Proper exhaust hood cleaning is crucial for every restaurant kitchen. A clean exhaust system reduces fire hazards, maintains efficient airflow, and ensures compliance with NFPA 96 and local fire codes. Grease accumulation in hoods, ducts, and fans is one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires, making a structured exhaust hood cleaning checklist essential for both safety and inspections.
Restaurants that follow a detailed checklist can avoid costly fines, maintain operational efficiency, and ensure the safety of staff and customers. From daily wipe-downs to annual professional duct inspections, every task plays a role in keeping the kitchen safe, hygienic, and compliant.
What Is Exhaust Hood Cleaning and Why Does It Matter
Exhaust hood cleaning is the process of removing grease, smoke residues, and other contaminants from kitchen ventilation systems.
- It includes cleaning the hood, filters, ducts, fans, and blowers.
- Proper cleaning prevents grease fires, improves kitchen air quality, and supports equipment longevity.
- Certified cleaning services follow NFPA 96 standards and provide documentation for inspections.
Components Involved in Exhaust Hood Cleaning
- Hood: The visible top area over cooking appliances where grease accumulates.
- Filters: Capture airborne grease; require frequent washing or replacement.
- Ductwork: Often hidden, but collects heavy grease deposits.
- Fans and blowers: Ensure airflow; grease buildup reduces efficiency and increases fire risk.
Why Cleaning Matters for Fire Safety
- Grease is highly flammable; even small accumulations can ignite.
- Clean hoods improve ventilation, reducing heat and smoke in the kitchen.
- Fire inspectors use cleanliness as a key metric when evaluating kitchen safety.
When to Perform Exhaust Hood Cleaning
The frequency of exhaust hood cleaning depends on the kitchen’s cooking type and volume.
- Daily: Wipe hoods, remove grease trays, and inspect filters.
- Weekly: Remove filters, soak and scrub, clean hood surfaces, inspect fans.
- Monthly: Inspect ductwork for hidden grease and clean blower assemblies.
- Quarterly/Annual: Professional deep cleaning and full inspection, with documentation.
High-Grease Kitchens
- Frying or wok-heavy kitchens produce substantial grease.
- Require monthly professional cleaning and daily filter maintenance.
- Fire inspectors expect detailed cleaning logs for these kitchens.
Moderate-Grease Kitchens
- Grilling and charbroiling kitchens accumulate moderate grease.
- Require professional service every 2–3 months.
- Daily wipe-downs and weekly filter cleaning remain essential.
Low-Grease Kitchens
- Bakeries, salad bars, or steaming-focused kitchens accumulate minimal grease.
- Professional cleaning can be quarterly or semi-annual.
- Daily filter wipe-downs still help prevent buildup.
How to Follow an Exhaust Hood Cleaning Checklist
A systematic cleaning checklist ensures no component is overlooked.
- Step 1: Daily Wipe-Downs
- Wipe hood surfaces using degreasing solutions.
- Empty grease trays and inspect for accumulation.
- Check filters for residue and damage.
- Step 2: Weekly Filter Cleaning
- Remove and soak filters in hot water and degreasers.
- Scrub thoroughly and reinstall correctly.
- Inspect the filter condition and airflow after reinstallation.
Monthly Duct and Fan Maintenance
- Inspect ductwork for hidden grease, especially around bends and junctions.
- Clean fan blades and blower assemblies.
- Ensure fans operate at proper speed and that airflow is not obstructed.
Quarterly/Annual Professional Service
- Hire certified technicians to clean ducts and hoods thoroughly.
- Obtain before-and-after photos and a detailed cleaning report.
- Inspect for worn components, corrosion, or damaged duct sections.
Where to Focus Exhaust Hood Cleaning Efforts
To ensure safety and inspection readiness, target these areas:
- Hood Interiors and Exteriors: Remove visible grease and wipe surfaces.
- Filters: Clean, soak, and reinstall.
- Ductwork: Target hidden grease in bends, elbows, and junctions.
