One of the most common questions restaurant owners in Kelowna ask is: “How often should my kitchen hood and exhaust system be cleaned?” The answer depends on your kitchen’s cooking volume, type of food served, and local regulations.
NFPA 96 Guidelines
In Canada, restaurants follow NFPA 96 standards for commercial kitchen exhaust systems. These guidelines outline cleaning frequencies based on usage:
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High-Volume Kitchens
(Fast food restaurants, 24/7 kitchens, busy grills) → Every 1–3 months -
Medium-Volume Kitchens
(Sit-down restaurants, casual dining, regular service kitchens) → Every 6 months -
Low-Volume Kitchens
(Churches, seasonal operations, low-use facilities) → At least once a year
Why Frequency Matters
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Fire Safety – The more you cook, the faster grease builds up. Regular cleaning prevents dangerous grease fires.
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Compliance – Kelowna fire inspectors expect restaurants to follow these schedules. Missing a cleaning could result in fines or failed inspections.
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Air Quality – Clean systems improve airflow, reducing heat, smoke, and odors in the kitchen.
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Equipment Longevity – Routine cleaning reduces strain on fans and ventilation systems, saving money on repairs.
Signs You May Need Cleaning Sooner
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Visible grease on the hood or filters
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Strong smoke or odors in the kitchen
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Reduced airflow or poor ventilation
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Staff noticing more heat than usual during cooking
Final Thoughts
Scheduling hood and exhaust cleaning at the right intervals keeps your restaurant safe, compliant, and efficient. Skipping services not only increases fire risks but may also lead to costly penalties.
👉 At Mansil Services, we provide NFPA 96-compliant hood cleaning in Kelowna. Our team can recommend the best cleaning schedule based on your kitchen’s needs. Contact us today to book your service.
