The short answer
High-volume kitchens that fry or grill heavily usually need cleaning every month to every three months. Lower-volume kitchens are often fine every three to six months. Check the hood and filters regularly, and book a clean sooner if you see grease build-up or reduced extraction.
Frequency by kitchen type
As a general guide, based on how much grease a kitchen produces:
- High-volume kitchens (frying, grilling, large covers): monthly to quarterly
- Moderate-volume kitchens: around every three months
- Lower-volume kitchens (light cooking, few hours): every three to six months
What changes the schedule
Think about the type of cooking first. Grilling and frying create far more grease than steaming or light cooking. Hours of use matter too: a kitchen running all day builds up grease faster than one open only for dinner. Finally, check your filters. If they are caked in grease after a few weeks, the schedule is too long.
Signs your hood is overdue
- Greasy drips or residue on the hood, walls or ceiling above the cooking line
- Smoke or odour lingering in the kitchen during service
- The extraction fan sounds louder, or airflow feels weaker than before
- Filters that are hard to clean, or that look saturated
- Any sign of a fire risk, such as heavy grease near heat sources
Set a schedule and keep it
Once you know your kitchen's pattern, put the next clean in the diary before you finish the current one. Schedule the clean for a quiet period so the kitchen can be reopened safely. Keep a record of each clean. This also helps with inspections.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean the hood myself between professional cleans?
Staff can wipe down the outside and clean or swap filters as part of daily routine. Degreasing the hood, ducts and fan should be done by a professional, as it needs proper access and equipment.
Does a quieter month mean I can skip a clean?
Not necessarily. Grease builds up with cooking, not with calendar months. Check the hood and filters, not just the date.
Can I book a recurring cleaning schedule?
Yes. Ask us about a recurring schedule when you book the survey, so the next clean is planned from the start.
About the author
Written by the Urban Chill technical team, who carry out AC maintenance, painting and commercial kitchen hood cleaning across Dubai. Questions about this guide? Message us on WhatsApp.
Plan your next hood clean
Tell us how you cook and how often, and we will recommend a schedule and send a written quote after the survey.