Metal Hood Care Instructions

The Everyday Routine

Clean in three simple steps.

For day-to-day cleaning, this is all it takes. Gentle products and a soft touch protect the finish.

Clear Dawn & warm water

We recommend only clear, fragrance-free Dawn dish soap in warm water. Skip harsh chemicals, solvents, and anything abrasive.

Wring cloth, then wipe

Dip a soft cloth and wring it out well — it should be slightly damp, not wet. Wipe the hood down following the brush lines, never in circles.

Buff with dry microfiber

Run a clean, dry microfiber cloth over the hood to make sure it's completely dry and free of water spots.

Use clear, fragrance-free Dawn only. It's the one soap we recommend for every Hoodsly finish. Wring your cloth out well so it's just damp — never leave the hood wet, and avoid steam-cleaners or pressurized water.

By Finish

Care by metal.

Brushed stainless, living brass and copper, and powder-coat each need a slightly different hand.

Stainless Steel

Brushed & polished

Follow the grainWipe in the direction of the brush lines. Circular motion leaves visible swirls that don’t buff out.
Warm soapy water firstClear Dawn handles most grease and fingerprints. Rinse the cloth often so you’re not moving grease around.
Stainless cleaner for shineApply a stainless-specific cleaner to the cloth — never spray the hood — then wipe with the grain and buff dry.
Watch for hard-water spotsDry fully after every clean. Mineral spots etch if left to sit, especially near the range.

Brass, Copper & Powder-Coat

Living finishes & color-matched metal

Patina is intendedRaw brass and copper deepen and mottle over time — that change is the finish doing its job, not a flaw.
Polish only if you want shineA metal-specific polish restores brightness. Once you start polishing, plan to keep it up — patina returns unevenly.
Lacquered? Soap onlyIf your brass or copper is clear-coated, skip polish entirely — it will cloud the lacquer. Clear Dawn and a soft cloth is all it needs.
Powder-coat: gentle wipeTreat powder-coat like paint. Damp cloth, mild soap, dry immediately — no solvents, no abrasive pads.

Never use abrasives on metal. Steel wool, scouring pads, gritty powders, and magic erasers scratch stainless and strip living finishes permanently. Damage from abrasives isn’t covered under warranty.

Quick Reference

The do's & don'ts.

Do

Use clear, fragrance-free Dawn and warm water
Always wipe with the brush lines
Apply cleaner to the cloth, not the hood
Buff dry with microfiber to stop water spots
Use metal-specific polish on raw brass or copper
Clean grease splatter while it’s fresh

Don't

Scrub with steel wool or scouring pads
Wipe stainless in circles
Use bleach, oven cleaner, or chloride-based sprays
Polish a lacquered brass or copper finish
Let water or hard-water spots dry on the surface
Use steam cleaners or pressure washers

Chlorides are the real enemy. Bleach, oven cleaners, and many all-purpose sprays contain chlorides that pit stainless steel. If a label lists chlorine or bleach, keep it away from your hood.

Ventilation Upkeep

Filters, liners & airflow.

If your hood houses a liner or insert, a little upkeep keeps it running quietly and efficiently.

Baffle filters

Remove the metal filter and soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes, then loosen grease with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse well and dry fully before reinstalling.

Every few weeks

Charcoal filters

For ductless (recirculating) setups, charcoal filters absorb odors and can't be washed — replace them to maintain air circulation and odor control.

Replace every 3–4 months

Blower & interior

Wipe the interior liner and blower housing with warm soapy water. Let everything dry fully before switching the unit back on.

Every few months

Check your insert's manual. Blower and filter specifics vary by brand (ZLINE, Vent-A-Hood, and others). Follow the maker's guidance for your particular liner, and always disconnect power before servicing.

Full Instruction Manual

Everything, in one place.

Download the complete Hoodsly instruction manual for detailed care, installation, and product-specific guidance. Keep it handy for the life of your hood.

Download PDF Watch Install Videos

Warranty & Support

Built to last. Every hood is handcrafted in the USA and backed by our workmanship guarantee.
Proper care protects it. Following these guidelines keeps your finish and warranty in good standing.
Questions? We're here. Call (877) 847-0405 or email hello@hoodsly.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal care questions?

What’s the safest everyday cleaner?

Clear, fragrance-free Dawn in warm water on a well-wrung soft cloth, wiped with the grain and buffed dry. It’s safe on every metal finish we make.

Why is my brass or copper changing color?

Raw brass and copper are living finishes — they patina naturally, and no two hoods age identically. Leave it to develop, or use a polish made for that metal to bring back shine.

There are small rust-colored specks on my stainless.

That’s usually surface contamination from airborne iron particles or a chloride cleaner — not the steel failing. Clean with warm soapy water, then a stainless cleaner with the grain. Stop using any bleach- or chlorine-based product nearby.

Can I use stainless steel cleaner?

Yes, on stainless. Apply it to the cloth rather than the hood, wipe along the brush lines, and finish with a dry microfiber pass for an even sheen.

How do I remove fingerprints for good?

You can’t prevent them on polished metal, but a stainless cleaner leaves a light film that resists them. Wipe with the grain and always dry-buff after.

Does cleaning affect my warranty?

Following these guidelines keeps your finish — and your craftsmanship warranty — in good standing. Scratches from abrasives and pitting from chloride cleaners aren’t covered.