The active carbon in the filter binds unpleasant smells, which occur during cooking.
The filter can be washed and must be cleaned when the indicator-light (in some models) blinks or at least every two months or more often if used intensely. Cleaning must be done with hot water and a suitable cleaning agent or in a dishwasher at 65 °C. The full program must be executed, but the filter should be the only thing in the dishwasher. Remove excess water without damaging the filter. A common oven can be used to completely dry the filter. The oven should be set to 100 °C and the filter is then dried for 10 minutes. Change the filter-mat every third year or in case the material is damaged.