# Kitchen hood cleaning: what the fire code expects > The fire code (NFPA 96) sets how often to clean: monthly for wood or charcoal cooking, about every 3 months for busy kitchens, every 6 months for moderate use, and yearly for light use. A certified cleaner should clean the hood, filters, ducts and roof fan and leave a dated sticker. - URL: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=kitchen-hood-cleaning ## Step by step 1. **A busy kitchen sends grease up into the hood.** Every day, with every meal. 2. **Grease builds up in the hood, filters, ducts and fan.** Most of it hides inside the ducts, where you can’t see it. 3. **That grease can catch fire.** A kitchen fire can race through greasy ducts all the way to the roof. 4. **The fire code sets how often.** It’s called NFPA 96. The more you cook, the more often you clean. 5. **Hire a pro to clean it.** They cover your kitchen, then clean from the hood all the way up to the roof fan. 6. **They put a dated sticker on the hood.** It shows when it was cleaned, and when it’s due again. 7. **Fire inspectors and insurance companies check that sticker.** Missing or out of date? You could get a fine, and a claim could be harder to get paid. 8. **Keep your kitchen fire system checked too.** That includes the K-class extinguisher, made for cooking oil fires. 9. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 10. **Look for a certified hood cleaner.** Ask for proof of insurance and before and after photos. ## Checklist - Know your cleaning schedule - Hire a certified cleaner - Clean hood, filters, ducts and roof fan - Get the dated sticker - Keep before and after photos - Check the K-class extinguisher ## Why it matters Cooking sends grease into the hood, filters, ducts and roof fan. Most of it hides where you can’t see it. That grease can catch fire and spread fast. ## How often (NFPA 96) - Wood or charcoal cooking: monthly - High volume, like 24-hour or busy grills: about every 3 months - Moderate volume: about every 6 months - Low volume, like churches or seasonal kitchens: once a year Your local fire marshal may set stricter rules. ## What a good cleaning includes The hood, filters, ducts and roof fan, not just what’s easy to reach. A sticker on the hood shows the date and when it’s due again. ## Inspections and insurance Fire inspectors and insurance companies look for that sticker. Missing or old cleanings can mean fines, and can make a claim harder. ## Common questions ### Can my staff clean the hood? Staff can clean filters often, but the ducts and fan usually need a trained, certified hood cleaner. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/can-my-staff-clean-the-hood ### What is a K-class extinguisher? It’s made for cooking oil and grease fires. Commercial kitchens are usually required to have one. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/what-is-a-k-class-extinguisher ### How often does a restaurant hood need cleaning? The fire code standard NFPA 96 sets it by cooking volume: monthly for solid fuel like wood or charcoal, quarterly for high volume like 24-hour, charbroiling or wok cooking, twice a year for moderate volume, and yearly for low volume. Your local fire marshal may set stricter rules. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/how-often-does-a-restaurant-hood-need-cleaning ### Who is allowed to clean a kitchen hood? NFPA 96 calls for properly trained and qualified people. Many areas expect a certified hood cleaning company. Check with your local fire marshal. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/who-is-allowed-to-clean-a-kitchen-hood ### Does cleaning the filters count as cleaning the hood? No. Staff should clean filters often, but the full system, including the ducts and roof fan, must be professionally cleaned on schedule. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/does-cleaning-the-filters-count-as-cleaning-the-hood ### What goes on the hood cleaning sticker? The company’s name, the date it was cleaned, and any areas that weren’t cleaned. Inspectors and insurers look for it. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/what-goes-on-the-hood-cleaning-sticker ### Will insurance pay for a kitchen fire if the hood was dirty? It may make a claim harder or lead to a denial, depending on your policy. Keeping cleaning records and stickers up to date protects you. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/will-insurance-pay-for-a-kitchen-fire-if-the-hood-was-dirty ### How long does hood cleaning take? Usually a few hours, often done overnight or when the kitchen is closed, so you don’t lose business. Source page: https://explained.page/kitchen-hood-cleaning/questions/how-long-does-hood-cleaning-take ## Official sources - [NFPA 96 (fire code for commercial kitchens)](https://www.nfpa.org/) - [U.S. Fire Administration](https://www.usfa.fema.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] fire marshal inspection" - "certified hood cleaning near me" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.