Charleston Hood Cleaning Requirements | NFPA 96 & Qualified Vendors
Charleston Restaurant Hood Cleaning Requirements (2025): NFPA 96 + Qualified Vendor Guide
Running a restaurant in Charleston, SC means keeping your kitchen safe, compliant, and ready for inspection. One of the most important steps? Making sure your commercial kitchen hood and exhaust system is cleaned to NFPA 96 standards—and performed by a qualified vendor recognized by the City of Charleston Fire Marshal’s office.
At Carolina Hot Wash, we specialize in helping Lowcountry restaurants meet (and exceed) those requirements. Here’s what every Charleston restaurant owner should know.
Why Hood Cleaning Matters in Charleston
Grease buildup in kitchen exhaust systems is one of the leading causes of restaurant fires nationwide. In Charleston, where many restaurants are located in historic buildings and high-traffic districts, the risk is even greater. That’s why city code enforcement and insurers require proof that your hood is cleaned “to bare metal” on a regular schedule.
Beyond fire safety, proper hood cleaning also:
Reduces odors and improves indoor air quality
Extends the life of your exhaust fan and roof system
Keeps your business in compliance with NFPA 96 and city inspection guidelines
NFPA 96: What the Standard Requires
The NFPA 96 Fire Code sets the national benchmark for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning. Key requirements include:
Clean to bare metal: All accessible surfaces must be scraped and washed until no grease remains.
Photo documentation: Vendors should provide before-and-after images to prove compliance.
Inspection tags: Your hood must display a current inspection/cleaning sticker.
Frequency schedule: Based on your cooking type:
Solid fuel (wood/charcoal) → Monthly
High-volume kitchens (fried chicken, BBQ, hibachi) → Quarterly
Moderate volume kitchens → Semi-annually
Low-volume kitchens (churches, seasonal use) → Annually
The City of Charleston’s Qualified Vendor List
Charleston requires that commercial kitchen hood cleaning be performed by a qualified vendor. These vendors are approved by the Fire Marshal’s office and must meet IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association) or equivalent training standards.
Choosing a non-qualified cleaner can result in:
Failed fire inspections
Insurance coverage issues after a fire
Fines or even forced kitchen closures
Carolina Hot Wash is fully qualified and trained to NFPA 96 and IKECA standards, ensuring your restaurant is covered.
What Inspectors Look For in Charleston
When the Fire Marshal or insurance inspector visits, they’re checking for:
Grease-free hood and duct interiors
A current inspection/cleaning tag
Photo reports on file (often required to be kept for 3 years)
Proper hinge kits and grease containment on rooftop fans
Compliance with your recommended cleaning frequency
Failing any of these items can mean re-inspection fees—or worse, temporary shutdown.
How Carolina Hot Wash Keeps You Compliant
We know Charleston’s codes and we build compliance into every service:
Full system cleaning to NFPA 96
Before/after photo documentation for your records
Inspection tags placed on your hood after every service
Record retention (3+ years) in case of audits
Fan hinge kits + grease containment installation to protect your roof
We don’t just clean hoods—we help you pass every inspection with confidence.
If you’re a Charleston restaurant owner, compliance isn’t optional. It’s your responsibility to keep your staff, guests, and property safe while protecting your business from costly fines or closures.
Carolina Hot Wash is Charleston’s trusted local partner for hood vent cleaning. From downtown to Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, Johns Island, and Folly Beach—we’ve got you covered.
Q: How often do I need hood cleaning in Charleston?
A: It depends on your cooking type—monthly for solid fuel, quarterly for high-volume kitchens, semi-annually for most restaurants, and annually for low-volume kitchens.
Q: What does “qualified hood vendor” mean in Charleston?
A: Vendors approved by the Fire Marshal who follow NFPA 96 standards and provide photo-documented reports.
Q: What happens if I fail a hood inspection in Charleston?
A: You may face re-inspection fees, fines, or a temporary kitchen closure until issues are resolved.
