Cleaning a greasy oven hood filter is one of those household chores that most of us dread. The grease build-up can seem impossible to remove, making it tempting to leave the filter dirty for longer than we should. But neglecting it can affect your kitchen’s ventilation and create a fire hazard. My Nana, however, has a secret trick for this stubborn task. She swears by a simple and effortless method that requires almost zero elbow grease. After trying it myself, I couldn’t believe how effective it was. Here’s how it works.
Why You Need to Clean Your Oven Hood Filter
Before jumping into the easy solution, it’s important to understand why this chore is essential. The oven hood filter is designed to trap grease and oil from cooking, keeping your kitchen air clean and odor-free. Over time, this filter gets clogged with grease, reducing its effectiveness and creating potential safety hazards like grease fires. Regular cleaning helps maintain good airflow and prolongs the life of your hood.
But if you’ve ever tried scrubbing it, you know it’s no fun. That’s where Nana’s magic trick comes in.
The Trick: Using Boiling Water and Baking Soda
What You’ll Need:
A large pot or deep basin
Boiling water
Baking soda (1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on filter size)
A dish brush or sponge (optional)
That’s it! With just a few items you likely already have at home, you can clean your oven hood filter without breaking a sweat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil a Pot of Water
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. You want enough water to fully submerge your filter. Nana always told me that the hotter the water, the better, so don’t skimp on getting that water nice and hot.
2. Add Baking Soda (Slowly)
Once the water is boiling, slowly add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda into the pot. Add it gradually to avoid a fizzy mess. The baking soda works as a mild abrasive and natural degreaser, breaking down the stubborn grease without the need for harsh chemicals.
3. Submerge the Greasy Filter…
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