Commercial Services
Hood Filter Cleaning in the Bay Area
NFPA 96 compliant service for restaurants and commercial kitchens across all 9 Bay Area counties, scheduled after hours.
What Is Hood Filter Cleaning?
The baffle filters in your hood are the first line of defense against grease. They are designed to catch grease out of the air before it reaches the ductwork, but only when they are clean.
Hood filter cleaning means taking the filters out, soaking them in a degreasing solution and rinsing them until the baffles are open and clean again. We do it as part of every hood cleaning, and it is a good habit to keep up between cleanings too.
Why It Matters for Fire Safety and NFPA 96
A clogged filter stops trapping grease and starts passing it into the duct and fan, where it is harder and more costly to remove. Clogged filters also restrict airflow, so the kitchen gets hotter and smokier.
NFPA 96 requires filters to be in place and kept in good condition. Damaged or missing filters leave the ductwork exposed to grease and flame.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
Remove filters
We pull every filter from the hood and check each one for damage or warping.
- 2
Soak
Filters go into a hot degreasing soak that breaks down hardened grease in the baffles.
- 3
Rinse
Each filter is pressure rinsed until the baffles are clear and light passes through.
- 4
Reinstall
Clean filters go back in the hood with the baffles facing the right way, with no gaps.
- 5
Note replacements
Any bent, damaged or missing filters are listed in your report so you can replace them.
Signs You Need Hood Filter Cleaning
- Filters look dark, sticky or drip grease
- You can't see light through the baffles
- Smoke is escaping the hood during busy service
- Filters are bent or don't sit flush in the rack
Documentation You Receive
After every job you get a before-and-after photo report showing the work, a certificate of performance listing what was cleaned and when, and a dated sticker on your hood. Keep them on file for your local fire inspector, your insurance carrier and your landlord.
Hood Filter Cleaning FAQs
Can my staff clean the filters between services?
Yes, and many kitchens do. Regular in-house filter cleaning keeps grease out of the duct, but it does not replace a full professional exhaust cleaning.
Do you replace damaged filters?
We note any damaged or missing filters in your report. Tell us when you request a quote if you want to talk about replacements.
Is filter cleaning enough to meet NFPA 96?
No. NFPA 96 covers the entire exhaust system. Clean filters help, but the hood, duct and fan still need to be cleaned on schedule.
More Services and Service Areas
See every service on our commercial services overview.