When it comes to running a busy commercial kitchen, keeping everything clean and safe is a top priority. In fact, cooking equipment, including rangehoods and filters, accounts for 61% of reported non-residential cooking fires. It’s a sobering statistic, and one that highlights just how important proper kitchen maintenance is in the hospitality industry.
Many businesses don’t realise just how quickly grease can accumulate in commercial kitchen filters. With constant use, it doesn’t take long for a thick, flammable buildup to form, substantially increasing the risk of a fire.
To keep your kitchen safe, hygienic, and compliant with Australian Standards, it’s essential to clean those filters often, ideally daily or weekly, but at minimum once a month for most hospitality businesses.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning rangehood filters, from why it matters to the best cleaning methods and maintenance tips, so you can keep your kitchen running safely and smoothly.
Understanding Rangehood Filters in Commercial Kitchens
Rangehood filters are an essential part of a commercial kitchen’s ventilation system. They play a vital role in keeping your space safe, clean, and compliant by capturing grease, smoke, and odours before these contaminants can clog up your exhaust system or pollute the air. Without effective filters in place, your system would quickly become overwhelmed, leading to poor air quality, fire risks, and hefty maintenance bills.
Types of Commercial Rangehood Filters
In the hospitality industry, there are three main types of rangehood filters, each designed to suit different cooking environments and needs:
1. Baffle Filters
Made from stainless steel or aluminium, baffle filters feature a series of overlapping metal vanes that force air to change direction as it passes through. This change causes grease particles to adhere to the metal and drip into a collection tray.
Baffle filters are durable, easy to clean, and ideal for high-grease kitchens, such as those that fry, grill, or cook with oil regularly. They also serve as a fire barrier, helping to prevent flames from entering the exhaust system.
2. Mesh Filters
Mesh filters are constructed with multiple layers of fine metal mesh, typically aluminium or stainless steel as well. Their wide surface area helps trap grease and airborne particles, making them suitable for kitchens with lower grease output, like bakeries or those that use steam-based cooking. While they’re lightweight and cost-effective, mesh filters aren’t as heat-resistant as baffle filters and may generate more noise during operation.
3. Honeycomb (Cartridge) Filters
These compact filters use a maze-like internal structure to trap grease as air flows through. Though they create more airflow resistance (or pressure loss), honeycomb filters are highly efficient, often outperforming traditional baffle filters in filtration effectiveness. They’re a great choice for kitchens seeking high-performance filtering in a small footprint.
How Filters Work in a Ventilation System
Rangehood filters operate on a straightforward principle: they capture grease and contaminants before these particles can enter the ductwork. In ducted systems, filters protect the exhaust system and prevent buildup. In recirculating systems, filters (often paired with charcoal filters) clean the air before it’s released back into the kitchen.
- Baffle filters use angled or curved vanes to redirect airflow, forcing grease particles to collide with the metal and drip down safely.
- Mesh filters trap particles across many layers of mesh, making them effective for light-duty cooking.
- Advanced systems, like multi-cyclone extractors, use multiple air paths to capture between 78%–99% of particles, offering some of the highest efficiency in commercial ventilation.
The Risks of Dirty Filters
Neglecting your rangehood filters can lead to a range of serious issues, many of which extend beyond just poor performance:
- Restricted airflow leads to inefficient ventilation, lingering odors, and high humidity levels, perfect conditions for mould and bacteria.
- Fire hazards increase dramatically as grease builds up on filters, especially in high-heat cooking environments.
- Equipment strain rises as exhaust fans work harder to compensate for blockages, leading to higher energy use and quicker wear and tear.
- Unsanitary conditions can spread throughout your kitchen, potentially leading to health code violations and poor inspection outcomes.
Regular filter cleaning is the best way to avoid these issues. Not only does it keep your system running smoothly, but it also protects your kitchen from dangerous grease fires, ensures compliance with Australian Standards, and promotes a safer, healthier working environment for your staff.
When and How Often to Clean Rangehood Filters
When it comes to maintaining a safe and efficient commercial kitchen, timing is everything. A well-thought-out cleaning schedule helps prevent grease fires, improves ventilation, and ensures your kitchen operates smoothly even during the busiest service hours.
Cleaning Frequency Based on Kitchen Volume
Your kitchen’s workload is the biggest factor in how often you should clean your rangehood filters. Here’s a general guide based on kitchen activity:
- Heavy-Use Kitchens (12–16 hours/day, high-volume cooking) Clean filters weekly. This includes kitchens using charbroilers, woks, or solid fuel cooking.
- Moderate-Use Kitchens (6–12 hours/day) Clean every 4–6 weeks. This applies to most cafes, restaurants, and bistros with steady service throughout the day.
- Light-Use Kitchens (2–6 hours/day) Clean filters every 6–8 weeks, depending on cooking intensity and grease output.
- Grease-Heavy Food Prep (deep frying, grilling, etc.) May require weekly cleanings or filter changes due to rapid buildup.
Even with a schedule in place, it’s important to check your filters regularly. Some kitchens need more frequent cleaning than expected, especially during peak periods or special events.
Signs Your Filters Need Cleaning
Rather than waiting for your next scheduled clean, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Visible grease buildup on the filter
- Reduced suction or airflow from the rangehood
- Persistent cooking odours despite ventilation
- Smoke or steam escaping around the hood edges
- Unusually loud or strained fan operation
- Greasy or sticky residue on nearby walls, cabinets, or floors
Quick tip: Turn on the rangehood and hold a sheet of newspaper against the filter. If it doesn’t stay in place, your filter likely needs cleaning.