- Fans and Blowers: Clean thoroughly to maintain airflow and reduce fire risk.
- Make-Up Air Units: Verify balanced airflow for proper ventilation.
Importance of Each Component
- Hoods trap the most visible grease; inspectors check these first.
- Filters prevent airborne grease from reaching ducts; clogged filters indicate neglect.
- Ducts carry grease away from cooking areas; buildup here is a major fire hazard.
- Fans and blowers push smoke and grease through the system; grease can cause malfunctions and fire risk.
Which Tools and Supplies Are Needed for Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Proper equipment ensures effective cleaning and safety:
- Industrial degreasers and cleaning solutions.
- Brushes for ducts, corners, and fan blades.
- Soaking tanks or sinks for filters.
- Pressure washers or steam cleaning equipment for professional use.
- PPE: gloves, goggles, and masks to protect staff.
Safety Tips During Cleaning
- Ensure electrical appliances near the hood are turned off.
- Use non-slip mats and proper ventilation to avoid fumes.
- Follow chemical handling instructions carefully to prevent accidents.
Benefits of Following an Exhaust Hood Cleaning Checklist
A structured checklist provides multiple advantages:
- Fire Safety: Reduces flammable grease buildup.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports NFPA 96 and local fire code requirements.
- Operational Efficiency: Improved airflow reduces energy consumption.
- Equipment Longevity: Fans, motors, and ducts last longer.
- Documentation: Serves as proof for inspections and insurance claims.
Cost Considerations for Exhaust Hood Cleaning
| Service Component | Typical Cost | Frequency | Benefits |
| Daily filter wipe-down | $50–$100 | Daily | Removes surface grease, maintains airflow |
| Weekly hood cleaning | $100–$250 | Weekly | Prevents grease accumulation, ensures compliance |
| Monthly duct/fan cleaning | $400–$1,500 | Monthly | Reduces fire hazards, improves efficiency |
| Quarterly/annual pro service | $500–$2,000 | Quarterly/Annually | Deep cleaning, inspection, and documentation |
| Documentation & reports | $50–$150 | Per service | Required for inspections and insurance |
Investing in regular cleaning reduces emergency repair costs, improves inspection success rates, and ensures kitchen safety.
Conclusion
A detailed exhaust hood cleaning checklist is essential for restaurants to maintain safety, pass inspections, and comply with fire codes. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks ensure grease is removed, airflow is maintained, and equipment remains in good condition.
Using a structured checklist, documenting all cleaning activities, and hiring certified professionals when needed ensures kitchens operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with NFPA 96. Proper exhaust hood cleaning protects staff, customers, and business investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should restaurant hoods be cleaned?
Daily for surfaces, weekly for filters, monthly for ducts, and quarterly for professional service is recommended.
2. Can staff perform hood cleaning alone?
Daily wipe-downs and weekly filter cleaning can be handled by trained staff, but professional service is needed for ducts and fans.
3. Why is documentation important?
Fire inspectors require logs, reports, and photos to verify compliance with NFPA 96.
4. Do all kitchens need the same cleaning schedule?
No, high-grease kitchens require more frequent cleaning than low-grease kitchens.
5. What are the risks of neglecting a checklist?
Increased fire hazards, failed inspections, insurance problems, and reduced equipment lifespan.
6. Does hood cleaning improve kitchen efficiency?
Yes, clean ducts and fans maintain airflow, reduce energy use, and improve staff working conditions.
7. Which areas are most critical in hood cleaning?
Hoods, filters, ducts, fans, blowers, and make-up air units are the priority.
8. Are there safety precautions during cleaning?
Yes, always use PPE, ensure ventilation, and handle chemicals safely.
9. Does hood cleaning affect insurance coverage?
Regular cleaning and documented maintenance validate claims in case of fire.
10. How to know when professional service is needed?
If grease is baked on, airflow is reduced, or ducts/fans are inaccessible, professional service is necessary.
Services We Provide
Professional commercial kitchen exhaust and ventilation cleaning services ensuring safety and compliance.
