The One Trick My Nana Taught Me That Makes Cleaning a Greasy Oven Hood Filter Easy as Pie

Let’s be honest—cleaning the oven hood filter is one of those chores that always gets bumped to “next weekend.” You look up at it, all coated in sticky gunk from months (okay, sometimes years) of cooking, and think, Ugh, I’ll deal with that later.

I used to dread it too. Scrubbing it with dish soap, watching the grease smear around instead of coming off, wondering if it would ever look clean again… not my idea of a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

But then my Nana, who was queen of keeping a spotless kitchen without a single harsh chemical in sight, showed me a trick so simple it almost felt like cheating.

And when I say this works? I mean it works. No scrubbing. No fancy products. Just two things you already have at home—and a little hot water.

Why You Really Shouldn’t Ignore That Greasy Filter

Now, before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk for a second about why this even matters.

That filter over your stove? It’s not just there for decoration. It traps grease and smoke while you cook so it doesn’t end up coating your walls, cabinets, and lungs. But when it gets too clogged, it can’t do its job. Your kitchen gets smokier, the fan gets louder, and worst-case scenario? It becomes a fire hazard.

Trust me—I didn’t clean mine for way too long once, and I could practically smell the missed opportunity every time I turned the stove on.

Nana’s Trick: Boiling Water + Baking Soda = Magic

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A big pot or a deep sink

• Boiling water

• ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda (depending on the size of your filter)

• A dish brush (only if you’re feeling extra thorough)

• Tongs or gloves to handle hot stuff

That’s it. Really.

Step-By-Step: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to a Clean Filter

Step 1: Boil That Water
Get a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Nana always said, “If your glasses fog up standing over it, it’s hot enough.”

Step 2: Add the Baking Soda (Slowly!)
This part’s important. Add the baking soda little by little—it fizzes like crazy when it hits the water, and you don’t want it bubbling over like a volcano science fair project.

Step 3: Submerge That Greasy Mess
Place your filter in the pot, or if your pot isn’t big enough, use a deep sink and pour the mixture over it. If it doesn’t fit all at once, do one side at a time—no biggie.

Step 4: Let It Soak and Relax
Now comes the best part: walk away. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes (longer if it’s really gross). You’ll start to see the grease lift off the filter like it’s peeling away from guilt. Nana used to say, “If you’re scrubbing, you’re doing it wrong.”

Step 5: Rinse It Off
Carefully pull the filter out using tongs or gloves, and rinse it under warm water. You might want to give it a quick swipe with a soft brush—but honestly, most of the time, it’s already sparkling by now.

Step 6: Let It Air Dry
Lay it flat on a towel or prop it up in your dish rack. Make sure it’s bone dry before you pop it back in.

Why It Works So Well

The combination of boiling water and baking soda is like the dynamic duo of the cleaning world. The heat melts the grease, while the baking soda breaks it down. It’s gentle enough not to damage the filter, but strong enough to kick that grime to the curb.

And unlike dish soap, which can just slide grease around, baking soda actually reacts with it, lifting it off completely. Science. Gotta love it.

So Much Better Than Scrubbing

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent way too many afternoons hunched over the sink, covered in suds and grease splatter, trying to scrub this filter clean with everything from steel wool to old toothbrushes. No more.

Nana’s trick is gentle on your hands, good for the planet, and takes way less time than you think. It’s just one of those old-school methods that makes you wonder why we ever stopped using it.

A Few Extra Tips From Nana (and Me)

• Do it regularly. Every couple of months is plenty. Waiting a year just makes it harder.

• Don’t have baking soda? A cup of white vinegar in the boiling water works too—but the smell might linger a bit longer.

• Super stubborn grease? Soak it once, then give it a light scrub with a soapy sponge. But really, soaking does most of the work.

Final Thoughts (Straight From Nana’s Kitchen)

Nana used to say, “There’s no shame in a messy kitchen, but there’s power in knowing how to clean it.” And she was right.

This little trick has saved me time, money, and more than a few headaches. It’s simple, affordable, and—dare I say—oddly satisfying. Watching all that grease melt away without lifting a finger? Feels like a small kitchen miracle.

So if you’ve been putting off cleaning your oven hood filter, do yourself a favor and try this. Put on a kettle, let the water boil, and give that filter a soak. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is—and your kitchen will thank you.