Kitchen Hoods and Exhaust

Exhaust hood systems play a critical role in restaurant kitchens by removing heat, smoke, grease vapors, and odors from cooking surfaces. This protects both kitchen staff and the facility itself. However, over time, grease accumulation inside exhaust hoods, filters, and ductwork can become a serious fire hazard if not properly maintained.

Regular, professional cleaning of exhaust hoods and duct systems is essential. Grease buildup within kitchen exhaust systems is one of the leading causes of restaurant fires, and proper maintenance can significantly reduce this risk while improving overall kitchen safety and efficiency.

Code Compliance & Fire Safety Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association mandates professional exhaust hood cleaning for all commercial kitchens. Failure to comply not only increases fire risk but may also result in costly fines, failed inspections, or mandatory business closure.

Cleaning requirements and best practices are outlined in NFPA 96, which specifies cleaning frequencies based on cooking volume and operation type:

• Monthly – Systems serving solid-fuel cooking operations
• Quarterly – High-volume operations (24-hour cooking, charbroiling, wok cooking, etc.)
• Semi-Annually – Moderate-volume cooking operations
• Annually – Low-volume operations (day camps, churches, seasonal businesses, etc.)

Professional Cleaning vs. Routine Staff Cleaning

While restaurant staff are responsible for cleaning exterior hood surfaces as part of daily operations, the comprehensive cleaning required under NFPA 96 must be performed by trained and certified kitchen exhaust cleaning professionals. This ensures full compliance and eliminates hidden grease hazards.

Scope of Our Exhaust Hood Cleaning Services

Our professional cleaning process includes:

• Complete disassembly, cleaning, and degreasing of hoods, including filter tracks, grease troughs, and removable grease cups
• Removal and cleaning of roof- or wall-mounted exhaust fans, including bases, shrouds, and blades (as required)
• Inspection of exhaust fans for loose or worn belts
• Thorough cleaning and degreasing of all hood filters, components, and accessories; replacement when necessary
• Cleaning of all accessible ductwork from exhaust fans to each connected hood
• Application of food-safe polish to stainless steel surfaces
• Full cleanup of affected areas (removal of protective coverings, debris removal, and floor cleaning)
• A detailed written report outlining all work performed, system deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions
• Placement of a certification label on each cleaned hood, including company name, technician, and date of service