How to Clean a Range Hood: What Home owners Need to Know

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. 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 homeowners 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. 

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 by FOTILE, the same steps can be applied to a wide range of 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. 

[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. 

[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. 

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 at FOTILE, 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

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.

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 and 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. 

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 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. 

[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. 

[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 FOTILE website for exceptional pricing on state-of-the-art range hoods and appliances.