In flats, listed buildings and many island installations there's no practical route to an outside wall, so the cooker hood recirculates. Air passes through grease filters first, then a charcoal (carbon) filter that absorbs smells, before returning to the kitchen. When the carbon is saturated, the hood keeps running but the smell stays in the room.
What's included
- Canopy and grease filters degreased
- Charcoal filters inspected and replaced when saturated
- Recirculation outlet vents cleared of grease
- Filter housings and clips cleaned
- Fan inlet cleaned where reachable
- Hood tested and filter change date noted for you
Grease filters and carbon filters
We clean the canopy and grease filters exactly as we would on a ducted hood, then inspect the charcoal filters. Saturated carbon is replaced with filters to fit your model. We also clean the recirculation outlet vents, which can clog and drip grease.
Why charcoal filters cannot be washed
Charcoal filters can't be washed. Water and degreaser destroy the activated carbon. A few manufacturers make regenerable filters that can be dried in an oven, and those should be treated as the manufacturer recommends.
Steam still needs ventilation
Recirculating hoods remove grease and smells but not steam, so good background ventilation from a window or trickle vent still matters in the kitchen.
How the visit works
01
Identify the filters
We check the hood model and the charcoal filter type so the right replacement is fitted.
02
Degrease the hood
Grease filters soak while the canopy and filter housings are degreased.
03
Clear the outlets
The recirculation vents are cleaned so air can leave the hood without dripping.
04
Fresh carbon and test
New charcoal filters are fitted and the hood is run to check airflow and smell.
Common problems we fix
How often should charcoal filters be replaced?
Every three to six months for most kitchens, or sooner if you cook with a lot of oil, spice or fish.
Can charcoal cooker hood filters be washed?
No. Washing ruins the carbon. Only filters sold as regenerable can be refreshed, and only by the manufacturer's method.
Recirculating hood still smells
Replace the charcoal filters, clean the grease filters and canopy, and clear the outlet vents. That combination solves most lingering smells.
What affects the price
The price covers the hood clean plus the charcoal filters, which vary by brand and model. Most of the variation is in the filter itself, so the model number from the rating plate inside the hood lets us give an exact figure.
Send photos for a written quoteWhat you can do yourself
Wash the grease filters monthly and write the date on the charcoal filter when it is fitted. If cooking smells start hanging around after three months or so, the carbon is likely saturated. Do not wash or soak charcoal filters unless they are sold as regenerable.
Questions about Recirculating Hood Cleaning
A ducted hood is more effective because it removes steam and air from the building. A clean recirculating hood with fresh charcoal filters is still very good at removing grease and smells.
Yes. We bring common sizes and can order specific filters for your model.
If there's no duct to an outside wall or roof and air comes out of vents near the top of the hood, it recirculates.
Often yes, if a duct route to the outside is possible. That's an installation job rather than a clean.
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.
