You can get a better idea of whether your hood cleaning company cleaned the entire commercial kitchen exhaust system by reviewing the service documentation and inspecting safely accessible parts of the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan.
A clean-looking hood does not necessarily mean the entire system was cleaned. Your kitchen exhaust system extends beyond the visible hood, so the ductwork and exhaust fan should also be accounted for during service.
What should you check after a commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning?
After service, check:
- The service or inspection tag
- The completion report
- Safely accessible areas of the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan
The completion report is especially important because it can help clarify what was serviced, whether any areas were inaccessible, and whether additional attention is needed.
Before-and-after photos can also be helpful when they are provided, but they are not required in every case.
Does a clean hood mean the entire exhaust system is clean?
No. The hood is only one part of the commercial kitchen exhaust system.
Grease can also accumulate inside the ductwork and around the rooftop exhaust fan, so a clean hood alone does not confirm that the full system was serviced.
What should a hood cleaning completion report include?
A completion report should help you understand what happened during the service and whether there were any limitations or concerns.
Look for information about:
- Areas that were cleaned
- Areas that were inaccessible or could not be fully serviced
- Deficiencies or concerns discovered during service
- Recommendations for follow-up work or future service
Your hood cleaning company should be able to clearly explain what they found and what your system may need going forward.
Are before-and-after photos required after hood cleaning?
No. Before-and-after photos can be useful documentation, but they are not always provided.
When photos are included, they can help show the condition of hard-to-see areas such as ductwork or the exhaust fan. Your service tag and completion report are more important for understanding the overall scope of the work.
How can you visually inspect the system after cleaning?
Only inspect areas that are safely and appropriately accessible.
Depending on your system, you may be able to:
- Remove the hood filters and look inside the hood
- Look through existing access doors into visible ductwork
- Inspect the exhaust fan where it is safe to do so
- Check for significant remaining grease buildup
If you find grease in an area you expected to have been cleaned, contact the company that performed the service and ask about it.
Do not access rooftops, fans, ductwork, or other equipment unless it can be done safely.
What parts of a commercial kitchen exhaust system should be cleaned?
A commercial kitchen exhaust system includes three primary areas:
The hood: The visible portion above the cooking equipment.
The ductwork: The duct system that carries grease-laden exhaust away from the kitchen.
The exhaust fan: The fan that pulls air through the system and exhausts it from the building.
The exact areas that need cleaning depend on the condition of the system and where grease buildup is present.
What should you do if you think part of the system was missed?
Start by reviewing your completion report and contacting the company that performed the service.
Ask whether the area in question was cleaned, whether it was accessible, and whether anything prevented it from being fully serviced.
If you still have concerns, another qualified kitchen exhaust cleaning company can inspect the system and provide a second opinion.
Can Bare Metal Standard inspect work completed by another hood cleaning company?
Yes. Bare Metal Standard can inspect a commercial kitchen exhaust system even if another company performed the previous cleaning.
During a full-system inspection, we look at the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan to better understand:
- How the system is configured
- What areas may need attention
- Potential deficiencies or access limitations
- What the system needs going forward
If you’re unsure what your current hood cleaning company completed, Bare Metal Standard offers a free full-system inspection and report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hood cleaning company cleaned the entire system?
Review the service tag and completion report, then inspect safely accessible areas of the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan. A clean hood alone does not confirm that the entire system was serviced.
Does hood cleaning include ductwork?
Ductwork is part of the commercial kitchen exhaust system and should be addressed when grease buildup is present.
Does hood cleaning include the exhaust fan?
Yes. The exhaust fan is part of the commercial kitchen exhaust system and should be included when it requires cleaning.
Are before-and-after photos required?
No. Photos can be helpful, but they are not always provided. The completion report is more important for understanding what was serviced and whether any areas were inaccessible.
Can I get a second opinion after a kitchen exhaust cleaning?
Yes. Another qualified hood cleaning company can inspect the system and help identify remaining grease buildup, access limitations, or other concerns.
Not Sure Whether Your Entire Exhaust System Was Cleaned?
A clean hood is only part of the picture.
If you’re unsure what your current hood cleaning company completed, Bare Metal Standard can inspect the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan and help you understand the condition of your system.
Request a free full-system inspection and price quote from Bare Metal Standard.