No-Rub Magic DIY Cleaner & Degreaser for Your Kitchen Hood

Elena K, Hometalk Team
by Elena K, Hometalk Team
10 Materials
$4
30 Minutes
Easy

Seriously. Do you remember the last time you cleaned your kitchen hood? I do: Never! So it’s time to tackle the “Hood Project” and give it some love.


I was lucky to find a magic no-rub recipe that would dissolve the grease in no time -- perhaps the easiest and most satisfying thing I’ve ever used.


Want to know how to clean a kitchen hood with this DIY cleaner? Read on!

Who'd have thought cleaning the hood was easy

After perusing the internet looking for a recipe, I realized that my cleaning cabinet contained all the ingredients needed to make this magic formula. Can you take a guess?

Time to give this hood the magic cleaner!

Tools and Materials:

Baking Soda

Vinegar

Dawn Soap

Four ingredients is all you need!

1. GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS


You know the magic of Dawn and Vinegar when it comes to get rid of grease, and the power of baking soda. Combine this with water and voila!


And the best part is that it doesn’t need any elbow grease.


Ready? Let’s get started!

First thing is first: remove all filters

2. REMOVE FILTERS

Before we start concocting, remove all filters off the hood.


TIP: To protect your countertop, place a kitchen rag underneath your ingredients. A little hot water and cleaner may spill as you move filters and spoons around.

Let’s start by adding water to the pot

3. ADD WATER

Now it’s time to make the solution!


Grab the tallest pot you have in your kitchen: one that fits the filters all the way in is best! Start making the DIY Magic Cleaner by filling the pot with tap water. Don’t worry about using hot tap water, we’re going to heat it anyway!


TIP: Don’t fill the pot all the way up! Leave at least 2” clearance off the top. The baking soda is going to fizz and we don’t want it to spill all over.


Put the pot on the stove, turn the flame on, and wait a few minutes.

Next comes the vinegar!

4. VINEGAR IS NEXT

Get a cup (no need to use a measuring cup) and fill it up with vinegar. Then add it to the warm water.


Vinegar is one of my favorite cleaners, and works well removing grease, especially when combined with Dawn!


TIP: Don’t wait till the water is about to boil - Lukewarm is just fine. We still need to throw the soap and baking soda in before it gets too hot.

Ready for the blue magic?

5. Now Add Dawn Soap

Grab the tablespoon and measure 1 full tablespoon of Dawn soap. Add it to the warm water. I prefer the blue (i.e. Classic) Dawn. It’s an excellent degreaser!


TIP: You can use FAIRY if you’re in Europe.


Repeat 3 times, to make 3 tablespoons.


Get the wooden spoon and stir well, so the vinegar and soap mix with the water. Keep the stove on high heat and get your baking soda ready.

Let’s make the Magic Cleaner explosive!

6. End With Baking Soda

Fill 1/2 a cup with baking soda. I used about 1/3, but if your filters are really dirty go with 1/2 cup. Use the tablespoon to slowly add the soda to the hot water, one spoon at a time.


If your water is too hot (or about to boil) be extra careful.


TIP: You can add an ice cube to cool it down a bit.


CAUTION: Baking soda will fizz as you add it to the hot water. Add one tablespoon at a time, stir, and wait a few seconds before you continue.


If you see the cleaner “expanding” in your pot, turn the stove off -- or lower the flame to a minimum -- and continue adding the soda, a bit at a time, until you’re done.

Yes, we’re done. Time to turn the stove off.

7. Let it Boil

Keep stirring with the wooden spoon to make sure all ingredients -- especially the baking soda -- are well mixed.


Keep the stove on until it begins to boil, and then turn it off.


Get your filters ready and let the fun begin!

Put the filters in & let the Dawn Love work!

8. PLACE FILTERS IN THE POT

Get the first filter and put it in the water. Let it sit for a few minutes. I pulled it out in 30 seconds and -- amazing! -- most of the grease had already dissolved!


But I waited a few more minutes before turning it over. I couldn’t believe how quickly -- and easily -- the grease melted. Really!


