How to Clean and Replace Grease Filters in a Cooker Hood
Cooker hood grease filters do one of the most important maintenance jobs in your kitchen. They trap airborne grease, cooking vapours and fine particles before they can build up inside the hood, spread around the room, or leave a sticky film on cabinets and walls. If the filter becomes clogged, your extractor will struggle to remove odours and steam efficiently, and the whole appliance can end up working harder than it should.
That is why routine filter care matters. Cleaning or replacing the right filter at the right time helps your cooker hood run more effectively, keeps your kitchen fresher, and reduces greasy buildup throughout the room.
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Types of Cooker Hood Filters
Before you start cleaning, it helps to know which filter your cooker hood uses. Different filter types need different care, and some are designed to be cleaned while others are made to be replaced.
- Aluminium mesh filters are one of the most common options. They are reusable and designed to trap grease in multiple layers of fine metal mesh.
- Stainless steel filters are also washable and are often found in more premium extractor models.
- Charcoal filters are usually fitted in recirculating cooker hoods to help reduce cooking odours. They are not generally washable and need replacing at intervals.
- Paper or foam filters can be found in some older or lower-cost models and are usually disposable rather than reusable.
If your cooker hood recirculates air rather than venting it outdoors, it may contain both a washable grease filter and a replaceable charcoal filter.
Why Grease Filters Get Clogged
Every time you cook, especially when frying, grilling or searing, hot oil vapour and grease particles are released into the air. Your extractor pulls this air through the filter, where the grease is trapped. At first this is barely noticeable, but over time that greasy residue becomes thicker and stickier.
As buildup increases, several issues can develop:
- Airflow can become restricted, making extraction less effective.
- Odours may linger for longer in the kitchen after cooking.
- The hood motor may have to work harder, which can affect efficiency.
- Grease can collect inside the appliance if the filter is no longer doing its job properly.
This is why filter maintenance is not just about appearance. A clean filter helps preserve your cooker hood’s performance and can make a noticeable difference to how fresh your kitchen feels after everyday cooking.
How to Remove the Grease Filter
On most cooker hoods, taking out the grease filter is simple. Exact designs vary, but the process is usually similar across many models.
- Switch the hood off and let it cool if you have been cooking.
- Locate the filter on the underside of the hood.
- Look for a release clip, catch or sliding mechanism.
- Support the filter with one hand while releasing it with the other.
- Lower it gently to avoid bending the frame or dropping grease residue onto the hob.
Some models may use screws or a slightly different mounting system, so it is always worth checking the manual if the filter does not release easily.
How to Clean Grease Filters
If your filter is made from aluminium mesh or stainless steel, you can usually clean it either by hand or in the dishwasher. The best method often depends on how dirty the filter is and what the manufacturer recommends.
Method 1: Cleaning by Hand
Hand washing is often the best choice if the filter is heavily coated with sticky grease.
- Fill a sink or large basin with hot water.
- Add washing-up liquid or a kitchen degreaser.
- Leave the filter to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge to loosen grease from the mesh.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean hot water.
- Leave it to dry fully before putting it back in the hood.
Method 2: Using the Dishwasher
Many washable metal grease filters are also dishwasher-safe, which makes maintenance quicker and easier.
- Place the filter upright or securely in the dishwasher.
- Use a warm or hot cycle.
- Avoid washing it alongside delicate glasses or lightly soiled items.
- Let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
Dishwasher cleaning is convenient, but if grease buildup is particularly heavy, a hand soak and scrub may still give better results.
When to Replace the Filter
Not every filter is designed to last forever. While metal grease filters can often be cleaned and reused many times, there are situations where replacement makes more sense than repeated cleaning.
| Filter type | Can it be cleaned? | When to replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium mesh | Yes | Replace if it is warped, damaged, loose-fitting or still greasy after thorough cleaning |
| Stainless steel | Yes | Replace if damaged or no longer secure in the hood |
| Charcoal | No | Usually every 3 to 6 months depending on use |
| Paper or foam | Usually no | Replace when dirty or at the interval recommended for your hood |
You may need a new filter if:
- The filter frame is bent or damaged.
- It no longer fits properly in the hood.
- Grease staining remains severe after a proper clean.
- Your hood still performs poorly and the filter is clearly worn out.
If you are replacing the filter, make sure you match the model number of the cooker hood and choose the correct filter type for that specific appliance.
How Often Should You Clean or Replace Cooker Hood Filters?
The right cleaning schedule depends on how often you cook and what style of cooking you do. Homes that do a lot of frying or high-heat cooking will usually need more frequent maintenance than kitchens used mainly for boiling, steaming or occasional reheating.
| Usage level | Metal grease filter | Charcoal filter |
|---|---|---|
| Light cooking | Clean every 2 to 3 months | Replace around every 6 months |
| Regular cooking | Clean every 1 to 2 months | Replace every 3 to 6 months |
| Heavy daily use | Clean monthly | Check often and replace closer to every 3 months |
Keeping to a regular maintenance routine can help prevent the thick greasy buildup that makes filters harder to clean later on.
Reinstalling the Filter Correctly
After cleaning, always make sure the filter is completely dry before you put it back. Refitting a damp filter can encourage residue to collect inside the hood and may affect performance.
- Align the filter with the correct mounting points.
- Clip, slide or screw it back into place depending on the design.
- Check that it feels secure and sits evenly.
- Switch the hood on briefly to make sure everything sounds and feels normal.
Why Filter Maintenance Matters for Performance and Safety
A dirty cooker hood filter does more than make extraction less effective. Poor maintenance can affect how well your kitchen stays fresh after cooking, and heavy grease buildup inside appliances is never ideal.
- Reduced airflow means steam, smoke and cooking smells may linger for longer.
- Grease buildup can spread to surrounding cabinets and surfaces.
- The hood may have to work harder to achieve the same result.
- Regular cleaning helps keep the whole appliance in better condition.
Maintenance Tips for Better Cooker Hood Performance
Filter cleaning is the main job, but a few extra habits can help your extractor perform better for longer.
- Run the hood while cooking and leave it on for a few minutes afterwards.
- Wipe the outer surfaces of the hood regularly to stop grease building up.
- Check both grease and charcoal filters if your hood uses a recirculating setup.
- Do not wait until extraction performance drops sharply before cleaning.
- Use the correct fan speed for the intensity of your cooking.
Troubleshooting Common Filter Problems
The filter still smells after cleaning
This can happen if grease is still trapped deep in the mesh or if a charcoal filter also needs replacing. Try a deeper clean or inspect the odour filter if your hood recirculates air.
The filter is clean but airflow still seems weak
If performance has not improved, the issue may be elsewhere, such as ducting, fan settings, or a charcoal filter that has reached the end of its life.
The filter will not come out easily
Check for hidden catches, screws or trim sections. Some models use a slightly different release method, so your manual may help.
Looking for a New Cooker Hood?
If your existing extractor is outdated, hard to maintain or simply not performing as well as you need, you can browse CATA cooker hoods to compare modern designs with strong extraction and easy-clean filters.
For more maintenance tips, buying advice and practical help, visit the Cooker hood guides and advice section.
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