# How to choose a hood cleaning company

Use a written scope, named credentials and a clear closeout record to compare contractors.

Updated 2026-11-10. Also on the [web page](https://greasecleaning.fyi/guides/choose-a-hood-cleaning-company).

Start with your system and the work needed. A visible hood is only part of the exhaust route. HoodFilters advises checking qualifications, insurance, experience, scope and documentation before choosing a contractor.

## Define the job

List the hood, duct route and exhaust fan. Provide past reports and known access limits. Tell bidders when the kitchen can close and how the crew can reach the roof. Ask each bidder to review the same information.

Have the quote name covered components. Ask about protection of cooking equipment, wastewater handling and cleanup. Ask whether repairs are included or quoted separately. Do not assume a cleaner also services the suppression system.

## Verify the people

Request the assigned supervisor's name, training and credentials. Check any required license with its issuing agency. Ask your local authority which qualifications it accepts. Keep that response with the contract.

Ask for current insurance evidence and a reference from a similar kitchen. Ask how the contractor handles inaccessible sections and defects. A clear answer is more useful than a general promise that everything will be compliant.

## Review an example report

Request a sample with customer details removed. Look for named components, useful photos, work completed and unresolved issues. Confirm who receives the report and how follow-up is assigned.

Before the visit, agree who can authorize extra work. Give the crew a contact for access problems. After the visit, compare the report to the agreed scope before closing the service order.

## Set the recurring plan

Use the inspection findings and local authority's requirements to set future visits. Record the next planned inspection and who will book it. Revisit the plan when the fuel, menu, cooking volume or equipment changes.

Our paid plans change directory visibility. They do not prove trade competence. Confirm the company's actual credentials and service terms before hiring.

## Sources

- [HoodFilters, contractor selection, published October 4, 2026](https://blog.hoodfilters.com/2026/10/04/choose-right-hood-cleaning-company/). Fetched 2026-11-10.
- [HoodFilters, NFPA 96 summary](https://www.hoodfilters.com/nfpa/). Fetched 2026-11-10.

For information only. Confirm the current requirements with your local authority.

## Questions

### Is the lowest quote the best comparison?

Compare the covered components, access, reporting, cleanup and exclusions before comparing totals.