How to Clean Your Stove Vent

The stove vent is a crucial component in any kitchen, as it helps to eliminate smoke, odors, and airborne grease while cooking. However, over time, it can accumulate a layer of grime. We understand the importance of maintaining a clean and functional stove vent, which is why we’re here to guide you through the process of giving it a thorough cleaning.

Have you ever stopped to take a good look at your stove vent? Is it clean? Run your finger across it. Does dust and grease come off on your finger? Yuck! We have all been there. Stove vents are one of those places that are often overlooked in our day to day cleaning. Unfortunately, by the time we notice it, it is usually a bit of a mess.

How to Clean Your Stove Vent

Cleaning Those Filters Isn’t Hard At All

But don’t worry! It’s an easy enough fix when you do notice it. In a perfect world your vents should be cleaned twice a year – more depending on your cooking habits. If you tend to fry a lot of foods, then you will want to do it more often.

A couple of ways to know if it is time to clean your stove vent is:

1. Smoke won't go away when you are cooking

If the stove vent isn’t clearing smoke from the room when you are cooking – this could be a sign that the filter or the ductwork is clogged. It is best to check it right away if this is the case, because grease build up can cause fire.

2. Loud motor noises or hums

The motor is very loud or hums constantly. Abnormally loud or unusual sounds indicate the motor is working too hard, again possibly indicating that the grease has built up a bit too much.

Fortunately, cleaning your stove vent and stove filter are pretty simple, straight forward jobs.

Start by removing the filter. Lay it in the kitchen sink or in the bathtub if your sink isn’t large enough for it to lay flat. Fill the tub to cover the filters with hot water. You have a few choices of cleaning products you can use to clean your stove filters with. Some great options that work well for our One Organized Mom team are sprinkling OxiClean on it, using white distilled vinegar or Dawn dish soap. Whichever option you chose, using a big scrub brush really helps to get right into the filter’s dirt and grime to remove it. Once you have the stove filter thoroughly scrubbed and clean, lay it flat on a towel to dry.

While it is drying, don’t forget about the stove vent! Now is the perfect time to give it a good cleaning as well. Start with hot water and Dawn dish soap and wipe down the outside of the stove vent thoroughly. This may take a couple of rounds to remove the grease if it has been a while since you have cleaned it. Once the outside is done, be sure to go underneath and clean the underside of the stove vent. You may need something a bit stronger for this – Dawn dish soap might do it, but if it’s really bad you may want to try something like Krud Kutter all-purpose cleaner. It is non-toxic and food safe, but tough on grease, so it can clean and be safe!

Would you like more tips for cleaning around your home? Check out our blog on Cleaning Your Toilet and learn to clean your home the One Organized Mom way!