What Does a Certified Hood Cleaning Include?
If you own or manage a restaurant, you’ve probably been told you need “certified hood cleaning”—but what does that actually mean?
Not all hood cleaning services are the same. A proper, certified cleaning goes far beyond wiping down visible surfaces. It involves a full-system degreasing that ensures your kitchen is safe, compliant with fire codes, and ready to pass inspection.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a certified hood cleaning should include—and how to make sure your provider is doing it right.
What Is a Certified Hood Cleaning?
A certified hood cleaning refers to a complete cleaning of your commercial kitchen exhaust system performed according to NFPA 96 fire safety standards.
This includes cleaning:
The hood canopy Filters Ductwork Exhaust fan
The goal is simple:
Remove all grease buildup that could cause a fire hazard.
A certified cleaning should also include documentation and proof of service, which inspectors look for during fire and health inspections.
What Is Included in a Proper Hood Cleaning?
A professional hood cleaning should cover the entire system—not just what you can see.
1. Pre-Inspection of the System
Before cleaning begins, a technician should:
Inspect the entire exhaust system Identify grease buildup levels Check for fire hazards or code violations
This ensures nothing is missed during the cleaning process.
2. Protection of Your Kitchen Area
A certified company will take steps to protect your kitchen, including:
Covering appliances and cooking surfaces with plastic Setting up containment to prevent mess Protecting floors and surrounding areas
If a company skips this step, it’s a red flag.
3. Cleaning the Hood Canopy
The hood itself should be:
Scraped to remove heavy grease buildup Degreased using professional-grade chemicals Pressure washed (if needed)
All visible grease should be completely removed—not just polished over.
4. Filter Cleaning or Replacement
Filters should be:
Removed and thoroughly cleaned Inspected for damage Reinstalled properly
Grease-filled filters are one of the biggest fire risks in a commercial kitchen.
5. Ductwork Cleaning (CRITICAL)
This is where many companies cut corners.
A certified cleaning includes:
Scraping and degreasing duct interiors Cleaning vertical and horizontal duct runs Ensuring no hidden grease buildup remains
If the ducts aren’t cleaned, the job is NOT complete.
6. Exhaust Fan Cleaning
The rooftop fan must be:
Disassembled if necessary Scraped and degreased Cleaned down to bare metal where possible
Technicians should also check:
Fan blades
Hinges
Grease containment systems
7. Final Inspection & Testing
After cleaning, the technician should:
Inspect the system again
Ensure all grease has been removed
Confirm the system is functioning properly
8. Certification Sticker & Documentation
This is what proves the job was done correctly.
You should receive:
A service report Before/after photos (ideally) A certification sticker placed on the hood
This sticker typically includes:
Date of service Company name Next recommended cleaning
Inspectors look for this.
What Inspectors Look For
Fire inspectors and health officials typically check for:
Grease buildup in the hood and ducts Proper cleaning intervals Certification sticker Overall fire safety compliance
If your system isn’t properly cleaned, you could face:
Failed inspections
Fines
Increased fire risk
Insurance issues
Signs Your Hood Was NOT Properly Cleaned
Watch for these red flags:
Grease still visible in ducts or fan Strong lingering grease smell No certification sticker No documentation or photos Mess left behind in your kitchen
If you see any of these, your cleaning may not meet NFPA standards.
H2: How Often Should You Schedule Certified Hood Cleaning?
According to NFPA 96 guidelines:
High-volume kitchens: Monthly Moderate-volume: Quarterly Low-volume: Semi-annually Churches/schools: Annually
Staying on schedule is key to passing inspections and preventing fire hazards.
Professional Hood Cleaning in Georgia
At Hood-Pro, we provide certified hood cleaning services for restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food service facilities across Metro Atlanta, GA
Our team follows NFPA 96 standards to ensure:
Full system cleaning Inspection readiness Proper documentation
If you want peace of mind knowing your kitchen is safe and compliant, we’re here to help.