Most restaurant operators know they need to clean their kitchen hood — but many don't realize that the hood itself is only one part of a complete exhaust system that requires regular cleaning. Southern KY Hood Cleaning provides complete commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning throughout Bowling Green and Southern Kentucky, covering every component from the hood down to the rooftop exhaust fan.
The Complete Exhaust System
A commercial kitchen exhaust system is made up of several interconnected components, each of which accumulates grease over time. Cleaning only the hood while leaving the ductwork and fan uncleaned doesn't meet NFPA 96 requirements and leaves significant fire hazards in place.
Grease Filters
Baffle filters capture the first wave of grease before it enters the plenum. They need regular removal and cleaning to maintain airflow and filter effectiveness.
Hood & Plenum
The plenum is the collection chamber above the filters where grease pools before being drawn into the ductwork. Heavy buildup here is a primary fire risk.
Ductwork
Grease coats duct walls throughout the entire run from hood to roof. In older systems or high-volume kitchens, buildup can be substantial and hard to reach.
Exhaust Fan
The rooftop fan is often the most neglected part of the system. Fan blades and housing collect heavy grease deposits that reduce performance and create fire risk.
Why Complete Exhaust Cleaning Matters
Grease fires don't start only at the cooking surface — they can ignite anywhere in the exhaust pathway where grease has accumulated. A fire starting in the ductwork or at the rooftop fan is particularly dangerous because it's hidden from view and can spread rapidly through the building before being detected.
Kentucky fire inspectors and insurance underwriters increasingly require documentation of complete exhaust system cleaning, not just hood cleaning. A service report that documents cleaning of only the hood may not satisfy a compliance requirement or insurance claim.
What Sets Our Exhaust Cleaning Apart
- We clean the entire accessible system — hood, plenum, duct, and fan — every time
- We use commercial-grade degreasers and hot water pressure equipment
- We protect your kitchen equipment with plastic sheeting before starting
- We document grease levels found and provide before-and-after service reports
- We apply dated service stickers to the hood as required by NFPA 96
- We note any access panel deficiencies or system issues that need attention
Commercial Kitchens We Serve
We clean exhaust systems for all types of commercial cooking operations throughout Southern Kentucky including full-service restaurants, fast food and quick-service operations, hotel and motel kitchens, university and school cafeterias, hospital and healthcare facility kitchens, corporate dining rooms, assisted living and nursing home kitchens, and event venue commercial kitchens.
How long does a complete exhaust cleaning take?
A typical single-hood restaurant system takes 2–4 hours for a complete cleaning. Larger systems with multiple hoods, long duct runs, or heavy grease buildup take longer. We'll give you a time estimate when we provide your quote.
What if my ductwork doesn't have access panels?
NFPA 96 requires access panels in ductwork for cleaning purposes. If your system lacks proper access, we'll document this as a deficiency in our report. We can discuss options for adding access panels during a future visit.
Do you clean the grease containment system on the roof?
Yes — we clean the rooftop fan housing and the area around the exhaust outlet. Grease that accumulates on the roof around the fan is a fire hazard and also creates liability for property damage.