The grease filter is the first line of defence in any cooker hood. It traps fat before it can reach the fan and ducting. When it clogs, airflow drops, the motor strains and grease starts bypassing the filter altogether. Cleaning the filters properly is the single biggest thing you can do to keep a hood working.
What's included
- Filters removed and inspected for damage
- Hot degreasing soak suited to aluminium or stainless
- Rinsed, dried and refitted
- Filter channels and clips in the canopy cleaned
- Bent, split or loose filters flagged
- Replacement filters sourced from the hood model number
- Charcoal filters checked on recirculating hoods
Why the filter matters most
Domestic hoods usually have aluminium mesh filters, sometimes in a cassette with several layers. Commercial canopies and many premium domestic hoods use stainless steel baffle filters, which trap grease in a series of channels. We clean both in a hot, food-safe degreasing soak that dissolves grease without damaging the metal.
Mesh, baffle and cassette filters
We check every filter for damage. Mesh that has separated from its frame, baffles that are bent, and filters with missing clips don't seal properly and should be replaced. We can supply replacements to fit your model.
When to replace rather than clean
Charcoal or carbon filters are a different part. They sit behind the grease filters on recirculating hoods and absorb smells rather than grease. They can't be washed and need replacing regularly.
How the visit works
01
Remove and check
Each filter comes out and is checked for bent mesh, broken clips and warped frames.
02
Degreasing soak
Filters soak in a hot solution suited to the metal so grease releases without discolouring aluminium.
03
Rinse and dry
Each filter is rinsed through and dried so no residue or water drips back onto the hob.
04
Refit and seal
Filters are clipped back in and checked for a tight seal so grease cannot bypass them.
Common problems we fix
Can cooker hood filters go in the dishwasher?
Some aluminium mesh filters can on a gentle cycle, but many oxidise, turn white or come apart. Check your manual. A degreasing soak is gentler and more thorough.
How often should grease filters be cleaned?
Monthly if you cook with oil most days, every two to three months with lighter use. Commercial baffle filters often need cleaning weekly.
Mesh filter vs baffle filter
Mesh filters trap grease in layers of fine aluminium and suit domestic hoods. Baffle filters use stainless steel channels, are more durable and are standard in commercial kitchens.
What affects the price
Filter cleaning on its own is priced on the number and type of filters. Most customers book it alongside a cooker hood clean, because a clean filter in a greasy canopy picks the grease straight back up. Replacement filters are priced separately once we know the model.
Send photos for a written quoteWhat you can do yourself
Domestic mesh filters can be soaked in a sink of very hot water with washing-up liquid or a degreaser for twenty minutes, then brushed gently and rinsed. Check the manual before using the dishwasher, as many aluminium filters dull or come apart. Never wash charcoal filters.
Questions about Grease Filter Cleaning
Yes. If your filters are damaged or worn out, we can source replacements to fit. The model number on the hood's rating plate helps us find the right size.
The smell may be in the canopy, the ducting or a saturated charcoal filter. Clean grease filters alone won't remove it.
Yes. A grease-soaked filter sits directly above the heat source and can ignite from a pan fire or flare-up.
Yes, soaking them in hot water with a degreaser works well for regular upkeep. A professional clean covers the filters plus the canopy and fan they protect.
Get a free quote
Tell us the make or model, add a photo of the underside of the hood, and let us know whether it vents outside or recirculates.
Often booked with grease filter cleaning
Cooker Hood Cleaning
Canopy, filters and chimney on a domestic cooker hood.
View service
Recirculating Hood Cleaning
Non-ducted cooker hoods with charcoal (carbon) filters.
View service
Commercial Kitchen Extract Cleaning
Canopies, baffle filters and ductwork for restaurants, takeaways and hotels.
View service