FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
What is commercial hood cleaning?
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It is the removal of grease from a commercial kitchen exhaust system, including the hood, plenum, filters, ductwork, and exhaust fan, followed by documentation of the work.
How often should a restaurant hood be cleaned?
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It depends on cooking type and volume. NFPA 96 gives inspection frequency guidance, for example quarterly for high-volume cooking such as charbroiling or wok cooking. Your local fire authority decides what applies.
What is NFPA 96?
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NFPA 96 is the National Fire Protection Association standard for ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations. Adoption and enforcement depend on your local authority having jurisdiction.
Does hood cleaning include the ductwork?
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Our service includes accessible ductwork. Any section that cannot be reached is noted on the service record.
Do you clean rooftop exhaust fans?
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Yes. The rooftop fan is cleaned as part of a full exhaust service when it can be accessed safely.
How long does restaurant hood cleaning take?
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A single hood with a short duct often takes a few hours. Larger or heavily soiled systems take longer.
What affects the price of hood cleaning?
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Hood count and length, duct length and access, fan type and number, grease buildup, cooking volume, scheduling needs, and location.
Can a commercial kitchen operate during hood cleaning?
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No. Cooking equipment must be off and cool. That is why most cleanings are scheduled after hours.
What documentation should a hood cleaning contractor provide?
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A service record listing the date, what was cleaned, any inaccessible areas, and observations. Some jurisdictions also expect a service label on the hood.
Why is grease duct cleaning important?
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Grease inside ducts is hidden fuel. If a fire enters the exhaust, that grease can spread it through the building.
What is the difference between hood cleaning and kitchen exhaust cleaning?
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The terms are often used the same way, but some providers only clean the visible canopy. Kitchen exhaust cleaning describes the full system: hood, duct, and fan.
What happens if an exhaust system has inaccessible duct sections?
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They cannot be fully cleaned. We document them and can discuss whether access panels are appropriate.
Do food trucks require kitchen hood cleaning?
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Food trucks with grease-producing cooking typically have hoods that need cleaning. Requirements vary by local authority.
How are heavily used commercial kitchens cleaned?
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With more scraping, longer degreaser dwell time, and usually more frequent visits.
What should restaurant owners do before their scheduled cleaning?
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Turn off and cool equipment, put away food, clear the area under the hood, and confirm building and roof access.
Do you serve all of Tennessee?
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We serve commercial kitchens across Tennessee. Check the service area directory or call to confirm scheduling in your location.
Do you have a physical office in every city?
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No. Our service area pages describe where we provide service, not office locations.
Can you clean multiple locations?
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Yes. Multi-location operators can schedule several sites with consistent scope and records.
Ready for a cleaner exhaust system?
Free quotes for commercial kitchens anywhere in Tennessee.