Your stove vent is greasy. Here's how to clean it easily.

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
·2 min read

You’ve wiped down your counters, cleaned the stove and put the dishes in the dishwasher, but there’s one place you probably forgot to clean (and maybe never have): your vent filters.

These filters are tucked in the hood above your stove or cooktop and their job is to vent out smells while collecting grease and grime. This means if you cook a lot, they are probably in need of a really good clean.

Fortunately, they’re easy to clean and this hack requires very little elbow grease to get out the grease trapped in the vents!

Watch this video to see how to clean your stove vents with three ingredients.

How to clean stove vent filter

The easiest way to clean your vent filters is to throw them in the dishwasher. Not all of them are dishwasher safe, so do a web search of your stove’s make and model to see what the manufacturer’s website says. If they are dishwasher safe, avoid putting anything else in the dishwasher with them.

To clean vent filters by hand, you’ll need:

  • Blue Dawn dish soap

  • Baking soda

  • Very hot water

  • Sink or a large bin

  • A scrubbing brush

Remove the filters from the vent by sliding it out or unclipping it. This method could differ based on your unit.

Put enough hot water to cover the vents in the bottom of a sink or large bin. You can also boil water in a kettle if the water from your sink doesn’t get hot enough.

Once the vents are in the water, sprinkle in baking soda and a drizzle of dish soap and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Then, remove the vents and give them a scrub and a good rinse before letting them air dry.

Reinstall the filters once they are completely dry.

But don't just clean your filters! There are a few other places around your vent that might also need a clean.

So, while the vents are soaking and drying:

  • Wipe down the outside of the vent, nearby cabinets and the backsplash.

  • Replace the charcoal filter (if your unit has one).

  • If possible, unplug the fan and clean it. Make sure it is completely dry before plugging it back in.

  • Give everything a final wipe-down with water and a clean cloth.

Reviewed-approved cleaning recommendations

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to clean your stove vent: use this simple hack