Regulations and Compliance in Australia
Australian guidelines are clear when it comes to rangehood filter maintenance:
- AS 1851-2012 mandates professional exhaust system cleaning at least once per year, but that’s the bare minimum.
- Internal surfaces of exhaust ductwork should be cleaned every six months.
- Many industry experts recommend a six-month full-system clean (including hoods and ducting) for most commercial kitchens.
Preparing for Kitchen Hood Filter Cleaning
Proper preparation not only makes the job easier but also ensures a safe, efficient, and thorough clean:
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the right supplies before you start helps streamline the process and ensures you’re tackling grease with the best tools for the job. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cleaning solutions: A quality commercial-grade degreaser or a strong degreasing dish soap is ideal for breaking down heavy grease buildup.
- Baking soda: About half a cup per cleaning session adds extra grease-fighting power to your cleaning solution.
- Hot water: The hotter, the better. Boiling water works well for loosening stubborn grime.
- Large container or sink: You’ll need something bigger than your filters to fully submerge them.
- Soft cleaning tools: Use a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool as it can damage metal surfaces and reduce filter lifespan.
- Drying materials: Have plenty of paper towels, dish towels, or microfiber cloths on hand for drying.
- Protective gear: Rubber gloves, safety goggles, and an apron help protect you from grease and cleaning chemicals.
Safety Precautions Before Starting
Safety should always come first when working with greasy equipment and powerful cleaning agents:
- Turn off and unplug the rangehood system before removing filters. This prevents accidental startups and allows the unit to cool down fully.
- Wear protective gear to safeguard against splashes and chemical exposure. These include rubber gloves to protect your hands, safety goggles to shield your eyes and an apron or old clothes to avoid stains
- Ensure good ventilation in your cleaning area, especially if you’re using strong chemical degreasers.
- Use a stable step ladder if you’re working with high-mounted hoods, and always have someone spot you for added safety.
- Slip-resistant shoes are a smart choice to avoid accidents on potentially slippery floors.
Setting Up a Cleaning Station
A well-organised cleaning area makes all the difference. Here’s how to set up your station for maximum efficiency:
- Washing zone: Use a deep sink, tub, or container to soak filters completely. Make sure the area is free of food waste and grease to avoid contamination.
- Drying zone: Set up a nearby table or counter with absorbent towels (flour sack towels work well) where filters can drip dry after cleaning.
- Keep supplies close by: Arrange all tools and cleaners within arm’s reach so you’re not constantly moving around during the process.
- Use a rotation system: Soak one filter while scrubbing another to speed things up, especially if you’re cleaning multiple filters in one session.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Rangehood Filters
1. Turn Off Equipment and Safely Remove the Filters
Before you touch anything, make sure all cooking equipment is turned off and cooled down. Safety is a top priority—hot surfaces and active appliances can lead to serious injuries. Disconnect the power by unplugging the rangehood or switching off the circuit breaker.
To remove the filters:
- Look for a spring release handle or metal loop on the edge of the filter.
- Press the release handle and gently pull down, or slide the filter out, depending on your system.
- Take care not to tilt the filter too much, as it may contain liquid grease that can spill.
Set the filters aside on a towel or tray to avoid dripping grease around your workspace.
2. Soak Filters in a Degreasing Solution
Next, it’s time to break down the grease. Fill a large sink or container with hot water – the hotter, the better for dissolving grease. Then add:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- A generous squirt of degreasing dish soap (or a commercial-grade degreaser)
Mix until the solution is bubbly. Fully submerge the filters and let them soak for 15–30 minutes, depending on how greasy they are. If your container isn’t deep enough to cover them entirely, flip the filters halfway through.
This step helps loosen baked-on grease and makes the scrubbing process much easier.
3. Scrub and Rinse Thoroughly
Once soaking is complete, remove the filters and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge. Use small circular motions, focusing on corners and tight areas where grease tends to hide.
When you’re done scrubbing, rinse the filters under hot running water until all soap is gone and the water runs clear. This is important, not only for hygiene but also to prevent soapy residue from affecting air quality when the hood is back in use.
4. Dry Completely and Reinstall Filters Properly
Give the filters a good shake to remove excess water, then lay them flat on a clean towel or drying rack. Speed things up by patting them dry with microfiber cloths. Let them air dry completely before reinstalling to avoid introducing moisture into the rangehood system.
To reinstall:
- Make sure the spring release handle faces forward.
- Slide the top edge of the filter into the track.
- Push upward and release the handle to lock the filter in place.
Give each filter a gentle tug to confirm it’s secure and properly seated. Once everything’s in position, you can safely restore power to the rangehood system.
Key Takeaways
Clean rangehood filters are essential for maintaining health, hygiene, and safety in any hospitality environment. From preventing grease fires to improving air quality and meeting compliance standards, regular filter maintenance is a must.
How often you clean depends on how much your kitchen is used. Busy commercial kitchens may need weekly cleaning, while lighter-use spaces might get by with monthly or bi-monthly maintenance. But regardless of your schedule, don’t ignore the signs; Visible grease, reduced suction, or lingering odours mean it’s time to clean.
If you’re looking for a professional clean you can count on, CRW Cleaning Solutions is here to help. With over 10 years of industry experience, we offer a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of your business. From rangehood filter cleans to full commercial cleaning solutions, we’ll help you keep your workspace spotless, safe, and running at its best. Get in touch today to learn more.