Properly maintaining your range hood is as important as choosing the correct range hood. While nobody likes cleaning their appliances, taking care of your range hood will extend its life and ensure it is properly functioning.

The most important components to keep clean in a range hood are the grease filters. Grease filters come in a variety of styles such as aluminum mesh or stainless steel baffle. Over time, dirty grease filters will inhibit the range hood’s performance. It is recommended to clean grease filters monthly or more frequently depending on your cooking style. Some range hoods will even notify you when it is time to clean the filters. Grease filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher on a low setting or in a sink with warm soapy water.

If your range hood is converted to ductless recirculating mode, you will also have a set of charcoal filters behind the grease filters that need to be replaced every 3 to 4 months or when the hood reminds you.