Do you want to learn how to clean your range hood baffle filter?
Baffle filters are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, and they catch grease as air flows past the interlocking metal ridges.
It is important to clean baffle filters periodically to prevent them from clogging up, reducing air flow, and even becoming a fire hazard.
In this guide, I will go over...
- Exactly how to clean range hood baffle filters (step by step)
- When to clean baffle filters
- And a little bit on how range hood baffle filters work
Let’s get started with this guide!
How To Clean Range Hood Baffle Filters?
Although range hood baffle filters are dishwasher friendly, I personally recommend hand washing them. But even before you clean the filter, it's a good idea to thoroughly inspect it for holes, deterioration, or any indications that it should be replaced.
My cleaning method below is good for different types of baffle filters like stainless steel or aluminum baffle filters.
For you to clean your baffle filter, you will need the following in the list below...
Read Also: What Are The Best Ductless Range Hoods?
Materials Needed:
Just a few simple ingredients needed...
- Bucket Or Bowl of Hot Water
- Regular Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
- Bristle Brush
Cleaning Instructions
Here are my nine simple steps to cleaning a range hood baffle filter...
#1. Make sure the power is off. Though you are just cleaning the filters, it isn't a bad idea to just quickly unplug the range hood. Most range hoods are plugged into an outlet (inside the upper cabinet) so you can simply unplug it.
#2. Remove the filters. To remove the baffle filters, you can simply lift or push the rear end of the filter, and then you should be able to pull it out.
#3. Fill a bucket or large pot with very hot water for soaking.
#4. Insert about a tablespoon of regular dish soap and half a cup of baking soda into the water. Stir it until they are both dissolved completely in the water.
#5. Insert the baffle filters into the cleaning solution and let it soak for 30-min to 60-min in order to loosen the grease and debris.
#6. After soaking, use a bristle brush to scrub any stubborn bits, food particles, and grease.
#7. Rinse the filters in the sink, preferable using the faucet’s sprayer attachment.
#8. Place the filter on a clean towel or drying rack and allow it to air-dry before re-installing.
Read Also: How Does A Ductless Range Hood Work?
How Often Should You Clean Your Range Hood Baffle Filters?
Many of us forget to clean the range hood filters, but neglecting such a simple task can adversely affect indoor air quality. In addition to your range hood just not working as well (reduced air flow), a heavily greased range hood and duct can even lead to a fire.
However, regular cleaning of your range hood baffle filters can make the chances of a duct fire extremely remote.
I recommend that homeowners regularly clean their baffle filters such as once every two months. If you cook heavily as well as fry a lot of foods, you may want to even clean your baffle filters more often---but every two months is a good practice.
You can also clean your range hood baffle filters based on reduced performance. If you notice that the range hood isn't exhausting as much air as it used to, or if it is louder than normal (working harder) --- then you know it needs to be cleaned.
It's also a good idea to clean the hood itself at the same time by wiping it down with a degreaser because the interior can get quite dirty.
Read Also: What Are The Best Wall Mount Range Hoods?
What Exactly Are Range Hood Baffle Filters?
Range hood baffles are the most efficient range hood filters on the market. These filters are specially made to capture grease for ducted range hoods --- they are not made for recirculating or ductless range hoods.
Metal baffles are highly favored by homeowners for their appearance along with their efficiency in grease filtration and lowering the risk of kitchen fires.
Baffle filters are usually made up of solid stainless-steel panels but they are also sometimes aluminum. These filters are constructed by interlocking baffles or ridges that captures grease as the air quickly passes through it. They are more durable than other types of filters, and baffles are reusable unlike standard mesh filters.
Baffle filters do not bend easily like metal mesh filters. Baffle filters also don't get easily clogged by grease so their ability to exhaust cooking gases can be maintained. Baffles do not need to be maintained as frequently as mesh filters.
Read Also: How Many CFM Do I Need For My Range Hood?
When To Replace Your Range Hood Baffle Filter?
If your baffle filters have dents, holes, rust, or other signs of corrosion --- it is probably time to replace your range hood filters.
Cooking creates a highly acidic environment for baffle filters, and metal isn't impervious to these caustic substances. Depending on how much you cook, baffle filters can last decades or just a few years.
If your range hood isn't working well, and you see signs of corrosion on the filters, it is recommended to replace the baffle filters to increase the hood performance and reduce any fire risk.
You also don't want your health negatively impacted by a poorly working range hood.
Read Also: What Are The Best Range Hoods By Broan?
Final Thoughts
Your range hood will work more efficiently and safely now that the filter is clean.
I recommend cleaning your baffle filters periodically based on how often you cook, but cleaning the baffle filters at least every 60 days is a good practice.
If your range hood is louder than normal, or if it isn't exhausting as well, and there are visible signs of grease --- these are signs that it needs to be cleaned.