If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen like Tanja Babich, the morning anchor for ABC7 Chicago, there’s a part of your kitchen you might be overlooking.
While you’re busy cooking up a storm, the range hood filter is likely not at the top of your mind. However, if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it might be time for a thorough, “judgment-free” cleaning session. Accumulated grease isn’t just unsightly; it can also degrade air quality and pose a safety risk.
In a fresh segment called “Easy Fix,” Tanja collaborates with Casey Finn, the founder and CEO of The DIY Playbook, to demonstrate how you can rid your filter of grease in less than an hour using simple items you probably have at home.
Supplies:
Items you’ll need: A large pot for boiling water
Dish soap, which is an effective degreaser
Optional: White vinegar for tackling stubborn buildup, along with a microfiber cloth or paper towels for wiping
Non-abrasive scrub brush, old toothbrush, or sponge
Step 1: Know Your Filter
Before you start, pop the filter out and inspect it.
Aluminum Mesh (Silver): These are reusable! You can deep clean these following the steps below.
Charcoal Filters (Black/Solid): These are usually found in over-the-range microwaves. These cannot be cleaned and must be replaced.
Step 2: Loosen Grease with Steam
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Let it simmer under the range hood for about 10 minutes. The steam helps loosen grease buildup on the underside of the hood and the filter.
Step 3: Remove and Inspect the Filter
Most filters slide out or release with a latch. Place yours in the sink and inspect for sticky buildup, discoloration, or trapped food particles.
Step 4: Create a Hot Water Solution
Fill your sink with very hot water. Add a generous amount of dish soap. For extra degreasing power, add white vinegar. Carefully pour in the boiling water from your pot to increase the heat (use caution!).
Step 5: Soak and Scrub
Submerge the filter and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub away grease in circular motions. Avoid abrasive cleaners like baking soda if the finish is delicate.
Step 6: Dry and Reinstall
Pat the filter dry with a microfiber cloth and allow it to air dry completely. Reinstall the filter securely back into the hood.
Pro Tip: The Monthly Maintenance
Once you’ve finished this deep clean, you don’t have to do it every time. Casey recommends tossing your metal filters in the dishwasher once a month on a hot cycle to keep them grease-free year-round.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
