How Often Should You Get Your Restaurant Hood Cleaned?

Running a restaurant means keeping a lot of moving parts in order, but kitchen safety should always come first. One of the most important safety measures is regular hood cleaning. At HOODZ of Exton, we help restaurants throughout Exton, West Chester, Downingtown, and the surrounding areas stay compliant, safe, and confident with professional hood cleaning services. So, how often should you get your restaurant hood cleaned? The answer depends on the type of kitchen you run and how often you cook.

Why Hood Cleaning Matters

Grease buildup in your exhaust hood and ductwork doesn’t just look bad—it creates serious risks. Left unchecked, it can:

• Increase the chance of a dangerous kitchen fire

• Lower air quality and reduce ventilation

• Lead to failed inspections and compliance issues

• Shorten the lifespan of expensive equipment

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created NFPA 96 standards to guide restaurant owners on how often professional hood cleaning should be performed.

NFPA 96 Guidelines for Hood Cleaning

According to NFPA 96, you should clean your commercial kitchen at these minimum intervals:

• Monthly: High-volume kitchens such as 24-hour restaurants, fast food operations, or those using solid fuels like wood or charcoal.

• Quarterly (Every 3 Months): Busy operations like cafeterias, hotel kitchens, or heavily used sit-down restaurants.

• Semi-Annually (Twice a Year): Moderate-volume kitchens, including many casual dining restaurants.

• Annually: Low-volume kitchens such as churches, seasonal businesses, or day camps.

Keep in mind—these are minimum requirements. Depending on your kitchen, more frequent service may be needed.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency

Every kitchen is different. Beyond the NFPA recommendations, consider these factors:

• Cooking style: Frying and charbroiling cause grease to build up faster than baking or steaming.

• Operating hours: The longer your kitchen is open, the faster grease accumulates.

• Ventilation design: Older or less efficient systems often require more frequent service.

• Local codes: Some municipalities in Pennsylvania may enforce stricter cleaning schedules.

Signs It’s Time for a Cleaning

Even if you’re on a regular schedule, certain signs mean you shouldn’t wait until the next service:

• Visible grease dripping from the hood

• Strong odors that won’t go away

• Smoke lingering in the kitchen or dining areas

• Noticeable decrease in airflow

When these issues pop up, it’s time to schedule a cleaning as soon as possible.

Why Choose HOODZ of Exton?

At HOODZ of Exton, we specialize in thorough hood cleaning and full kitchen exhaust system maintenance. Our services:

• Fully comply with NFPA 96 standards and local codes

• Cover hoods, filters, fans, and ductwork for complete protection

• Reduce fire risk and help you pass inspections with ease

• Can be scheduled around your kitchen’s needs and hours of operation

So, how often should you get your restaurant hood cleaned? At least as often as NFPA standards recommend—and possibly more depending on your cooking style and kitchen setup. Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your business safe, your staff protected, and your inspections stress-free.

Ready to schedule professional hood cleaning? Contact HOODZ of Exton today to get started.