Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Questions, Answered

Under NFPA 96: monthly for solid-fuel cooking, every 1–3 months for high-volume, 24-hour, charbroil and wok cooking, every 6 months for moderate volume, and annually for low-volume or seasonal kitchens.

NFPA 96 is the national fire-protection standard for commercial cooking exhaust systems. It covers how often systems must be inspected and cleaned.

Usually local fire marshals and municipal code officials, so practices vary by town. After every cleaning you get a signed report to show an inspector or insurer.

Grease builds up inside the hood, ductwork and exhaust fan every time you cook. That buildup is a leading fire hazard in commercial kitchens, which is why the standard requires regular professional cleaning.

You raise your fire risk, and you can be cited by a fire marshal or code official during an inspection. Your insurance carrier may also ask for cleaning records after a loss, so keeping your schedule current protects you.

It depends on what and how much you cook. Tell us about your menu, cooking equipment and hours and we will recommend a schedule that follows NFPA 96, and can put you on a recurring plan.

Yes, keep one. After every service you receive a signed report documenting the work, which you can show to inspectors and insurers.

The hood, plenum, duct, exhaust fan and filters — the full path from the cooking line to the roof.

We schedule around your hours, usually after close, and protect surrounding equipment and floors.

It depends on the size and condition of the system. We will give you an estimate with your quote.

Yes. The exhaust fan is part of the full system cleaning, from the cooking line up to the roof.

We will tell you what to expect when you schedule. In general, make sure we can reach the hood and any access points, and ask us anything specific to your kitchen when you book.

Yes. We protect surrounding equipment and floors during the cleaning and leave the work area clean when we finish.

Call 1-866-804-9157 or submit the form on our contact page. Most callers hear back within minutes.

Pricing depends on kitchen size, hood configuration and cleaning frequency. We provide a free itemized quote before every job.

Yes. Call 1-866-804-9157 any time. Calls are answered 24/7 and we offer scheduling and emergency service around the clock.

Yes. If you need urgent service, call right away and tell us it is an emergency, and we will work to get you on the schedule as soon as possible.

Yes. Most of our work is scheduled around your service hours, including after close and overnight for 24-hour operations.

Yes. We can put your kitchen on a recurring schedule so you never miss a due date.

Yes. MidAtlantic Hood & Duct is licensed and insured for work in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, DC.

A signed service report with photos documenting the work. It is your compliance record for inspectors and insurance carriers.

Ask us when you request a quote and we will get you what you need.

Over 20 years, serving the Mid-Atlantic and thousands of commercial kitchens.

We are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, a member of NFPA, and a member of our local Chamber of Commerce.

Yes. Grease trap cleaning and FOG compliance is one of our core services, with a signed manifest after every visit.

FOG stands for fats, oils and grease. Many municipalities require commercial kitchens to keep grease traps and interceptors serviced, and to keep records showing it was done.

Yes, through our Additional Exhaust Services, including fan work, access panels and hinge kits.

A deep clean of the whole kitchen beyond the exhaust system. Ask us what is included for your kitchen when you request a quote.

Yes. We offer hot-water pressure washing for dumpster pads, loading areas, back entrances, sidewalks and building exteriors.

Often, yes. Tell us everything you need when you request a quote and we will plan it together.

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, DC.

950 Ridge Road, Suite C16, Claymont, DE 19703.

Restaurants, schools and other commercial kitchens, from single-location owners to larger operations.

Yes. Tell us about your locations and we will plan scheduling across them.

Browse our service area pages to find your county and city, or call 1-866-804-9157 and we will confirm.