How do you choose a good hood cleaning company?
Not all hood cleaning companies are the same. Some do excellent work with proper documentation. Some cut corners. Here's a 10-point checklist to tell the difference.
1. Do they have IKECA certification?
IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association) is the leading trade organization for hood cleaning professionals. IKECA-certified companies follow established standards for cleaning, documentation, and safety. Ask for their certification number and verify it.
2. Do they understand NFPA 96?
Your hood cleaning company should know NFPA 96 inside and out. They should be able to tell you your cleaning frequency, explain what's required during a cleaning, and know what documentation fire marshals expect. If they can't answer basic NFPA 96 questions, that's a problem.
3. Do they carry $2M+ in liability insurance?
Hood cleaning involves chemicals, rooftop work, and working around expensive kitchen equipment. Your cleaning company should carry at least $2 million in general liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it's current.
4. Do they provide before-and-after photo documentation?
A professional company photographs every component before and after cleaning. These timestamped photos serve as your proof of compliance. Companies that don't provide photo reports may be cutting corners on the actual cleaning.
5. Will they give you a written estimate?
Any reputable company will provide a written estimate before starting work. The estimate should clearly state what's included: number of hoods, ductwork, fans, filters, documentation. Avoid companies that give vague verbal quotes.
6. Can they work after hours?
Your kitchen needs to be closed during cleaning. A good company works nights and weekends so you don't lose business. If a company can only work during business hours, that's a limitation.
7. Do they provide compliance documentation?
After every cleaning, you should receive a compliance certificate, a detailed service report, and photo documentation — delivered within 24 hours. Companies in [Denver](/locations/denver-co/) and [Phoenix](/locations/phoenix-az/) know that local fire officials expect this documentation posted in the kitchen.
8. Can they provide references from similar businesses?
Ask for references from businesses similar to yours — same type of kitchen, same volume. A company that specializes in single-hood restaurants may not be equipped to handle a 15-hood hotel kitchen.
9. Do they offer 24/7 emergency service?
Things happen. Fire suppression systems go off. Inspections get scheduled with short notice. Your hood cleaning company should offer 24/7 emergency availability.
10. Is their pricing transparent with no hidden fees?
The estimate should be the price. No surprise charges for access, rooftop work, documentation, or disposal. Ask upfront: "Is this the total price, with everything included?"
What are red flags when hiring a hood cleaning company?
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Can't provide proof of IKECA certification
- No written estimate
- No photo documentation after cleaning
- Significantly below-market pricing (they're cutting corners)
- No insurance certificate available
- Can't explain NFPA 96 requirements
- No compliance certificate provided after cleaning
Does Pro Kitchen Services meet all 10 criteria?
Yes. Pro Kitchen Services is IKECA certified, NFPA 96 compliant, carries $5M in liability insurance, provides timestamped photo reports with every cleaning, works nights and weekends, offers 24/7 emergency service, and provides complete compliance documentation within 24 hours. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.
Check our [About page](/about/) for more on our certifications. [Get a free quote](/contact/) or call (888) 555-HOOD.
