Short answer: turn off the rangehood at the switch or power point and remove the metal filters. Soak them in very hot water with dishwashing liquid and a few tablespoons of baking soda for 15–30 minutes, scrub them with a soft brush, rinse and let them dry fully. While they soak, degrease the underside and exterior with warm soapy water or a kitchen degreaser, then dry and polish.
Grease builds up on rangehoods even when they look clean from the front, which is why filters are one of the first things property managers check.
What you'll need
- Dishwashing liquid and baking soda
- A sink or tub of very hot water
- A soft scrubbing brush
- Microfibre cloths
- A kitchen degreaser (optional, for heavy grease)
- Stainless steel cleaner or a drop of oil for polishing (optional)
- Rubber gloves
Step 1: Power off and cool down
Switch the rangehood off at the wall, or turn off its power, and make sure the cooktop and rangehood are cool.
Step 2: Remove and soak the filters
- 1Remove the metal mesh filters. Most unclip or slide out; check your manual.
- 2Fill a sink with the hottest water you can safely use.
- 3Add a good squirt of dishwashing liquid and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- 4Soak the filters for 15–30 minutes.
- 5Scrub gently with a soft brush.
- 6Rinse with hot water and let them dry completely before refitting.
Charcoal (carbon) filters in recirculating rangehoods can't be washed. They need replacing as the manual recommends.
Dishwasher: many metal filters are dishwasher-safe. Check the manual first.
Step 3: Degrease the underside and inside
- 1Wipe the underside with a cloth dipped in hot soapy water.
- 2For sticky build-up, spray a kitchen degreaser, leave it as directed, then wipe.
- 3Avoid getting water into the light fittings or motor.
- 4Replace or wipe the light covers if they're greasy.
Step 4: Clean and polish the exterior
- Wipe stainless steel in the direction of the grain with warm soapy water.
- Dry it with a clean microfibre cloth.
- Buff with a stainless steel cleaner or a drop of oil for a streak-free shine.
- Wipe the buttons or controls with a barely damp cloth.
How often?
- Filters: every 1–3 months, depending on how much you cook
- Exterior: weekly wipe
- Full degrease: every few months, and always before moving out
Safety tips
- Always switch off the power before removing filters or wiping near lights.
- Never mix cleaning products.
- Don't use abrasive pads on stainless steel, because they scratch.
Want it done for you?
Rangehood and filter cleaning is included in every Fresh Plus end of lease clean, and it's available as an extra ($45) on other cleans.
Frequently asked questions
What dissolves rangehood grease? Very hot water with dishwashing liquid and baking soda dissolves most grease. A dedicated kitchen degreaser works faster on heavy build-up.
Can I put rangehood filters in the dishwasher? Many metal mesh filters are dishwasher-safe. Check your manual. Charcoal filters can't be washed.
Why does my rangehood still smell after cleaning? If it's a recirculating rangehood, the charcoal filter may need replacing.
