Becko
Since our big kitchen renovation in 2021, our cooker hood has been working overtime. Between Sunday roasts, weeknight curries, full English breakfasts, and a few too many bacon sarnies, our poor extractor fan is constantly pulling its weight. And as any busy family kitchen knows, it doesn’t take long before your cooker hood filter starts looking a bit grimy – and smelling a bit off too!
If you’ve looked up at your extractor fan recently and thought, “Hmm, that doesn’t look right,” it’s probably time to give that filter a proper clean. Don’t worry, though – it’s not as bad as it sounds, and once you know how to do it, you’ll be sorted. Let’s walk through how to clean an extractor fan filter.
So, stick the kettle on and let’s do this slightly yucky job together…
Why You Need to Clean Your Cooker Hood Filter
Let’s get one thing out of the way: yes, it’s one of those jobs that nobody wants to do. But it really is important. A greasy, clogged-up filter means your cooker hood isn’t doing its job – which leads to:
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Lingering food smells
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Poor air circulation
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Grease build-up around your kitchen (on your cabinets, walls, and even the ceiling – yikes!)
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Potential fire hazards
Plus, it’s kind of satisfying once it’s done. Like finally sorting out the junk drawer. You feel like a proper adult.
Types of Cooker Hood Filters
Before we start with how to clean an extractor fan filter, let’s talk about what you’re actually dealing with.
There are generally two main types of cooker hood filters in UK kitchens:
1. Metal Mesh Filters
These are the most common, especially in ducted extractor fans. You’ll usually see a mesh or grid made of aluminium or stainless steel. These can – and should – be washed regularly.
2. Charcoal Filters
These are found in recirculating cooker hoods (the kind that don’t vent outside). Charcoal filters can’t be washed – they need replacing every few months, depending on how often you cook.
In this post, we’re focusing on metal filters – the ones you can clean and reuse.
How Often Should You Clean Your Cooker Hood Filter?
Honestly? More often than most of us do.
If you cook daily (especially fried foods or anything with a lot of steam and oil), you should clean the metal filters every 4–6 weeks. If you’re more of a microwave meal type of household, you might get away with every couple of months.
In our house, with three hungry kids and a lot of homemade lasagne, we try to give ours a clean once a month – or at least when we remember!
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Cooker Hood Filter
Here’s how to clean an extractor fan filter and get it from manky to marvellous in under an hour.
What You’ll Need:
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Washing up liquid (we love the eco-friendly Ecover or trusty old Fairy Liquid)
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Bicarbonate of soda (aka baking soda)
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A soft scrubbing brush or old toothbrush
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A large washing-up bowl or your kitchen sink
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A tea towel or drying rack
You can get all of these from your local Wilko, Lakeland, or B&M – or just pop over to Ocado and chuck them in with your next shop!
1. Switch Off and Remove the Filter
First things first – turn off your extractor fan (safety first) and make sure the hob isn’t hot.
Most filters simply unclip from the underside of the hood. There’s usually a little catch or tab you can push to release them. Give them a gentle wiggle, and they should come free.
Warning: They might drip a bit if they’re very greasy – so don’t wear your best jumper.
2. Soak in Hot Soapy Water
Fill your sink or a washing-up bowl with very hot water, and add a few good squirts of washing-up liquid. Stir in a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda – it helps break down stubborn grease.
Carefully lower the filter into the water and leave it to soak for at least 15–30 minutes. If yours is really coated in grime (no judgement!), give it an hour.
3. Scrub Gently
After soaking, use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any remaining grease and dirt. Don’t use anything too abrasive – you don’t want to scratch the metal.
Focus on the corners and any mesh sections where grime likes to hide.
4. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the filter thoroughly under hot running water until all the soap is gone.
Shake off the excess water and either leave it to air dry on a clean tea towel or place it on a drying rack. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in – you don’t want water dripping into your cooker hood.
5. Reattach and Admire Your Work
Once it’s dry, clip the filter back into place and give yourself a little pat on the back. Job done!
What About the Rest of the Hood?
While you’re at it, give the outside of your cooker hood a clean too. A microfibre cloth and a bit of white vinegar or all-purpose cleaner will do the trick. Don’t forget the buttons or touch screen – they get sticky quickly.
If you’ve got a stainless-steel hood, Method Stainless Steel Cleaner from Waitrose or Astonish Steel Shine from Asda works wonders (I swore by the former in our last home where we had a metal cooker hood).
Pro Tip: Try the Dishwasher (But Be Careful)
Some metal mesh filters are technically dishwasher-safe, but:
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Don’t run them with a load of dishes – the grease can spread
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Use a high-temp, grease-busting cycle
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Check the manufacturer’s guidance first
We did this once and forgot to rinse off the bicarbonate of soda first – not our finest moment. It left a bit of a powdery residue. Lesson learned!
Staying on Top of It
Now that you’ve done the hard part, keep your cooker hood filter cleaner for longer with a few habits:
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Wipe down the underside of the hood weekly
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Use lids when boiling or frying
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Run the extractor fan for a few minutes after cooking to clear steam
You can even set a reminder on your phone – or better yet, write it on the family calendar between dentist appointments and school trips!
Where to Buy Replacement Filters in the UK
If your filter’s past its prime or your charcoal filter needs replacing, here are a few go-to places:
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Currys – great for branded filters
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Amazon UK – quick delivery, loads of options
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eSpares – fantastic for finding the right fit
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Lakeland – for cleaning gear and advice
Make sure you know your cooker hood’s make and model before ordering a replacement.
FAQs: Cooker Hood Filter Cleaning
Q: How do I know if my filter needs cleaning?
A: If it looks discoloured, greasy, or smells bad when the fan’s on – it’s time. If the extractor isn’t clearing steam as quickly, that’s another sign.
Q: Can I use oven cleaner on the filter?
A: It’s not recommended – oven cleaner can be too harsh and damage the mesh. Stick to washing-up liquid and bicarb.
Q: Can I clean a charcoal filter?
A: No – charcoal filters need replacing, not cleaning. They absorb odours, and once they’re saturated, they stop working.
Q: What if my filter still smells after cleaning?
A: Try soaking it longer and make sure it’s rinsed thoroughly. If it still smells, it might be time for a replacement.
Q: Do all cooker hoods have filters?
A: Yes – but the type varies. Most UK homes have either metal mesh (for ducted systems) or charcoal (for recirculating hoods).
Cleaning your cooker hood filter might not be the most glamorous job in your kitchen, but it is one of the most important. A clean filter means a cleaner kitchen, better air quality, and fewer mystery smells wafting about after tea.
And honestly – once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Just like wiping down the hob or emptying the dishwasher (again).
So next time you’ve got a bit of time after dinner, give it a go. Your nose – and your future self – will thank you.