When you’re moving out, one of the most overlooked parts of your kitchen is the greasy, sticky rangehood filter. Leaving it dirty can cost you your bond or fail your inspection.
Most tenants scrub their stovetops, wipe counters, and mop floors, but totally forget the kitchen hood filter cleaning. Agents always check above the stove, and if your rangehood is dripping grease, it won’t look good.
Knowing how to clean rangehood filters the right way can save you money, stress, and time. You don’t need expensive tools—just a little effort, the best method, and a few household items. If it sounds messy, don’t worry—we’ll break it down super simply.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to clean rangehood filters, including extractor fan filter cleaning, cooking hood filter cleaning, and when to replace them. We’ll even show you the best way to clean a rangehood filter without using harsh chemicals. Let’s get started—your bond refund depends on it!
Why Clean Rangehood Filters Before You Move Out?
Understanding why you should clean your rangehood filter before moving out is just as important as knowing how to clean rangehood filters.
Here’s why it matters:
- Real estate agents inspect the kitchen closely, and they always check the rangehood. A greasy filter could cause a cleaning fee to be taken from your bond.
- Oil and grease attract bugs, smell bad, and are a major hygiene risk.
- Dirty filters make the rangehood fan work harder and break down faster.
- Clean filters help reduce smoke and make your kitchen safer while cooking.
When you’re doing rangehood filters cleaning, you’re not just making things look nice—you’re helping the extractor fan work properly and keeping the kitchen healthy.
Kitchen hood filter cleaning isn’t optional for end-of-lease cleaning—it’s expected. Real estate agents and landlords in Sydney and beyond know to check this area.
If you’re unsure or want to avoid hassle, the best way to clean rangehood filters might be to hire professionals. They do it fast, properly, and with no grease left behind.
Don’t let a greasy rangehood ruin your bond. Learn how to clean cooking hood filters today or get professional help to make it sparkle.
Read More: How to Clean Shower Glass Doors
Types of Rangehood Filters & How They Should Be Cleaned
You need to know what kind of screen you have before you scrub. Filters should be cleaned in different ways. This information helps you pick the best way to clean the filters on your range hood without hurting them.
In general, these are the types:
Filters for Mesh
- A lot of houses have them
- Stacks of aluminium or stainless steel
- Simple to take off and clean
- Ideal for cleaning rangehood filters at home
Charcoal Filters
- Used in ductless hoods
- Cannot be cleaned – they must be replaced
- They help remove odours, not just grease
- Know when to swap them out
Baffle Filters
- Heavy-duty filters are often found in commercial kitchens
- Made for serious grease-catching
- Require deep soaking or even professional extractor fan filter cleaning
Each one has different care rules. Learning how to clean rangehood filters starts with knowing what kind of filter you’re dealing with.
Always read your user manual for the best advice on kitchen hood filter cleaning. Using the wrong method might damage the filter or make it unsafe to reuse.
DIY Method: Clean Your Filters in 3 Simple Steps
Cleaning your own filter isn’t as hard as it looks. In fact, here’s how to clean rangehood filters at home in just three easy steps:
Step 1 – Remove the Filter
- Turn off the power and let the stove cool
- Carefully unclip or slide out the filter
- Wear gloves if it’s really greasy
Step 2 – Soak It Well
- Fill your sink with hot water
- Add a few drops of dish soap and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda
- Let the filter soak for 15–30 minutes
- For extra greasy filters, repeat with fresh water
Step 3 – Rinse & Dry
- Scrub gently with a soft brush
- Rinse under warm water until all soap is gone
- Let it air dry completely before putting it back
This is the best way to clean rangehood filters at home using safe products. For some filters, the dishwasher method is okay—just check your model first.
Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can ruin the finish. Now you know how to clean cooking hood filters with just soap and soda—an easy solution that also works well on common household stains!


When to Replace Instead of Cleaning
Sometimes, no matter how to clean rangehood filters you try, it’s better to just replace them. Here’s when:
- Smells won’t go away even after cleaning
- The filter is black or discoloured and can’t be scrubbed clean
- You have a charcoal filter, which is non-washable
- The mesh is warped, rusted, or broken
Replacing a filter every 6–12 months (depending on use) keeps your kitchen fresh and healthy. It’s especially important if you cook a lot with oil or fry food often.
Even the best way to clean a rangehood filter can’t fix an old, damaged one. Replacing it might cost a little, but it saves your bond and keeps the air clean.
Keep a reminder on your calendar to check your filter. Regular kitchen hood filter cleaning or replacement is a small job that makes a big difference.
Remember, knowing how to clean cooking hood filters also means knowing when to let them go.
Want a Guaranteed Bond Back? Leave It to the Pros
Let’s be real: cleaning greasy rangehood filters is a messy job. If you’re moving out and want a guaranteed pass on inspection, calling the pros might be your best move.
At the End of Lease Cleaning Sydney, we handle rangehood filter cleaning as part of a full end-of-lease clean. That means:
- Oven, stovetop, splashback, walls, and cupboards – all cleaned
- Kitchen hood filter cleaning done right
- No grease, no grime, no smell
- Fully trained and insured cleaners
- Bond-Back Guarantee included
We know how to clean rangehood filters so they sparkle—and we clean them safely, fast, and deeply.
Booking is simple: online in just 60 seconds, with same-day service available in most areas. Whether you’re in Sydney or nearby, we’ve got your back.
Want the best way to clean rangehood filters without lifting a finger? Go pro. Your kitchen will thank you—and so will your landlord.
FAQs
1. How do you clean greasy rangehood filters at home?
Soak them in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, scrub lightly, rinse well, and air dry.
2. What is the best way to clean the filter on a range hood without using strong chemicals?
Mix dish soap, baking soda, and warm water. You don’t need bleach or ammonia.
3. Can I clean the filter in my kitchen fan in the dishwasher?
Yes, if it says on the filter that it can go in the dishwasher. Do not use it for block or charcoal filters.
4. How often should I clean the screen on my extractor fan?
Based on how often you cook, A: Every one to three months. If you fry or grill a lot, more often.
5. Do professionals clean the full cooking hood or just the filter?
Full kitchen hood service includes the outer casing, fan cover, and surrounding splashback, too.