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Technician in protective coveralls scraping grease from the inside of a commercial kitchen hood plenum

Hood and exhaust

Kitchen Exhaust System Degreasing

Chemical degreasing and hot water rinse of heavily coated exhaust systems.

Grease changes as it ages. Fresh grease is soft and wipes off; older deposits harden into a varnish-like coating that scraping alone will not remove. Degreasing uses commercial chemicals and dwell time to soften that coating before it is rinsed away with hot water.

We match the method to the buildup: scraping for thick deposits, degreaser for hardened layers, and pressure washing to rinse the system. Runoff is captured and disposed of appropriately.

What this service covers

  • Hood interior and plenum
  • Ductwork
  • Fan wheel and housing
  • Filters

Common problems we address

  • Hard, glazed grease
  • Systems not cleaned for a long time
  • High-temperature cooking residue

Safety and NFPA 96

For kitchen exhaust system degreasing, NFPA 96 (the National Fire Protection Association standard for commercial cooking operations) is the usual reference for inspection, cleaning access, 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 buildup scraping misses
  • Cleaner bare metal surfaces
  • Better baseline for recurring service

Process

How we perform kitchen exhaust system degreasing

  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

Stainless steel commercial kitchen hood with exposed exhaust ductwork running across the ceilingLong 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

Kitchen Exhaust System Degreasing questions

Are your degreasers safe for food areas?+

Cooking equipment is covered during cleaning, and the area is wiped down afterward. Ask us about the specific products used.

Serving all of Tennessee

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