Wood 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 â€” it should be slightly damp, not wet. Wipe down the outside of your hood, following the grain.

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 â€” never leave the hood wet, and avoid steam-cleaners or pressurized water.

By Finish

Painted or stained.

Both start with the same routine — a few details differ. Find your finish below.

Painted Finishes

Custom color match & standard whites

Dust first, then wipeA dry microfiber cloth lifts cooking film before it sets. Follow with a well-wrung, barely-damp cloth and clear Dawn.
Never use magic erasersThey're abrasive and will burnish or dull paint permanently — no matter how gentle it feels.
Blot spills right awayGrease and acidic splashes can stain paint if they sit. Wipe, then buff dry with microfiber.
Touch-ups are easyKeep your paint code on file — we can match it. Small chips are normal on any painted millwork.

Stained Finishes

Oak, alder, walnut & espresso tones

Always follow the grainWipe in the direction of the wood grain — circular scrubbing shows on stain and topcoat.
Damp, never wetWater sitting on stained wood raises grain and can cloud the topcoat. Dry immediately.
Vinegar for stubborn marksEqual parts white vinegar and water lifts tough spots — test on a hidden area first.
Wood moves with the seasonsSlight seasonal checking in solid wood is natural, not a defect. Stable humidity keeps it minimal.

No oils, waxes, or furniture polish. Hoodsly wood hoods are sealed with a durable catalyzed topcoat — silicone polishes and oil treatments build up, attract dust, and make future touch-ups difficult.

Quick Reference

The do's & don'ts.

Do

Use clear, fragrance-free Dawn and warm water
Wring the cloth well — damp, not wet
Always wipe along the wood grain
Buff dry with microfiber right after
Test vinegar/water on a hidden spot first
Blot grease and spills promptly

Don't

Use magic erasers on painted finishes
Apply oils, waxes, or furniture polish
Scrub with abrasive pads or steel wool
Let water sit on wood surfaces
Clean with paper towels (they scratch)
Use steam cleaners or pressure washers

When in doubt, go gentle. Clear Dawn, warm water, and a soft cloth are safe on every Hoodsly wood finish. Always apply cleaner to the cloth — never spray directly onto the 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

Wood care questions?

What’s the safest everyday cleaner for wood?

Only clear, fragrance-free Dawn dish soap in warm water, on a well-wrung soft cloth. Follow the grain, then buff dry with microfiber.

Should I oil or wax the wood?

No. Our hoods ship with a durable catalyzed topcoat. Oils, waxes, and silicone polishes build up on the surface, attract dust, and interfere with future refinishing or touch-ups.

Why does my hood show fine lines in winter?

Solid wood expands and contracts with humidity. Slight seasonal movement at joints is natural and not a defect. Keeping indoor humidity stable minimizes it.

Can I use a magic eraser on a painted hood?

No. Magic erasers are micro-abrasive — they polish away sheen and leave dull patches in paint that can’t be buffed back out.

How do I handle a chip or scratch?

Small chips are normal on painted millwork. Keep your paint or stain code on file — call us at (877) 847-0405 and we can help you match it for a touch-up.

Does cleaning affect my warranty?

Following these guidelines keeps your finish — and your craftsmanship warranty — in good standing. Damage from harsh chemicals or abrasives isn’t covered.