October is Fire Prevention Month, and for restaurant owners, that means one thing: it’s time to get serious about your kitchen’s hood and exhaust system. This isn’t just a regulatory box to check, it’s a frontline defense against one of the leading causes of commercial fires in the U.S.
With the holiday season approaching, now is the perfect time to assess your risk, schedule service, and ensure your kitchen is compliant, safe, and operating at peak performance. Here’s what you need to know and how Nana’s General Services can help.
Grease is more dangerous than you think
Every time your team fires up the grill, fryer, or stove, vaporized grease is released into the air. These particles don’t vanish, they’re pulled into your hood system, where they settle and harden in filters, ducts, fans, and the exhaust canopy.
Over time, this buildup becomes a serious fire hazard. In fact, kitchen exhaust systems are among the top ignition points for restaurant fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It’s not just about keeping your kitchen clean, it’s about preventing disaster.
A single spark or flare-up can ignite layers of grease, spreading flames quickly through the exhaust system and into the roof structure. Without proper maintenance, even a small kitchen fire can lead to catastrophic damage, loss of business, or even injury.
NFPA 96: compliance isn’t optional
The NFPA 96 Standard outlines ventilation control and fire protection for commercial cooking operations. These aren’t just guidelines, they’re code requirements enforced by local fire marshals, insurance companies, and health departments.
Cleaning frequency recommendations under NFPA 96:
| Type of Cooking Operation | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
| Solid fuel cooking (e.g., wood-fired) | Monthly |
| High-volume cooking (e.g., fryers, grills, 24/7 operations) | Quarterly (every 3 months) |
| Moderate-volume cooking | Semi-annually (every 6 months) |
| Low-volume or seasonal cooking | Annually |
If you can’t show documentation that your system has been cleaned within the proper timeframe, you could face fines, failed inspections, or insurance coverage issues.
More than fire safety, the hidden benefits of hood cleaning
While safety is the #1 reason to clean your hood system, the benefits go far beyond that:
Improved kitchen airflow
Grease buildup blocks airflow, trapping heat, smoke, and odors in the kitchen. Clean systems improve ventilation, making your kitchen more comfortable and reducing HVAC strain.
Longer equipment life
Dirty hoods and fans force exhaust systems to work harder. That leads to breakdowns, energy waste, and expensive repairs. Routine cleaning protects your investment.
Better inspections
Fire officials and health inspectors check hood cleanliness and documentation. A spotless, well-maintained system demonstrates professionalism and protects your reputation.
Reduced downtime
Fire damage isn’t just dangerous, it’s disruptive. A small hood fire can shut down your kitchen for days or weeks. Preventive cleaning avoids surprise closures and keeps revenue flowing.
What’s included in a professional hood cleaning?
Not all hood cleanings are created equal. A qualified provider will service every part of the system:
- Hood Canopy: Grease is scraped, degreased, and polished.
- Grease Filters: Removed and cleaned or replaced.
- Plenum & Ductwork: Degreased from hood to fan.
- Exhaust Fan & Roof: Cleaned and checked for motor or belt wear.
- Floor & Surrounding Surfaces: Protected during cleaning and left spotless after.
Professionals will also provide before-and-after photos and a cleaning certificate to prove NFPA 96 compliance.
Why October is the best time to clean
There’s a reason Fire Prevention Month is in October, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the seasonal rush.
Here’s why:
- Holiday cooking spikes in November and December — you want a clean system before it’s pushed to the limit.
- Inspectors ramp up site visits in Q4 — don’t risk non-compliance.
- Grease buildup is often worst after summer — especially in high-heat, high-volume kitchens.
- Insurance audits tend to occur at year-end — have your documentation ready.
How to choose a reliable hood cleaning company
When searching for “restaurant hood cleaning near me,” keep these criteria in mind:
- Licensed and insured
- Certified in NFPA 96 compliance
- Provides photos and compliance logs
- Uses proper PPE and degreasing tools
- Flexible hours, overnight or early morning services available
- Local reputation with food service clients
Why restaurants trust Nana’s General Services
At Nana’s General Services, we specialize in restaurant cleaning—and that includes hood systems built for high-demand kitchens across Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, and North Charleston.
Our hood cleaning includes:
- Full NFPA 96 compliance.
- Flexible scheduling to avoid service interruptions.
- Detailed reports and certificates for inspections.
- Owner-inspected final walkthroughs.
- Multilingual, uniformed crews trained for restaurant safety
We don’t just clean, we protect your business, your team, and your brand.
What happens if you don’t?
Skipping hood cleaning (or hiring unqualified providers) can lead to:
- Grease fires spreading through ducts
- Health code violations or closures
- Insurance claim denials
- Equipment damage
- Danger to staff and guests
Don’t wait for a near-miss to take action.
Ready to clean?
If it’s been more than 3–6 months since your last hood cleaning, or you’re unsure when it was done, October is the time to act.
Let Nana’s General Services help you stay safe, pass every inspection, and cook with confidence.