How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Kitchen Hood?
If you’re not following the proper NFPA 96 hood cleaning schedule, you’re putting your restaurant at risk for grease fires, shutdowns, and fines — even if your kitchen looks clean on the surface. Most owners have no idea what the real cleaning schedule should be.
Let’s fix that.
NFPA 96 Hood Cleaning Requirements You Need to Know
A shiny hood doesn’t mean your system is safe. Grease builds up behind filters, inside ductwork, and on the rooftop fan — areas most restaurant owners never see. These hidden grease traps are fire hazards waiting to ignite.
If you’re only cleaning when the surface looks dirty, you’re cleaning too late.
What NFPA 96 Actually Requires (Most Don’t Know This)
NFPA 96 Sections 11.6.1 and 12.7.2 require certified professionals to clean kitchen exhaust systems — especially when grease builds up in hidden areas like:
- Inside the hood plenum
- Behind or beneath cooking appliances
- Inside vertical and horizontal ductwork
- In the exhaust fan and fan housing
Skipping or delaying proper cleaning can lead to denied insurance claims and legal liability after a fire.
Cleaning Frequency Based on Cooking Type
Here’s the recommended NFPA 96 cleaning schedule:
| Cooking Type | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| 24-hour high-volume (wok/fryers) | Every 1 month |
| Charbroilers, grills, heavy use | Every 3 months |
| Pizza ovens, low grease volume | Every 6 months |
| Churches, seasonal cooking | Every 12 months |
We’ve seen kitchens go up in flames because they waited 6 months — when they needed cleaning monthly.
Why “Cheap Cleanings” Could Cost You Thousands
Some companies just wipe down the hood and call it done. No duct access. No photos. No rooftop fan cleaning.
That’s not NFPA 96 compliant — and if an inspector walks in, you’re the one getting shut down, not the cleaning company.
At Velocity, we provide:
✅ Full hood, duct, and fan cleaning
✅ Rooftop exhaust fan access + belt checks
✅ Before/after photo documentation
✅ FREE grease containment system (valued at $200+)
BONUS: Fire Prevention with Our Filter + Fan Maintenance Programs
Your hood isn’t the only thing collecting grease. Filters clog fast — and when they do, they stop working.
That’s why we offer:
- Weekly Filter Exchange Program
- Fan belt checks + motor lubrication included with each hood cleaning
- FREE second set of stainless filters with annual program
- 1–2 FREE hood cleanings per year (ask how to qualify)
Want to forget about fire-code compliance? We’ll handle it all.
How to Get a Free Hood Cleaning This Year
Here’s how to qualify:
- Sign up for our Weekly Filter Exchange Program
- Choose a 12-month agreement
- Get 1 free hood cleaning every year
- Add Appliance Steam Cleaning → get a second one free
Book a Free Estimate and Stay Compliant
Let’s walk your kitchen together — we’ll inspect your system, explain your options, and help you stay NFPA 96 compliant — with no pressure.
📍 Serving Bothell and surrounding cities
📞 Call, text, or book online: [Schedule Your Free Estimate]
🔥 Protect your kitchen. Prevent a fire. Stay open.
Need help today?
We’re available for emergency cleanings and rush inspections — just call (425) 879-6240.
Velocity provides certified NFPA 96 hood cleaning for commercial kitchens across Bothell and the surrounding areas.