Home Care Challenge: Kitchen Filters You Forgot About
Keeping Your Microwave & Range Hood Clean
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission. Read my disclosure policy here.
The tasks just keep coming, but I keep reminding myself: if I take care of my home, my home will take care of me. This week’s Home Care Challenge reflects that mantra and how all this maintenance aligns with my word of the year.
As I tackle this week’s challenge, it’s as much about grounding myself as it is about cleaning. This week at work has been… a lot.
Without delving into specifics, let’s just say the stress and anxiety have been riding high, largely due to the uncertainty and limited guidance in memos that have been accompanying transitions in our national leadership. While this administration isn’t new, things feel different, and the ripple effects leave much to be clarified
I won’t be diving into politics beyond that but it is currently something that is impacting my daily musings.
So enough about politics—let’s redirect to something I can control: stove top and microwave filters.
Why Clean Microwave and Range Hood Filters?
Over time, these hardworking filters collect grease, smoke, and food particles, which can affect your appliances’ efficiency and even pose potential fire hazards. Thankfully, keeping them clean isn’t as hard as you might think.
Cleaning the Microwave and Microwave Filter
Confession time: I had no idea my microwave had a filter. After way too much researching and actually reading [ok skimming the owners manual], I finally figured it out!
Based on my microwave wall oven combo, there is no mention of a filter. The maintenance guidelines include cleaning the control panel, oven door handle, and interior window, but there is no mention of a microwave filter — I’ll count this as my lucky day!
While I know that is not the case for everyone, based on my watching of many YouTube videos, here is what I have to offer to help.
Assess and Access: Begin by locating the microwave filter. Depending on your microwave model, the filter may be located at the bottom, back, or side of the appliance. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on filter removal.
Soak and Scrub: Once you've removed the filter, fill your sink or basin with warm, soapy water. Allow the filter to soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any stubborn grease or grime. After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the filter, paying extra attention to crevices and corners.
One important thing to note: if your microwave has a charcoal filter. These can not be cleaned and should be replaced. The recommendation is every 6 months, but refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Clean: [This is where I started my taks] As the filter soaks, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a spray bottle to clean the inside of the microwave. While you should clean after each spill or splatter that takes place, sometimes getting the meal on the table is more important, and we forget to clean it until the next time we use our microwave, and we get stuck in that repeating cycle.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. Pat the filter dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before reinstalling it in your microwave. Ensure the filter is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Your microwave filter is sparkling clean.
Cleaning the Range Hood
Another confession: In the four years we’ve lived here, I’ve only ever wiped down the outside of the range hood—maybe twice a year. The filters? Never.
I’ll admit I was intimidated by the idea of taking them out, but this week’s challenge left me no choice. Spoiler: It wasn’t that bad, but wow, was it overdue.
Prep and Protect: Before cleaning your range hood, switch off the power supply to prevent any accidents. If your range hood has removable filters, carefully remove them and set them aside for cleaning.
Degrease and Detoxify: Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the interior and exterior surfaces of your range hood, paying particular attention to areas prone to grease buildup.
Scrub and Shine: Armed with a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently scrub the surfaces of your range hood, focusing on stubborn stains and grease spots. For tougher grime, you may need to use a degreasing cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water.
Tackle the Filters: If your range hood has removable filters, soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen grease and grime. Use a brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining residue before rinsing thoroughly and allowing them to air dry.
Reassemble and Restore: Once the cleaning process is complete and all parts are completely dry, reassemble your range hood. Restore power to the appliance.
Sometimes, home maintenance is more than just a task—it’s a way to refocus and take ownership of what you can control when life feels uncertain. Here’s to a cleaner, fresher kitchen and a little more clarity in the chaos.
Shop
Products I use to tackle this week’s weekly home care challenge: