How to Clean Your Range Hood

Last Updated: 3/8/2023

Author: James Zhao, Sr. Tech Specialist & Alex Park, Product Specialist

If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a range hood, you’ve come to the right place. Oftentimes referred to as kitchen hoods or exhaust hoods, range hoods ventilate steam, smoke, and airborne grease, promoting cleaner household air while reducing the likelihood of fire from combustible gases and fumes, among other benefits. Needless to say, range hoods are essential to your kitchen. 

At the same time, homeowners have a tendency to neglect their range hoods, allowing grease, dust, and grime to accumulate. Fortunately, our team at FOTILE has consolidated everything you need to know about range hood cleaning in the article below.

As you apply the strategies, tips, and step-by-step guidance below to your FOTILE range hood, we invite you to reach out for questions or check out our range hood FAQs page. 

Daily Range Hood Cleaning Procedures

Like any appliance, your range hood requires consistent cleaning to operate at peak performance. Although the following daily range hood cleaning procedures are ideal for slant vent range hoods, the same steps can be applied to a wide range of FOTILE models and designs. 

1. Clean the Outer Hood

The outside of your range hood has a tendency to collect grease, especially while frying or pan-searing food. Fortunately, you can keep your range hood free from buildup by wiping down the outer surface area using a damp paper towel, cloth, or kitchen wipe.

Pro Tip
To avoid leaving fingerprints or smear marks on your range hood, we recommend using stainless steel cleaner and wiping down any surfaces in the direction of the hairline finish. This method is effective for most but not all range hoods. If you’re purchasing a new range hood, we recommend selecting models that feature an oil-free coating. In turn, you can quickly and easily wipe down surfaces without the need for heavy pressure or meticulous scrubbing. Each range hood within our FOTILE collection includes an oil-free coating for seamless, time-saving cleaning. 

New Clorox Paper Towel Wipes

[Clorox Wipe Image & Paper Towel]

2. Remove and Clean the Oil Tray

The oil tray on your range hood is designed to collect excess grease and oil. Over time, liquid can pool and overfill the tray, dripping down onto your oven. After cooking, we recommend removing the oil tray using a horizontal sliding motion with two hands. Once removed, dispose of any pooled oil or grease. Afterwards, place the oil tray into a warm basin of water, using a non-caustic soap or detergent. After 15 to 30 minutes, remove the tray, wash off any excess residue, and place onto a drying rack. 

Person removing the oil tray from a FOTILE range hood
Roll of aluminum foil

[Aluminum Foil]

Pro Tip
By adding aluminum foil to your oil tray, you can streamline the cleaning process. Simply line the bottom and edges of the tray with foil. Using scissors, cut away any excess foil hanging over the edges. The next time you clean your range hood, you can simply remove and replace the aluminum foil.

3. Remove and Clean the Filter 

Each FOTILE range hood includes a state-of-the-art filter that resembles a grid. The best way to clean a range hood filter is to first remove the filter by placing your hands on each end and pulling downward. Next, use a non-caustic wipe or damp cloth to clean the filter. Be sure to wipe down the air inlet’s exterior as well. 

Person removing the filter from a FOTILE Slant Vent series range hood

4. Reassemble the Range Hood

Having cleaned the oil tray, filter, and range hood exterior, you’re ready to reassemble your range hood. Make sure to thoroughly dry each component beforehand. Whether you’re a home builder or homeowner, FOTILE offers a wide range of stunning, state-of-the-art range hoods. We invite you to explore our collection today.

Deep Range Hood Cleaning Procedures

Even after consistent daily cleaning, all range hoods eventually require deep cleaning. Each FOTILE range hood features a homeowner-friendly design to streamline the deep cleaning process. Although the following steps are geared for our slant vent range hoods, the tips and guidance provided below may be applicable to other range hood models as well. 

Pro Tip
At a minimum, we recommend deep cleaning your range hood semiannually. For families that cook frequently or use heavy oils, you may want to consider a more frequent deep cleaning schedule.