If yours is older or thicker, it may take a little longer. I found the solution to be very effective without needing to scrub. But if there’s still grease adhered to the filter, use a scrubber or an old toothbrush to remove it.


TIP: Keep the filter in the pot while you’re scrubbing.

Turn it around to clean the other side

9. TURN FILTER AROUND

Unless you’re able to fully fit the filter in the pot, you still have the top area to clean. So turn it around and insert the top into the cleaning solution.


TIP: Again use the toothbrush to remove any grease that is still there.

Use a small brush to rinse the cleaner off

10. RINSE & BRUSH

Once you’re done, bring it to the sink and give it a good rinse to get rid of the remaining grease and soapy water.


TIP: Use the brush to ensure the filter gets a good rinse, bringing the water into the grooves and getting rid of the remaining soap.

Keep going with filter 2 & 3 till you’re done

11. Repeat Steps

Repeat STEP 8-10 with all your filters, scrubbing if necessary, and turning them around once the bottoms are clean.


Again, once each filter is clean, give it a rinse and let it air dry. Now, we’re done!

Let’s do the hood next: underside goes first

12. CLEAN THE GREASE OFF THE HOOD

That was easy, right? But I’d guess you also want to clean the hood. The good news is that you can use the same cleaner!


Just dip the sponge/scrubber in enough to get it moist, without fully submerging your hand into the liquid. If it’s too hot, wait a bit until it cools down or add an ice cube.


Grab a sponge or scrubber and dip it in the Magic Cleaner. Squeeze to remove excess liquid.


Gently rub the sponge on the hood, concentrating in the greasy spots. Rinse the sponge under the faucet as it gets dirty and keep moving until you’re done.

Let’s wrap this up, shall we?

13. CLEAN THE TOP

Repeat step 12 on the canopy, front, and sides, or as needed.


Use a lint-free rag or microfiber cleaning cloth to dry it.


After you’ve finished cleaning the hood and once it’s dry, feel free to use a stainless steel cleaner to get rid of the streaks. Or you can try it first with soapy water. Luckily, I didn’t need to use a cleaner.


TIP: Don’t worry about the cleaner leaving streaks on the stainless steel, you can apply a steel cleaner for a seamless finish.


CAUTION: Again, don’t use the solution if it’s still very hot, and make sure your hood is stainless steel, and not painted. Some appliances -- usually refrigerators -- have a stainless steel finish PAINT that looks like steel. The paint may get damaged with this solution. If you’re not sure, test it in a corner first!


More Oven Cleaning tips

For more brilliant ideas on cleaning your oven read this comprehensive guide on Easy Ways to Make Sure Your Oven is Spotless.


How to Clean a Kitchen Hood

I’m so happy with my NEW FILTERS! And the best part was how easy it was to get that grease off.


Let me know if you have any DIY recipes for cleaning a kitchen hood.

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 255 questions
  • Ulysses Ulysses on Jul 20, 2021

    How to clean grease on kitchen wood cabinets with out damage the paint???

  • Mary Mary on Jul 21, 2021

    How do you clean the vented parts that are part of the microwave?

  • E.c49403467 E.c49403467 on Dec 18, 2022

    I don't want to pour the dirty, greasy water down the sink when done cleaning filters. Any suggestions please?

Comments
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5 of 619 comments
  • Shelly Moore Shelly Moore on Jan 20, 2023

    I use a large rectangle plastic container I lost the lid for fill just enough to cover screen. Then I use it Again to soak the burner tops and grates. Let them soak while I clean the rest. Works Great!!!











    • Paula Bois-Brady Paula Bois-Brady on Mar 08, 2023

      I bought a large rectangular flat roastingpan at a garage sale, 4 inches deep. really ugly, but it fits over two burners. I made the solution in a large sauce pan and poured it in the roasting pan. I was able to submerse my filters one at a time.

  • Maria Maria on Mar 08, 2023

    I put them in the dishwasher and they look new. I have been doing this for 20 years; never a problem

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