Restaurant Hood Filter Cleaning

Clogged filters force your exhaust fans to work harder, cut airflow across the cook line, and let more grease past the hood into the ductwork behind it. They’re the first line of defense in your exhaust system, and the part that clogs fastest — which is exactly why they need attention on their own schedule, not just whenever the full system gets cleaned.

Baffle vs. mesh filters

Most commercial kitchens use baffle filters — angled metal channels that force grease-laden air to change direction, dropping grease out before it reaches the ductwork. Older or lighter-duty setups sometimes use mesh filters, layered wire screen that catches grease as air passes through. Both need real degreasing, not a rinse — grease from a working cook line doesn’t come off in a dishwasher the way people assume.

What’s included in a filter cleaning

We remove every filter, degrease it completely — baffles or mesh — and reinstall them correctly so there are no gaps for unfiltered air to slip past. We also check the filter housing and frame for grease buildup, since a clean filter sitting in a greasy frame doesn’t actually solve the problem.

How often filters need attention

It depends on what you’re cooking. High-grease stations — fryers, grills, wok lines — often need filters cleaned weekly or biweekly, well ahead of your next full exhaust cleaning. Lighter-volume kitchens can go longer. We’ll help you figure out a realistic schedule based on what’s actually happening on your cook line, not a generic default.

Standalone or paired with a full cleaning

Filter cleaning is often paired with a full exhaust system cleaning, but we also offer it as a standalone service for kitchens that need more frequent filter maintenance between full cleanings. If your filters are visibly caked before your next scheduled hood cleaning, that’s a sign it’s time for a standalone visit rather than waiting.

Who this is for

Any commercial kitchen with a grease-producing cook line — restaurants, hotel kitchens, hospital and school cafeterias, and catering operations all clog filters faster than most owners expect. If airflow feels weaker than it used to, or the kitchen smells greasier than normal, check the filters first.