If you’re already familiar with the first two steps of the daily range hood cleaning process, feel free to skip ahead to step 3.

1. Clean the Outer Hood

Though the inside of your range hood collects the most grime, grease and oil can also cling to the outside of your range hood. Oily steam, spatter from frying and pan-searing food, and condensation from steaming and boiling can settle onto your range hood and form a greasy film. Fortunately, keeping it clean is a simple matter of wiping down the surface with multi-surface spray and a cloth, paper towel, or kitchen wipe.

Pro Tip
If your range hood is stainless steel, you can prevent fingerprints and smear marks by using a stainless steel cleaner and wiping with the finish’s grain. You can also plan ahead when purchasing a new range hood by selecting one with an oil-free coating, such as the range hoods in FOTILE’s collection. These coatings wipe clean easily with no need to scrub or apply pressure.

2. Remove and Clean the Oil Tray

Though range hood oil trays are designed to catch grease and oil, cleaning them regularly prevents them from becoming too full and overflowing onto your cooktop. To remove the oil tray from your range hood, grasp it with two hands and slowly slide it horizontally toward you, keeping it parallel to the floor.

Pour pooled oil and grease into an appropriate container for disposal and submerge tray in warm water. Add lye-free soap to the water, stir it in gently with your hand, and let the tray soak for 15 to 30 minutes to loosen any stuck-on grease or oil. Wash the tray with more warm water and lye-free soap to remove residue and allow it to air-dry.

Pro Tip
Line the bottom of your oil tray with aluminum foil to make it easier to clean. Press the foil into the tray, using enough to line the sides, as well. Trim excess foil away from the edges of the pan with scissors. Now the next time you need to clean your oil tray, simply remove, discard, and replace the aluminum foil.

Woman removing and cleaning the oil tray form a FOTILE range hood

3. Remove and Clean the Captur-Shield Plate

To remove the Captur-Shield Plate, pull down on the front edge at an angle with two hands. With enough pressure, the plate will release. From there, you can place the plate in a warm basin of solution with non-caustic soap or detergent. Lastly, use a gentle sponge or brush to wash off any residue. 

Woman wiping down the Captur-Shield Plate on a FOTILE range hood
Side by side image of a woman wiping the Captur-Shield Plate and putting it in the dishwasher for cleaning

[Captur-Shield Plate]

4. Remove and Clean the Filter

The filters on FOTILE range hoods are held in place by two screws. We recommend unscrewing with one hand while holding the filter in place with the other. Once removed, place the filter in a basin of water with non-caustic soap or detergent. Afterwards, use a small, soft brush to get in-between the filter’s grids and remove any excess residue. 

Person removing the filter from a FOTILE Slant Vent Series range hood

[Range Hoods Filter]

5.  Reassemble the Range Hood

Once you have cleaned and dried each range hood component, we recommend reassembling the ensemble by first re-screwing the filter. Next, press the Captur-Shield Plate back into place. Lastly, reinsert the oil tray. The entire deep cleaning process generally takes 30 minutes or less for FOTILE range hoods. Of note, alternative brands may take longer depending on their build and complexity.

Safety and Maintenance Considerations
At FOTILE, your safety is our top priority. Please read and adhere to the following tips and guidelines. 

  • Do not place any damp items near the electrical components of the range hood, especially the power switch.
  • Refrain from using hard cleaning materials like steel wool or wire brushes. Instead, use paper towels, sponges, or kitchen wipes to avoid scratches. 
  • Avoid using caustic cleaning products. Doing so can weaken, discolor, or even break your range hood components altogether. Instead, use neutral soaps and detergents for cleaning. - 
  • To keep your range hood looking and performing as best as possible, we recommend wiping down the outer surface, air inlet exterior, and filter after each usage. Be sure to securely reassemble your range hood afterwards. 
  • Although daily and deep cleaning will keep your range hood running smoothly, we recommend requesting a FOTILE service professional every 2 years or annually for households that cook frequently. 

Thank you for reading and be sure to explore our website for exceptional pricing on state-of-the-art range hoods and appliances.