The Essential Hood Cleaning Equipment List
Whether you’re starting a hood cleaning business or evaluating whether your current cleaning company is properly equipped, knowing what equipment is required for a professional hood cleaning matters. The right tools are the difference between a thorough NFPA 96-compliant cleaning and a superficial wipe-down that leaves grease in the ducts.
After years working with CaptiveAire, Accurex, and Gaylord ventilation systems, I’ve seen every setup from professional-grade rigs to guys showing up with a garden hose. Here’s what a properly equipped operation actually looks like.
Complete Equipment List with Costs
| Equipment | Purpose | Cost Range | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot water pressure washer (3,000-4,000 PSI, 4+ GPM) | Primary cleaning tool — blasts grease off metal surfaces | $2,500 – $6,000 | Essential |
| Chemical spray pump (12V) | Applies degreaser to duct interiors and hard-to-reach areas | $300 – $800 | Essential |
| Industrial degreaser (5-gallon concentrate) | Breaks down baked-on grease before pressure washing | $40 – $80 per 5 gal | Essential |
| Scrapers (various sizes: 2″, 4″, 6″) | Remove heavy grease deposits before chemical/water application | $30 – $75 (set) | Essential |
| Putty knives and detail tools | Clean corners, seams, and tight areas inside hoods and ducts | $20 – $50 | Essential |
| Plastic sheeting and tarps | Contain water and chemical runoff; protect kitchen equipment | $50 – $150 | Essential |
| Duct tape / containment tape | Secure plastic sheeting, seal access panels during cleaning | $15 – $30 | Essential |
| LED work lights (battery-powered) | Illuminate hood interiors, ductwork, and fan housing | $40 – $120 | Essential |
| Extension ladder (24-32 ft) | Roof access for exhaust fan cleaning | $200 – $500 | Essential |
| Step ladder (6-8 ft) | Hood access inside the kitchen | $60 – $150 | Essential |
| Garden hose and fittings | Water supply connection; rinsing | $30 – $60 | Essential |
| Wet/dry shop vacuum | Clean up excess water and debris from kitchen floor | $80 – $200 | Essential |
| PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, boots | Personal protection from chemicals and hot water | $50 – $100 | Essential |
| Before/after camera (or phone) | Document work for customer records and compliance | $0 (use phone) | Essential |
| Certification stickers | Applied to hood after cleaning with date and next-due info | $20 – $50 (roll) | Essential |
| Wire brushes (various) | Scrub stubborn deposits in duct joints and fan housing | $15 – $40 | Recommended |
| Inspection mirror (telescoping) | Inspect duct interiors without full disassembly | $15 – $30 | Recommended |
| Grease containment bags/pans | Catch grease during fan cleaning on rooftop | $20 – $40 | Recommended |
| Portable water tank (65-100 gal) | Water supply when restaurant doesn’t have accessible hot water | $150 – $400 | Optional |
| Generator (3,000+ watt) | Power supply for pressure washer when electrical access is limited | $400 – $1,200 | Optional |
The Pressure Washer: Your Most Important Investment
The pressure washer is the backbone of your operation. Don’t make the mistake of buying a consumer-grade cold water unit from a home improvement store. You need:
- Hot water capability. Grease doesn’t dissolve in cold water — it just moves around. Hot water (180-200°F) combined with degreaser breaks the molecular bond between grease and metal. This is non-negotiable.
- 3,000-4,000 PSI. Lower pressure won’t remove baked-on deposits. Higher pressure risks damaging ductwork seams and thin-gauge metal.
- 4+ GPM (gallons per minute). Flow rate matters as much as pressure. High GPM flushes dissolved grease out of the system rather than just redistributing it.
- Commercial-grade build. You’ll run this machine 15-30 hours per week. Consumer units fail within months at that duty cycle.
Recommended brands: Landa, Hotsy, Alkota, Mi-T-M. These are the workhorses of the commercial cleaning industry. Expect to spend $3,500-$6,000 for a unit that will last 5-10 years with proper maintenance.
Chemicals and Degreasers
What to Use
You need a commercial-grade alkaline degreaser designed specifically for kitchen exhaust cleaning. These products are typically sold as concentrates that you dilute based on the severity of grease buildup. Common industry brands include Zep, Spartan, ChemStation, and EaCo Chem.
Key properties to look for:
- High alkalinity (pH 12-14) — breaks down animal and vegetable fats effectively
- Foaming capability — foam clings to vertical surfaces and gives the chemical time to work
- Rinse-clean formula — residue that doesn’t rinse clean leaves a film that attracts new grease faster
- Low-odor — you’re working in enclosed spaces at 2 AM; harsh chemical fumes make the job miserable
What to Skip
- Consumer degreasers (Simple Green, etc.) — too weak for baked-on commercial kitchen grease
- Caustic soda / lye — effective but extremely dangerous, damages aluminum components, and creates disposal problems
- Solvent-based degreasers — flammable, toxic fumes, environmental disposal issues. Not appropriate for kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Where to Buy Equipment
| Source | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure washer dealers (Landa, Hotsy distributors) | Pressure washers, chemical pumps | Buy from a dealer with service department — you need fast repairs when your machine goes down |
| Restaurant supply stores | Scrapers, hand tools, degreasers | Good for consumables and replacement tools |
| Industrial supply (Grainger, MSC) | PPE, ladders, hoses, fittings | Reliable quality, fast shipping |
| Amazon / online | LED lights, tarps, small tools | Fine for non-critical items; avoid buying your pressure washer online (you need local service support) |
| IKECA suppliers / trade shows | Specialty items, certification stickers, training materials | Good networking opportunity and access to industry-specific products |
Equipment Maintenance
Your equipment is your business. Maintain it or replace it — there’s no middle ground when you have jobs scheduled.
- Pressure washer: Change oil every 50 hours, replace pump seals annually, flush the system with clean water after every job, winterize if you’re in a freeze zone
- Chemical pump: Flush with clean water after every use (degreaser residue kills seals), replace diaphragm annually
- Hoses: Inspect for wear and leaks before every job. Replace at first sign of damage — a burst high-pressure hose is extremely dangerous
- Scrapers and brushes: Replace when worn. Dull scrapers mean more time per job and higher chemical costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cold water pressure washer?
You can, but you’ll use significantly more chemical, spend more time per job, and get inferior results. Cold water moves grease — hot water dissolves it. If budget is tight, start with cold water and upgrade to hot water as soon as revenue allows, but understand that you’re competing against companies with better equipment.
How much does it cost to operate equipment per job?
Typical per-job operating costs: fuel/electricity for pressure washer ($5-$15), degreaser chemical ($10-$25), containment supplies ($5-$10), misc consumables ($5). Total operating cost is roughly $25-$55 per job, making hood cleaning an extremely high-margin service.
Should I buy new or used equipment?
Buy your pressure washer new or certified refurbished from a dealer — you need the warranty and service support. Everything else (hand tools, ladders, wet vac, hoses) can be bought used to save money on startup costs. Check your local Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for established companies that are selling equipment.
What equipment do I need on day one vs. what can wait?
Day one essentials: pressure washer, chemical pump, degreaser, scrapers, tarps, lighting, ladder, PPE, and certification stickers. Everything marked “Optional” in the table above can be added as your business grows and you encounter specific situations that require them.
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