✅ Checklist: What to Ask Your Hood Cleaning Provider in the Charleston & Beaufort, SC Area
When you run a restaurant or commercial kitchen in the Charleston or Beaufort, SC area, choosing the right hood cleaning provider isn’t just a maintenance decision — it’s a critical part of keeping your kitchen safe, compliant, and running efficiently. The Lowcountry has unique demands: high humidity, coastal corrosion, heavy tourism seasons, and strict fire-safety regulations.
Before you hire a hood cleaning company, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Here’s a checklist every Charleston and Beaufort restaurant owner should use when evaluating a provider.
🔥 1. Are You NFPA 96 Compliant and Certified?
NFPA 96 is the national standard for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning. A reputable company should be able to explain what the standard requires and how often your hood, ducts, fans, and filters should be cleaned based on your cooking volume.
Pro tip: Ask to see certifications or proof of compliance. This guarantees you’re working with professionals who understand Lowcountry fire safety requirements.
🧼 2. Do You Clean the Entire Exhaust System — Not Just the Visible Hood?
Some companies only wipe down what you can see. That’s a problem. Grease buildup inside ducts, fans, and rooftop systems is where most kitchen fires start.
A quality provider (like Carolina Hot Wash) will:
Remove and clean filters
Clean ducts from hood to fan
Clean fans, shafts, and grease trays
Provide rooftop grease containment
Document all work with before/after photos
🏝️ 3. How Often Should My Kitchen Be Cleaned in the Lowcountry?
Humidity, salt air, and high-volume seafood cooking mean exhaust systems in the Charleston–Beaufort region often need more frequent cleaning than inland kitchens.
Your provider should give you a recommendation based on:
Your cooking volume
Type of equipment
Type of cuisine (fried seafood + Lowcountry favorites = faster grease buildup)
Your existing compliance schedule
If they give you a one-size-fits-all answer, that’s a red flag.
📸 4. Do You Provide Photo Documentation After Every Cleaning?
Transparency matters. You should always receive before-and-after photos showing the hood, ducts, fan, and rooftop. It’s essential for:
Insurance
Inspections
Internal safety documentation
If a company can’t show you proof of their work, you don’t know what you’re paying for.
⏰ 5. Do You Offer After-Hours or Flexible Scheduling?
Charleston and Beaufort restaurants operate long hours — and peak tourist months get even busier. Look for a provider willing to schedule service:
Overnight
Early morning
On slower days
Between shifts
A good hood cleaning team works around your business, not the other way around.
🌴 6. Do You Understand Local Fire Codes and Inspection Requirements?
Local jurisdictions like Charleston County, Beaufort County, Mount Pleasant, and Port Royal have their own inspection cycles and fire marshal expectations.
Your cleaning company should be familiar with:
Local fire department requirements
Inspector preferences
Grease containment rules
Rooftop protection guidelines
Local environmental standards (especially near marshes and waterways)
This local expertise keeps you out of trouble and saves you time.
💰 7. Do You Offer Maintenance Plans or Recurring Scheduling?
Restaurants benefit from predictable maintenance — especially in a busy market like Charleston and the surrounding coastal region.
A provider should offer:
Routine scheduling
Discounted recurring service plans
Automated reminders
Inspection prep services
This keeps you compliant and eliminates last-minute emergencies.
Choosing the right hood cleaning provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your kitchen’s safety. Use this checklist to make sure your Charleston or Beaufort restaurant is protected, compliant, and running smoothly year-round.
