Four manufacturers publish steps for range hood filters. Which one applies depends on the type of filter your hood has: aluminum mesh and baffle filters are washable, but Broan-NuTone and Whirlpool both say a charcoal filter cannot be washed and must be replaced. Broan-NuTone says to wash aluminum mesh grease filters in your dishwasher approximately every month depending on the amount of usage.
Steps, by source
Broan-NuTone: grease filters
Broan-NuTone's guidance on washing aluminum mesh and baffle range hood filters, and which filters must be replaced instead. Source: Broan-NuTone: Wash the range hood grease filters.
- If your hood has aluminum mesh grease filters: wash them in your dishwasher using a non-phosphate detergent.
- If your hood has aluminum mesh grease filters: to minimize or prevent discoloration, wash them separately in the sink with a mild detergent instead.
- Wash often if your cooking style generates greater grease, like frying foods or wok cooking.
- If your hood has baffle filters, clean them with soap and water whenever the surfaces become unsightly.
- Do not wash non-ducted carbon filters; replace them.
What the source lists: Non-phosphate dishwasher detergent; Mild detergent (for washing in the sink); Soap and water (for baffle filters).
From the source. Discoloration of the filter may occur if using phosphate detergents, or as a result of local water conditions — but this will not affect filter performance. This discoloration is not covered by the warranty.
From the source. You cannot clean/wash the non-ducted carbon filters; they must be replaced.
How often, according to Broan-NuTone: The aluminum mesh grease filters should be washed in your dishwasher approximately every month depending on the amount of usage.
Zephyr: range hood filters
Zephyr's steps for cleaning range hood filters in the dishwasher or by hand. Source: Zephyr: Clean range hood filters.
- Determine which type of filter you have.
- Place most filters in the dishwasher on low heat or a short cycle with a non-phosphate detergent, with no other items in the dishwasher.
- Or wash the filter by hand with warm water and a non-phosphate degreasing detergent: soak it for 1 to 2 hours and rinse with water.
- Let the filter air dry completely before reinstalling it and using the range hood.
What the source lists: Non-phosphate detergent; Non-phosphate degreasing detergent (for washing by hand).
From the source. Be sure there are no other items in the dishwasher, the filter can catch food residue.
From the source. Filters that are not cleaned regularly and have grease build-up may require replacement.
From the source. For those that cook with a lot of oil and high heat, it’s advised to clean more frequently to prevent additional grease build-up.
How often, according to Zephyr: All Zephyr range hoods have a Cleaning Reminder that alerts the user to clean the hood every 30 hours.
Samsung: baffle filter and drip tray
Samsung's steps for removing, washing and reinstalling a range hood's stainless steel baffle filter and grease drip tray. Source: Samsung: Clean the hood baffle filter and drip tray.
- Remove the baffle filter by pulling the spring release handle, then pull down the filter. If your hood has two baffle filters, repeat for both, using two hands.
- Remove the grease drip tray from its bracket.
- Clean the baffle filter and drip tray in your dishwasher, or wash them by hand in hot water and dish detergent and dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Reinstall the drip tray in its bracket.
- Make sure the baffle filter's spring release handle is toward the front, insert the filter into the hood's upper track, and push in the handle.
- Push up on the baffle filter, then release the handle to latch it into place. Repeat if your hood has two filters.
What the source lists: Hot water and dish detergent (if washing by hand instead of the dishwasher); Soft cloth.
From the source. Do not use abrasive cleaners or materials on the hood or the controls, as they may scratch the surface. These include products such as spray cleaners, alcohol-based cleaners, chlorine-based cleaners, steel wool, and scouring pads.
From the source. If the following steps differ from your hood, please refer to your user manual for exact instructions.
Whirlpool: the charcoal filter
Whirlpool's steps for replacing the non-washable charcoal filter in a non-vented (recirculating) vent hood. Source: Whirlpool: Replace the vent hood charcoal filter.
- Remove the charcoal filter by turning it to the left to unlock it from the housing.
- Fit the replacement charcoal filter specified in the Owner's Manual by aligning it with the pins on the motor housing and turning it to the right to lock it in place.
- Repeat on the other filter.
What the source lists: Charcoal Filter specified in the Owner's Manual.
From the source. The charcoal filter is not washable.
How often, according to Whirlpool: It should last up to 6 months with normal use.
Questions
How often should I wash range hood filters?
Broan-NuTone says aluminum mesh grease filters should be washed in your dishwasher approximately every month depending on the amount of usage. Zephyr says its hoods have a Cleaning Reminder every 30 hours.
Can I wash a charcoal range hood filter?
No. Broan-NuTone says non-ducted carbon filters cannot be washed and must be replaced, and Whirlpool says the charcoal filter is not washable and should last up to 6 months with normal use.
Why did my filter change colour in the dishwasher?
Broan-NuTone says discoloration may occur if using phosphate detergents, or as a result of local water conditions, but that it will not affect filter performance.
What shouldn't I use on a baffle filter?
Samsung says not to use abrasive cleaners or materials, including spray cleaners, alcohol-based cleaners, chlorine-based cleaners, steel wool and scouring pads.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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