The kitchen exhaust fan or range hood is one of the most neglected cleaning targets in most homes — it’s out of sight when not in use, grease accumulation happens gradually, and many homeowners don’t realize how dirty it’s gotten until smoke fills the kitchen during cooking. In Las Vegas, where many homes have open-concept kitchens that circulate air throughout the living area, a grease-clogged exhaust system affects the whole home. Cleaning it properly means cleaning the filter, the fan housing, and the ductwork — not just wiping down the exterior hood surface.

Identify Your Hood Type

Ducted range hoods vent grease-laden air outside through ductwork — these have the best performance and the most significant cleaning needs. Ductless (recirculating) range hoods filter air through grease and charcoal filters then return air to the kitchen — these have easier cleaning but also less effective ventilation. Most Las Vegas homes with full range hoods have ducted systems venting to the exterior. Over-the-range microwaves with built-in fans typically have recirculating systems with simple mesh filters.

Cleaning Grease Filters

Metal mesh grease filters — the removable panels inside the hood — should be cleaned monthly in active kitchens. Remove them (most unclip easily) and place in the sink or a large container filled with very hot water and dish soap. Let soak for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Alternatively, run them through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle — this works extremely well for moderate grease. For heavy, caked-on grease, make a solution of very hot water and baking soda (a few tablespoons per gallon), submerge the filters, and let soak for 30 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reinstalling.

Cleaning the Hood Interior

With filters removed, the interior of the hood is accessible. Grease accumulates on the interior surfaces, around the fan blades, and on the fan motor housing. Spray a heavy-duty degreaser (Purple Power, Krud Kutter, or a commercial kitchen degreaser) onto all interior surfaces. Allow 5–10 minutes of dwell time. Wipe with paper towels or disposable cloths — this grease is heavily contaminated and reusable cloths will be stained. The fan blades can be wiped with a cloth dampened with degreaser. Don’t spray liquid directly onto the fan motor. Wipe everything down with a clean damp cloth to remove degreaser residue, then dry.

The Ductwork You’re Probably Ignoring

The ductwork that carries exhaust from the hood to the exterior accumulates grease on its interior walls over years of use. You can address the first foot or two of ductwork visible from inside the hood by wiping with a long-handled brush dampened with degreaser. Beyond that accessible section, ductwork grease accumulation requires professional cleaning — typically performed by the same companies that clean commercial hood systems. For homes with heavy cooking, professional duct cleaning every 3–5 years eliminates fire risk from accumulated grease in ductwork, which can ignite from cooking flare-ups that send sparks up the exhaust stream.