How Often Should You Get Your Restaurant Hood Cleaned

Running a restaurant in Rhode Island means balancing everything from daily operations to customer satisfaction—but kitchen safety should never take a back seat. One of the most important steps to keeping your restaurant safe is routine hood cleaning. At HOODZ of Providence, we proudly serve Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and the surrounding areas with professional hood cleaning services that keep kitchens safe, compliant, and inspection-ready. So, how often should you get your restaurant hood cleaned? The answer depends on the type of kitchen you run and how much cooking you do.

Why Hood Cleaning Is Critical

Your hood and exhaust system are designed to remove heat, smoke, and grease from your kitchen. Over time, grease accumulates inside the system, which can:

• Greatly increase the risk of a kitchen fire

• Limit ventilation and create unpleasant odors

• Cause health and fire inspection failures

• Lead to costly damage to your equipment

That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established NFPA 96 standards, which set minimum hood cleaning schedules for commercial kitchens.

NFPA 96 Hood Cleaning Schedule

Here are the recommended guidelines based on cooking type and volume:

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

• Quarterly (Every 3 Months): Busy operations including cafeterias, hotel kitchens, and high-traffic restaurants.

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

• Annually: Low-volume kitchens, including seasonal facilities, churches, and day camps.

These represent the minimum requirements—many kitchens benefit from more frequent cleaning to stay safe.

Factors That Can Change Your Schedule

Every kitchen is unique, so NFPA guidelines are just a starting point. You may need service more often based on:

• Cooking methods: Frying and charbroiling produce much more grease than baking or steaming.

• Hours of operation: The longer your kitchen is open, the faster grease builds up.

• Ventilation design: Older or less efficient exhaust systems may need more frequent cleaning.

• Local regulations: Rhode Island and city inspectors may enforce stricter requirements.

Signs It’s Time for Cleaning

If you’re not sure when your last service was, look for these warning signs:

• Grease visibly dripping from the hood or ductwork

• Persistent smoke or odors after cooking

• Reduced airflow or poor ventilation

• Smoke spreading into the dining area

If you notice any of these, don’t wait until your next scheduled cleaning—call right away.

Why Work with HOODZ of Providence?

At HOODZ of Providence, we deliver complete hood cleaning and kitchen exhaust services that:

• Meet NFPA 96 and local Rhode Island fire codes

• Include hoods, fans, filters, and ductwork for thorough results

• Help reduce fire risk and improve your kitchen’s air quality

• Can be scheduled around your restaurant’s hours to minimize downtime

So, how often should you get your restaurant hood cleaned? At least as often as NFPA standards require—but often more frequently depending on your kitchen’s needs. Staying ahead of grease buildup is the best way to protect your staff, customers, and business.

Ready to schedule your next hood cleaning? Contact HOODZ of Providence today to get started.