Sticky, smoky, struggling.
A greasy filter blocks airflow, so your chimney works harder and pulls less smoke.
Shining, silent, sucking smoke again.
All it takes is hot water, baking soda, dish soap and a soft brush.
Signs your filter needs a clean
Clean a baffle filter in 5 steps
Switch off and remove
Turn off the chimney at the wall switch. Press the catch on each filter and lower it out carefully — it may be heavy with grease.
2 minMake a degreasing bath
Fill a tub or sink with the hottest tap water you can, or add boiling water. Stir in 3–4 tablespoons of baking soda and a good squeeze of dish wash liquid.
3 minSoak
Submerge the filters fully and leave them for 1–2 hours. The hot, alkaline water loosens the hardened oil.
1–2 hrsScrub gently
Use a soft brush to work along the curved channels. For stubborn spots, sprinkle a little extra baking soda directly on the brush.
5–10 minRinse, dry and refit
Rinse in hot water, then let the filters dry completely before clicking them back in. Wipe the inside of the hood while they dry.
Air dryBy filter type
🌀 Baffle filter
- Steps above, every 2–3 weeks with daily cooking
- Most are dishwasher-safe — check your manual first
🕸️ Mesh / cassette filter
- Same soak, but scrub very gently — mesh layers bend
- Clean more often; mesh clogs fast with Indian cooking
✨ Filterless / auto-clean
- Empty and wash the oil collector cup every week
- Run the auto-clean function as your manual directs
- Wipe the inner panel monthly
✗ Never do this
- Caustic soda on aluminium filters — it corrodes and blackens aluminium.
- Steel wool or wire brushes — they scratch stainless steel and tear mesh.
- Cleaning while it's on or hot — always switch off and let it cool.
- Refitting wet filters — trapped moisture plus oil smells and attracts dust.
Your chimney cleaning calendar
Cleaning the outside: wipe stainless steel hoods with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth in the direction of the grain. Use a glass cleaner on glass panels.
Tired of scrubbing?
A filterless auto-clean chimney collects oil in a cup instead of a filter. Or stock up on gloves, brushes and cleaners.
Shop chimneysCleaning liquidsBrushesChoosing a new chimney? Use our chimney suction and size calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my chimney filter?
With daily Indian cooking, clean baffle filters every 2–3 weeks and mesh filters more often. For filterless chimneys, empty the oil cup weekly.
What is the best homemade chimney filter cleaner?
Very hot water with baking soda and dish wash liquid works for most filters. Soak for 1–2 hours, then scrub gently.
Can I wash chimney filters in a dishwasher?
Many stainless steel baffle filters are dishwasher-safe, but check your chimney's manual first. Avoid it for aluminium mesh filters.
Can I use caustic soda to clean chimney filters?
Not on aluminium filters — it corrodes the metal. Baking soda and dish soap are safer for all filter types.
