Range hoods are responsible for cleaning the air in your kitchen. Keeping those filters nice and clean is essential to keep your range hood working properly, but how do you clean a baffle filter?
In this article, you will learn what baffle filters are, what they are made of, and how to clean them to ensure your hood is running its best.
To clean your baffle filters, disassemble them, submerge them in hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar, and give them a good scrub. Let it sit in the solution for an hour, then pat it dry, reassemble it, and insert it back into your hood.
What are baffle filters?
Baffle filters are kitchen range hood filters that help remove grease and other contaminants from the air in your kitchen. In addition, they can be washed and reused when they become dirty, saving you the trouble and expense of purchasing and storing replacement filters.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
How do baffle filters work?
As grease-saturated air rises through the filter, baffle filters force the air to change direction quickly and repeatedly. Because grease droplets cannot change directions as quickly as the air carries them, they condense on the metal blades and drain into the filter trays. A tray ensures that the grease does not accumulate and obstruct airflow or the filter’s overall function.
What are baffle filters made of?
Baffle filters are usually 430 steel, aluminum, or mild steel. However, you will most often see them made of stainless steel. This is because stainless steel will last longer and filter grease better than filters made of aluminum.
How to clean baffle filters?
Cleaning your range hood filters can be done with ease. Here is a list of the required materials you will need, along with the specific steps you should take to clean your baffle fitter.
Turn off the range hood
Ensure your range hood is turned off to avoid damaging the fan or any internal parts while removing the filters from the hood.
Remove the filter from the hood
Remove the range hood filters from the hood; this can easily be done by pressing into the latches of your back filters and tilting the filters at an angle. In most cases, this will remove the filter. But, again, ensure two hands on the filters to avoid them dropping onto your stovetop.
Separate the top and bottom of the baffle filter
Your filters should be able to be disassembled. You might have to find a screwdriver and unscrew them then. You can easily pull the two pieces apart. This will make cleaning the hood much easier and more effective. Also, take note of where you leave the screws. You will want them later for the reassembly process.
Fill your sink with hot water
This is probably a good time to put your waterproof gloves on. Clog up your kitchen sink and fill the sink with hot water. Please ensure you fill it with enough water to submerge the filter pieces.
Submerge the filters
Be sure to place both the top and bottom parts of the baffle filters in the sink. Make sure that they’re both fully submerged. It should go without saying that you should not put the filter screws in the sink; you risk losing them down the drain.
Add your cleaning solution
You can use many different types of cleaning solutions out there can degrease your filters. In this example, we’re using a homemade solution. Add the following to the hot water: one cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and two tablespoons of salt.
Brush or scrub along the groves
Use the toothbrush or non-abrasive scrub and swipe along each fin, removing all the access grease you see. Even if you don’t see grease anymore, keep scrubbing, as there may be a thin layer that is hard to see. Also, watch out for sharp edges! The filter fins may be very sharp.
Could you leave it in the water for an hour?
Use a dry towel to pat it down and remove any water that may be visible. You should also leave it out for about an hour to ensure it’s dry.
Reassemble the baffle filters
After the filter is fully dry, attach the top and bottom pieces. They should be the same process as when you just assembled the filter but in the reverse order.
Attach them back to your arrangement
Now all you have to do is reattach the filters to your hood, and that’s it! Presto. You’re done
Supply:
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of salt
Tools:
- Pair of waterproof gloves
- Old toothbrush or nonabrasive scrubber
- Screwdriver
How to buy new baffle filters
If you need to purchase new baffle filters for whatever reason, you must ensure you get the right ones for your specific range hood.
Consult your range hood user manual to ensure you get the right filters. If you don’t have a user manual for your range hood, try doing a Google search for your model number and see if you can find a PDF digital version of the user manual.
If you don’t know the model number, it’s likely somewhere inside the hood. Most manufacturers will have a sticker inside the hood with the model number. Hopefully, once you look around your range hood, you will be able to identify its model number. Then, when you finally have the number, do a quick Google search for the right filters and shop away.
If you want to see an example of this in action, watch this video called “How to Clean a Baffle Filter” from the Classy Bites YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about baffle filters.
Can baffle filters be washed?
Yes. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters do not require replacement. Instead, depending on your cooking style, simply place them in the dishwasher every few weeks to months.
Are baffle filters better than mesh filters?
Yes. When compared to a mesh filter, the baffle filter is less likely to become clogged by grease, allowing the ability to exhaust air to be maintained for a longer period. Easy to Clean: Because baffle filters do not easily become clogged with cooking grease, they do not require as frequent cleaning as mesh filters.
What best way to clean a vent hood filter with baking soda?
Before adding it to your water bowl, mix a squirt of liquid detergent with about a quarter cup of baking soda. Soak your filter by swishing it around with a brush. The baking soda should have loosened the grime after 10 minutes. With a soft brush, remove the remainder.
Conclusion
Clean range hood filters are essential to proper operation. And now that you know how to clean them effectively, you will have no problem keeping your Ranger super clean and running smoothly for as long as possible.
In this post in this article, we covered what baffle filters are, what they are made of, how to clean your baffle filters, and how to buy a new one if necessary. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- Baffle filters remove airborne contaminants and grease from your kitchen.
- As grease-saturated air rises through the filter, baffle filters force the air to change direction quickly and repeatedly.
- Baffles are typically made of stainless steel.
So, have you been leaving your range hood on for too long? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on range hoods. Thanks for reading, and be safe.
