pH is perfect for emulsifying fat, while its surfactants simultaneously lift grease. Baking soda is the cherry on top, with mild abrasiveness and another injection of alkalinity to remove buildup."

"Let's be brutally honest - range hood filters are the part of your kitchen you should probably start cleaning more. It might be easy to remember to clean worktops and splashbacks, but dare to peek upwards, and you might recoil in disgust. These filters quickly accrue a thick layer of reddish-brown grime. Despite being one of the places you might not think to clean in your kitchen, there is a sweet spot: Clean your filter at least once a month."

Range hood filters collect grease and airborne pollutants during cooking, and heavy buildup reduces extraction efficiency and raises fire risk. Removable filters clean easily by soaking them in boiling water mixed with dishwashing liquid and baking soda for 15 to 60 minutes. Dishwashing liquid provides high alkalinity and surfactants to emulsify and lift fats, while baking soda adds mild abrasiveness and extra alkalinity to break down residue. After soaking, a light scrub with a soft nylon brush dislodges remaining grime. Rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and replace. Clean filters at least once a month for best performance and safety.

Read at Tasting Table