Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Whether you're preparing for an inspection, managing a busy kitchen, or just exploring our services, this page answers the most common questions we hear from restaurant owners, facility managers, and kitchen operators across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Don't see your question? Contact us — we're happy to help.

What are your core services?

• Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning

• Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Maintenance

• Commercial Kitchen, Exhaust Maintainance and Repairs

• Commercial Filters Cleaning and Exchange Service

• Pollution Control Unit / PCU System Service

• Roof Grease Containment Solutions

• Grease Trap Cleaning and Line Jetting

How often should I have my commercial kitchen hood cleaned?

According to NFPA 96 standards, the cleaning frequency depends on the type and volume of cooking. For example:

• High-volume kitchens (24/7, wok cooking, frying): every 1 month

• Moderate use: every 3 months

• Low-volume kitchens (churches, seasonal use): every 6 to 12 months

We can help you determine the appropriate cleaning schedule based on your kitchen’s use.

Are your services compliant with NFPA 96 and local fire codes?

Yes. All of our commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning services are fully NFPA 96-compliant, and we ensure documentation is provided for fire marshal inspections, insurance, and health departments.

Do you provide before-and-after photos?

Absolutely! We document every job with before-and-after photos, and can provide digital copies for your records, inspections, or insurance audits.

Can you service my kitchen after business hours?

Yes. We offer after-hours, weekend, and overnight cleaning services to minimize disruption to your kitchen operations.

Do you offer maintenance programs or recurring service plans?

Yes, we offer customized maintenance plans based on your needs — monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual. This helps you stay compliant and reduces the risk of grease fires or citations.

What areas do you service?

We serve a wide area across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC — including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Bethesda, Columbia, and more.

What’s included in a typical hood cleaning service?

Our 7-step process includes:

1. Assessment

Our service begins with a thorough assessment of your kitchen hood system. We inspect every component to identify areas that require attention, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

2. Preparation

Before we commence cleaning, we prepare the workspace meticulously. This involves protecting surrounding areas and equipment to prevent any damage during the cleaning process.

3. Cleaning

With our expert team and specialized equipment, we embark on the cleaning phase. This includes comprehensive cleaning of the hood, ductwork, exhaust fan, and filters to remove grease, grime, and other contaminants.

4. Maintenance

In addition to cleaning, we perform essential maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance of your kitchen hood system. This may involve lubricating moving parts, tightening connections, and replacing worn-out components as needed.

5. Final Inspection

Once cleaning and maintenance are complete, we conduct a final inspection to ensure that every aspect of your kitchen hood system meets our high standards of cleanliness and functionality.

6. Documentation

We provide documentation of the service performed, including before and after digital photos, to give you a clear understanding of the improvements made to your kitchen hood system.

7. Recommendations

Finally, based on our assessment and observations during the service, we may offer recommendations for ongoing maintenance or repairs to prolong the lifespan of your kitchen hood system and enhance its performance.

Are you insured and certified?

Yes. We are fully licensed and insured, and our technicians are trained in NFPA 96, OSHA compliance, and kitchen exhaust system safety.

How do I schedule a service or get a quote?

You can call us, use our online contact form, or request a quote through our website.

Are you certified to service Gaylord systems?

Yes. We are a Gaylord Certified Service Agent, authorized to inspect, clean, and maintain Gaylord commercial kitchen ventilation systems.

Our team is trained to:

• Service Gaylord hoods and pollution control units (PCUs)

• Perform preventative maintenance and performance checks

• Ensure warranty compliance

We use manufacturer-approved methods and parts, ensuring your system operates at peak performance and stays compliant.

In addition to Gaylord, our technicians are experienced working on CaptiveAire, Accurex, Halton, NAKS, and other brands.

Do you provide emergency or rush services?

Absolutely. We offer 24/7 emergency cleanings and after-hours service, including nights and weekends.

Do you repair exhaust fans?

Yes, motor installation, motor repair, fan pulley adjustment, bearings, new disconnect switch installs, VFD troubleshooting, fan control board troubleshooting, emergency repairs.

Do you install exhaust fans?

Yes, we install new fans & motors. Our skilled technicians verify exhaust fan compatibility with your existing electrical supply.

Do you specialize in water wash hoods?

Yes, we provide preventive maintenance for water wash systems to ensure normal operations such as Cleaning of Nozzle and Spray Jet Mists. Inspect Detergent Pump and Prime as necessary. Refill Detergent Container and inspect flow switch. Inspect Water Temperature. Inspect and Adjust Water Pressure as necessary Temperature. Verify normal operation of Solenoid Valves. Inspect hood interior exposed to the internal wash system for grease buildup. Provide recommendations as necessary.

Do you perform inspections?

Yes, we perform pre-cleaning assessments and post-cleaning inspections as part of our service.

Our technicians:

• Evaluate the condition of your hood, ductwork, exhaust fan, and grease containment systems

• Identify potential fire hazards or maintenance issues

• Verify that all cleaned components meet NFPA 96 compliance standards

• Provide detailed documentation and photo reports