778-288-4358Practical home care
How to clean a greasy range hood and backsplash
Start with the hood, then work down to the backsplash and cooktop. Clean removable grease filters separately, and choose products for the actual finish—not just for the amount of grease. A stone backsplash and a stainless-steel hood need different care.
Clean the range hood in four steps
1. Turn it off and let it cool
Finish cooking first. Switch off the hood and follow the manual’s power-disconnection instructions before removing parts. Move food and small appliances away, and protect the cooled cooktop from drips. Do not reach into a running fan.
2. Identify the filter before washing it
A removable metal grease filter may be washable; a charcoal odour filter usually needs replacement. Check the model instructions rather than judging by appearance. Whirlpool’s guidance, for example, separates washable grease filters from non-washable charcoal filters. A dishwasher is an option only when the filter manufacturer allows it.
3. Wash the filter and wipe the hood
For a washable filter, use the detergent and method in its care instructions. Rinse and let it dry completely before refitting. Wipe the hood with a soft cloth and a compatible cleaner; on stainless steel, follow the grain. Keep liquid out of switches, lights and the motor. For stubborn grease, follow the cleaner’s stated dwell time rather than scrubbing harder.
4. Rinse away residue and dry
Use a fresh damp cloth to remove cleaner from washable surfaces, then dry them. Check corners and the underside in good light. Refit only fully dry parts. Grease inside a motor housing, a damaged filter or unusual fan noise calls for appliance servicing, not more surface cleaner.
Match the backsplash cleaner to the material
Glazed tile and glass
Start with a soft cloth and mild detergent if the surface instructions permit it. Rinse and dry. Use a labelled, surface-compatible degreaser for remaining greasy patches. Avoid abrasive pads on glass and decorative finishes; work carefully around outlets without spraying them.
Natural stone
Use a stone-approved neutral cleaner. Keep vinegar, lemon and acidic descalers off marble, limestone and other natural stone. Rinse and dry rather than leaving product to sit. Stone that looks dull after cleaning may be etched, not dirty; repeated scrubbing will not restore the finish.
Grout and painted surfaces
Check the grout sealer or paint care instructions. Test an inconspicuous patch first, use a gentle tool and avoid soaking joints or paint edges. A product suitable for tile is not automatically suitable for the grout, sealant or painted wall beside it.
If the grease stays sticky
Work on one small area with a compatible degreaser, using the dilution and contact time on its label. Wipe away the loosened residue, rinse as directed and reassess when dry. Do not mix products, use oven cleaner on the hood by default or scour coated metal with steel wool.
Wipe fresh splashes once the cooking area is cool and check the grease filter regularly. The right washing or replacement interval depends on the model and how often you cook; a fixed schedule is not a substitute for checking its condition.
Planning a whole-kitchen clean?
Use this guide for the hood and backsplash, then follow the kitchen checklist for counters, appliance exteriors and floors. If you are booking professional cleaning, describe the grease buildup and the surfaces involved so the selected scope matches the job. Oven, fridge and cabinet interiors are separate add-ons, not part of cleaning their exteriors.
Related cleaning guides
Care references
Check your own product’s instructions for model- and finish-specific care.
