Home Care Challenge: Grease, Grime & Great Intentions
Clean Microwave Filter and Range Hood.
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I hope everyone had a lovely Fourth of July! We tend to keep things low-key around here. No fireworks, no crowds, and definitely no late-night adventures. No matter what time our kids go to bed, our oldest still wakes up at the crack of dawn. And our dog? She’s terrified of fireworks. Leaving her alone while loud booms echo outside just doesn’t sit right with us.
Growing up near the beach, I also remember just how chaotic post-fireworks traffic can be. That inch-by-inch crawl home? Not worth it. I know that might sound unpatriotic—but honestly, peace and grilled hot dogs felt like the better choice.
This year, my parents were in town visiting, and we kept it simple: burgers and dogs on the grill and an “experimental” pineapple salsa that my husband whipped up after watching a TikTok. There was no actual recipe involved—just a pinch of this and a splash of that. And somehow, it totally worked. He’s got a gift.
But before the holiday and houseguests rolled in, I decided to knock out this week’s Home Care Challenge. It took us right back into the kitchen: cleaning the microwave filter and range hood.
Now if this is your first time hearing that you’re supposed to clean those things—don’t panic. I hadn’t thought much about them either until recently. But trust me, once you’ve done it once, it gets easier every time. And like a lot of home care tasks, the more often you tackle it, the less time it takes.
A Tiny Gadget Doing Big Work
Over time, our microwaves collect more than just spaghetti sauce splatters. Grease, smoke, and food particles all gather in the filter, which can cause your microwave to work less efficiently—and potentially pose a fire hazard.
Here’s how to clean it up:
Locate the filter: Depending on your microwave model, the filter might be underneath, in the back, or on the side. When in doubt, check the manual.
Soak it: Place the filter in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to loosen built-up grime.
Scrub it gently: Use a soft brush or sponge to clean it. Focus on corners where grease likes to hide.
Clean the inside: While the filter soaks, spray the inside of your microwave with warm water and dish soap. I always intend to clean spills right away, but sometimes dinner hits the table and that intention evaporates.
Rinse & dry: Once scrubbed, rinse the filter well and let it dry completely before popping it back in.
Voilà—your microwave is now breathing easier (and less smoky popcorn-scented).
The Unsung Hero Above Your Stove
Your range hood is there for a reason: clearing out steam, smoke, and smells. But it needs a little love too.
Power off first: Always unplug or turn off the power supply before cleaning to stay safe.
Spray & wipe: Use a mix of warm water and mild dish soap in a spray bottle to coat the inside and outside of your range hood. Focus on the greasy spots.
Degrease the filters: If your hood has removable filters, soak them in warm, soapy water. Give them a good scrub with a soft brush, then rinse and let them air dry completely.
Reassemble & admire: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your range hood and restore power. Then take a step back and breathe in that (literally) fresher air.
Wrapping Up
So while I wasn’t sitting on the beach with a drink in hand all week, I did get one of those less-glamorous tasks checked off the list—and that always feels like a small victory. Especially before company comes over.
If you’ve got a few minutes this week, this is a great project to knock out. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of maintenance that keeps your kitchen running smoothly. And hey, if your kids are busy asking for a third snack of the morning, maybe you’ll even get a moment of peace while your filters soak.
Happy cleaning—and if your week still feels full of post-holiday chaos, feel free to bookmark this one for next week. Your microwave isn’t going anywhere.
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