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TennesseeHood Cleaners
Stainless steel commercial kitchen hood with exposed exhaust ductwork running across the ceiling

Hood and exhaust

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning

Cleaning the full exhaust path from the cooking line to the roof.

Kitchen exhaust cleaning treats the hood, duct, and fan as one connected system. Grease that escapes the filters does not stop at the hood; it coats the plenum, travels into the duct, and collects in the fan and on the roof. Cleaning only the visible hood leaves most of that grease in place.

Our exhaust cleaning follows the grease from start to finish. We clean each accessible section, capture runoff, and document the system so you know which parts were cleaned and whether any sections need better access.

What this service covers

  • Hood and plenum
  • Exhaust collar and transitions
  • Horizontal and vertical duct
  • Duct access panels
  • Exhaust fan and curb

Common problems we address

  • Hood looks clean but duct is heavily coated
  • Odor or smoke problems despite clean filters
  • Grease leaking at duct seams
  • Fan struggling or running loud

Safety and NFPA 96

NFPA 96, the National Fire Protection Association standard for commercial cooking operations, addresses inspection and cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems, including access for cleaning and documentation. The edition in force and how it is enforced depend on your local authority having jurisdiction. We clean thoroughly and document our work, but no contractor can guarantee an inspection result. Learn more about NFPA 96.

Benefits for your business

  • Removes grease where it is hardest to see
  • Supports consistent airflow
  • Reduces fuel load in concealed spaces
  • Documents the full system

Process

How we perform commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning

  1. 01

    Pre-service walkthrough to confirm hood count, duct routing, fan type, and access points.

  2. 02

    Cooking equipment is covered or shielded and floors are protected with plastic sheeting.

  3. 03

    Grease filters are removed and soaked or degreased separately.

  4. 04

    Heavy deposits are hand scraped from the hood canopy, plenum, and accessible duct.

  5. 05

    Commercial degreaser is applied and allowed dwell time to break down hardened grease.

  6. 06

    Surfaces are rinsed with hot water pressure washing and wastewater is captured.

  7. 07

    The rooftop exhaust fan is cleaned, and accessible fan components are checked.

  8. 08

    Filters are reinstalled, the kitchen is wiped down, and the system is tested.

  9. 09

    Service documentation is provided, noting areas cleaned and any areas that could not be reached.

Photos

From our work

Technician in protective coveralls scraping grease from the inside of a commercial kitchen hood plenumLong stainless steel exhaust hood above a commercial kitchen cooking line with fryers and rangesBefore and after comparison of a grease coated exhaust fan and hood interior next to the same components after cleaning

FAQ

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning questions

What is the difference between hood cleaning and exhaust cleaning?

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People often use the terms interchangeably. A thorough service should include the hood, the duct, and the fan. Ask any provider to confirm whether ductwork and fan are included.

Do you provide photos?

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Before and after photos can be included with the service record when requested and when conditions allow.

Serving all of Tennessee

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