Kitchen exhaust cleaners near you

Here's why it's advised the you clean your kitchen exhaust fans:

• Fire prevention. Grease is a major fire hazard in any kitchen. Professional cleaning helps remove the buildup from your hood and ductwork, which can significantly lower the risk of a dangerous grease fire.

• Better airflow. A clean exhaust system typically works more efficiently. It will do a better job of pulling smoke, heat, and odors out of the kitchen, making the space more comfortable and safer to work in.

• Staying compliant. If you run a commercial kitchen, you’re likely required by local fire and health codes to have your system cleaned regularly. A professional service can help you meet these requirements and provide the certification you need.

• Longer equipment life. Grease and grime put extra strain on your exhaust fan motor and other parts. Regular cleanings can help prevent premature breakdowns and costly repairs.

• Fewer odors. Old grease trapped in the exhaust system can create persistent, unpleasant smells. A thorough cleaning often gets rid of the source, leaving your kitchen smelling much fresher.

Before hiring kitchen exhaust cleaning companies, be sure to ask your pro these questions:

• Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?

• Do you clean to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96 standard?

• What’s included in your service? Does it cover the hood, filters, ducts, and exhaust fan?

• Will you provide a service report, including before-and-after photos?

• How do you protect my kitchen appliances and surfaces during the cleaning process?

• What factors can affect the final cost of the job?

• How long will the cleaning take, and how should I prepare the area beforehand?

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• System size and complexity: A larger system with multiple hoods or extensive ductwork will typically require more time and labor to clean thoroughly.

• Grease buildup: If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, heavy grease accumulation can make the job more intensive and time-consuming.

• Accessibility: The location of your exhaust fan and ducts matters. Hard-to-reach components, such as those on a high roof, may increase the cost.

• Cleaning frequency: Pros may offer a lower rate for regularly scheduled cleanings, like quarterly or semi-annually, versus a one-time service.

• Additional services: The price can also change if you need extra tasks done, such as replacing filters, checking fan belts, or polishing the hood.

Consider hiring a pro to clean your kitchen exhaust for the following reasons:

• The best pros thoroughly remove flammable grease buildup from the entire system, which is a major fire hazard.

• Pros often follow national safety standards to help ensure your system is cleaned correctly and operates safely.

• Pros typically have specialized equipment and powerful degreasers to dissolve tough buildup that household products can't.

• Most pros can access and clean every part of the system, including the ductwork and the exhaust fan on the roof.

• A completely clean system improves ventilation, which helps remove smoke and cooking odors from your kitchen more efficiently.

During your pro’s visit, you may expect them to start by inspecting your system and protecting nearby appliances and surfaces with plastic sheeting. They’ll then typically remove the baffle filters and use scrapers, degreasers, and sometimes pressure washers to thoroughly clean the hood, ducts, and exhaust fan. After the cleaning is complete, they’ll polish the hood, reinstall the filters, and clean up their work area, leaving your kitchen ready to use.

It’s recommended that you have your kitchen exhaust system cleaned at least every six months. This can help prevent dangerous grease buildup, which is a leading cause of restaurant fires. Regular cleanings also improve your kitchen’s ventilation and ensure you’re meeting local fire safety codes.

Common signs that indicate it’s time to hire kitchen exhaust cleaning companies include:

• Lingering cooking smells. If odors from your meals stick around long after you’ve finished cooking, your exhaust fan may not be clearing the air properly.

• A greasy film on surfaces. A sticky layer of grease on your cabinets, walls, or the hood itself is a classic sign that the system is clogged and can’t capture airborne grease.

• Loud or rattling noises. The fan motor may sound louder than usual or make strange noises if grease buildup is interfering with its blades or other moving parts.

• Poor suction. You can test this by holding a piece of paper up to the vent while the fan is on. If it doesn’t hold the paper, the airflow is likely blocked.

• A smoky kitchen. If your kitchen fills with smoke when you cook, even with the fan running, it’s a clear signal that the exhaust isn’t venting smoke and heat effectively.