How to Remove a Range Hood Exhaust Fan

The purpose of a range hood is to pull smoke, fumes and grease from the air when cooking. At times, it is necessary to clean the grease out of the filter and the exhaust fan to ensure proper operation. Follow the instructions below to take care of this task yourself.

Step 1:  Cleaning Hardware

Depending on how your range hood is connected to the electricity, you have two methods by which to disconnect from the power. If you have a plug in range hood simply unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Some older models of range hoods were hard wired. If this is the case, then you will need to turn off the breaker that supplies power to the range hood. When you are sure that you have eliminated power to the range hood, slip the grease filter(s) out of the holder. Some grease filters are small drawers while others are a square or rectangular assembly that is held in place with clips. Completely cover the filter in hot, soapy water to dissolve the grease. 

Step 2:  Removing and Cleaning the Fan

Unplug the exhaust fan and use a screwdriver or nut driver to remove the screws that hold the fan to the vent hood. Drop the fan down to take it from the hood. Using the old toothbrush and the ammonia/water mixture scrub the fan blades. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the ammonia, and a face mask to reduce the amount of ammonia you inhale.

Step 3:  Cleaning the Range Hood and Duct

Tie a heavy rag that has been soaked in the ammonia mixture around the end of the plumber's snake and slide into the ductwork above the fan. Rinse the rag often and repeat the process until the rag does not pull grease from the duct. This will let you know you've gotten the duct clean.

Visit the outside duct exhaust hood and also clean it off with the ammonia mixture. Even though you are outside, it is still advisable to wear the filter face mask to help keep you from inhaling too many ammonia fumes. Using the toothbrush scrub the hood flaps to free them of dust and grease.  You will know you are done once the flaps move freely.

Step 4:  Put the Range Hood Back Together

Now that all the moving parts of the range hood assembly have been cleaned of all grease and dust reverse the process. Reattach the exhaust fan into the range hood and plug it back into the electrical power. Clean the filter by spraying hot water through it until it is free of grease and slip it back into place.  If you need to replace the exhaust fan, take your old one to a home improvement store to match it correctly and then install the new fan in its place.