When you fry and boil, steam carrying droplets of grease settles on the hood filters. Left alone, the grease thickens and turns resinous, extraction drops and cooking smells linger. Old grease in a filter can even drip onto the hob and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
The filters are the heart of range hood care. A stainless steel housing also needs attention, as it shows every fingerprint and greasy mark.
What you will need
- soft microfibre cloth, non-abrasive sponge
- warm water and washing-up liquid
- WD-40 Specialist Degreaser for old, baked-on grease
- rubber gloves
- replacement carbon filter for recirculating hoods
Important: Switch the hood off and isolate the power before cleaning. Apply products only to the filters and housing, never to the lights, controls or motor. After using degreaser, always rinse the parts with water, as the hood works above where food is prepared.
Step 1
Prepare the hood
Switch the hood off and unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker. Wipe crumbs and dust from the outside so nothing falls inside when you remove the filters.
Check your model: most have metal mesh grease filters held by catches, and recirculating hoods also have a carbon filter behind them.
Step 2
Remove and clean the metal filters
Release the catches and take the filters out. If they are cleaned regularly, soaking them for 15 to 20 minutes in hot water with washing-up liquid and going over them with a soft brush is enough.
Old sticky grease in the fine mesh is dissolved by WD-40 Specialist Degreaser. Apply it, leave for two minutes, then rinse the filter in hot water. Most metal filters can be finished in a dishwasher on an intensive cycle; check the hood manual first.
Step 3
Clean the housing and canopy
Wipe the inside of the canopy, now visible with the filters out, using a sponge and soapy water. Treat greasy marks on the housing with degreaser applied to a cloth, then wipe with a clean damp cloth.
Wipe stainless steel along the grain and finish dry to avoid streaks.
Step 4
Replace or clean the carbon filter
The carbon filter absorbs odours in recirculating hoods. It is replaced or regenerated roughly every 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the model.
If the hood draws weakly and smells linger, a clogged carbon filter is the usual cause. Hoods without grease filters have a grease tray, which also needs regular washing.
Step 5
Reassemble and test
Let the filters dry completely and refit them until the catches click. Switch on and check extraction at every speed.
If the motor hums or rattles, check the fixings. Do not dismantle the motor or mechanism yourself.
Tip: If you cook every day, wash the metal filters every 2 to 4 weeks. Fresh grease rinses off easily, while hardened grease takes a long time to dissolve.
What next
Wipe the housing weekly, wash the filters every few weeks and change the carbon filter every quarter. WD-40 Specialist Degreaser also tackles other heavily soiled surfaces in the garage or workshop.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».