Keeping your kitchen fresh and your appliances in top condition starts with regular maintenance—and that includes your cooker hood. If you’re wondering how to clean a cooker hood, particularly the cooker hood filters, stainless steel surfaces, or metal mesh filters, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean cooker hood filters, remove stubborn grease, and leave your stainless steel surfaces shining without streaks.
Why Is Cleaning Your Cooker Hood Important?
Your cooker hood is designed to trap grease, odours, and airborne particles, keeping your kitchen cleaner and your air healthier. But over time, filters become clogged, and surfaces collect grease, reducing performance and creating a fire hazard. Regular cleaning not only improves efficiency—it also extends the life of your appliance.
What You’ll Need:
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Hot water
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Mild dish soap or degreaser
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Baking soda
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White vinegar (optional)
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Microfibre cloths
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Non-abrasive sponge
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Soft brush (an old toothbrush works well)
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A sink or large basin
How to Clean a Metal Mesh Cooker Hood Filter
Metal mesh filters are the most common type found in cooker hoods. They’re designed to trap grease and airborne particles, and they’re fully washable, which makes them easy to maintain.
🕓 How Often Should You Clean Cooker Hood Filters?
For best performance and to avoid unpleasant odours or grease build-up:
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Clean your metal mesh filters every 1 to 2 months.
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If you cook frequently or fry often, clean them monthly.
🧽 Step-by-Step: Cleaning Metal Mesh Cooker Hood Filters
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Remove the filter: Most metal mesh filters slide or clip out from the bottom of the hood.
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Soak in hot, soapy water: Fill your sink or a basin with hot water, washing-up liquid, and a splash of vinegar or baking soda to cut through grease.
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Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen grime.
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Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove any stubborn grease.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Dry completely before refitting into the cooker hood.
Tip: You can also run mesh filters through the dishwasher (check your hood's manual first). Avoid using strong detergent or high heat, as this can tarnish the aluminium over time.
Regular cleaning ensures your cooker hood works efficiently and prolongs its lifespan — plus, it helps reduce kitchen odours.
How to Clean Cooker Hood Carbon Filters
If your cooker hood uses carbon filters (also known as charcoal filters), these are typically used in recirculating cooker hoods to absorb grease and neutralise odours. Unlike metal mesh filters, carbon filters can’t be cleaned with water or detergent in most cases—but there are a few exceptions.
🔁 Are Carbon Filters Reusable?
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Disposable carbon filters: Most standard carbon filters are non-washable and need replacing every 3 to 6 months, depending on how frequently you cook.
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Regenerable carbon filters: Some premium cooker hoods come with reusable carbon filters (often labelled long-life or regenerable). These can be cleaned and reused up to 2 or 3 times before needing replacement.
🧽 How to Clean Reusable Carbon Filters
If you have regenerable carbon filters, follow these steps:
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Remove the carbon filter from the hood (usually clipped or slotted into place).
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Rinse with warm water only — do not use detergent.
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Let the filter dry completely.
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Regenerate in the oven: Bake the dry filter at 100–120°C for 45–60 minutes (check your hood’s manual for exact guidelines).
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Once cooled, reinsert the filter into the cooker hood.
Note: Never attempt to clean disposable carbon filters—they won’t work properly afterward and should be replaced instead.
🔄 When to Replace Carbon Filters
Look for signs like:
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Persistent cooking odours
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Grease buildup on nearby walls or cabinets
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Decreased suction or airflow
Most manufacturers recommend replacing standard carbon filters every 4–6 months.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Cooker Hood (Without Streaks)
1. Wipe down with warm soapy water:
Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain.
2. Remove tough grease:
For sticky spots, dip your cloth in a vinegar-water solution (equal parts) or use a gentle degreaser approved for stainless steel.
3. Buff with a dry microfibre cloth:
To avoid streaks, dry the surface immediately using a clean, dry cloth. This step is key when asking how to clean stainless steel cooker hood without streaks.
4. Polish (optional):
For added shine, apply a few drops of mineral or baby oil to a cloth and buff the surface in long strokes.
Extra Tips for Ongoing Maintenance
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Clean your metal mesh filters every 1–2 months, depending on how often you cook.
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If your cooker hood has charcoal filters, these usually need replacing rather than washing—check your model’s manual.
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Always clean stainless steel with the grain to maintain its appearance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're tackling built-up grease or doing a quick wipe-down, now you know exactly how to clean a cooker hood and its filters—especially those tricky metal mesh filters and stainless steel finishes.
At Devine Distribution, we supply premium cooker hoods and accessories designed to last. Keep them performing like new by following these simple cleaning tips.
Need a new filter or hood? Browse our range or get in touch with our expert team—we’re happy to help.