The cooker hood filter is one of the most neglected items in the kitchen — out of sight, out of mind. But a filter clogged with grease reduces suction efficiency by up to 50%, makes your kitchen smell stale, and in extreme cases can become a fire hazard. Here's how to clean it properly.
How Often Should You Clean It?
For a household that cooks daily, the filter should be cleaned every 4–6 weeks. If you cook less frequently, every 2–3 months is sufficient. You'll know it needs cleaning when you notice reduced suction, visible grease build-up on the filter mesh, or a lingering cooking smell even with the hood running.
What You'll Need
- A degreaser — Deepio Powder or Deepio Spray works best
- Hot water
- A sink or large container big enough to submerge the filter
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Remove the Filter
Most cooker hood filters slide out or unclip from the underside of the hood. Consult your hood's manual if you're unsure. Handle it carefully — a heavily greased filter can drip.
Step 2: Prepare the Soak
Fill your sink or a large container with the hottest water your tap will produce. Add 2–3 tablespoons of Deepio Powder (or a generous amount of washing up liquid as an alternative). Stir to dissolve.
Step 3: Soak
Submerge the filter completely in the solution. Leave for 30–60 minutes. For heavily greased filters that haven't been cleaned in months, leave for up to 2 hours. You'll see the water turn brown as the grease releases — this is normal and means it's working.
Step 4: Scrub and Rinse
After soaking, most of the grease will have loosened. Use a soft brush to work through the mesh, paying attention to any remaining build-up in the corners. Rinse thoroughly under hot running water.
Step 5: Dry and Refit
Shake off excess water and leave the filter to air dry completely before refitting — a wet filter reduces efficiency. Once dry, slide or clip it back into place.
Can You Put a Cooker Hood Filter in the Dishwasher?
Many metal mesh filters are dishwasher-safe — check your hood's manual to confirm. Use a hot cycle with a good dishwasher tablet. However, the soak method with Deepio Powder is often more effective for very greasy filters, as the extended dwell time gives the degreaser more time to work.
What About Charcoal Filters?
Charcoal (carbon) filters, found in recirculating hoods that don't vent outside, cannot be washed — they must be replaced. These typically need replacing every 3–6 months depending on use.
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