How often should you degrease your range hood filter?

This task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The metal mesh filter over the stove captures airborne grease. Saturated, it stops pulling smoke and steam and becomes fuel sitting directly above the burners.

1. Slide or unclip the metal filters out of the hood.
2. Soak them in hot water with degreasing dish soap and a scoop of baking soda for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft brush, rinse, and let them dry fully before reinstalling.
4. Wipe grease off the hood surfaces and the fan opening while the filters soak.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filters can ride the top rack, though hand-degreasing lasts longer.
• Charcoal filters in ductless (recirculating) hoods aren't washable; replace them instead.

Time: 20 minutes · Typical cost: Free, or $10–$20 for replacement charcoal filters on ductless hoods

If you skip it

A grease-saturated filter loses suction and, sitting right above the burners, can catch fire in a stovetop flare-up.

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Refrigerator — start with: replace refrigerator water filter, every 6 months
• Dishwasher — start with: clean dishwasher filter, every 3 months
• Washing machine — start with: inspect washer supply hoses, every 6 months
• Dryer — start with: clean dryer vent duct, every 6 months