In every commercial kitchen, the heartbeat of daily operations lies beneath the surface; inside the exhaust hood and ventilation system. What was once an afterthought in restaurant design has evolved into one of the most highly regulated, safety-critical components of any food-service operation.

Hood and vent cleaning: The process of removing built-up grease, vapours, and carbonized residue from a kitchen’s exhaust infrastructure, emerged as a distinct trade in the mid-20th century. As kitchens scaled up and ventilation systems became more powerful, so too did the risks. Grease buildup inside ducts and fans became a known fire hazard, and regulators responded.

Today, every commercial kitchen in Ontario is subject to fire codes, insurance rules, and public health inspections that require exhaust systems to be cleaned by trained professionals on schedule, with documentation.

What exactly is hood & vent cleaning?

Hood & vent cleaning refers to the thorough removal of grease, smoke residue, and flammable buildup from an entire commercial kitchen exhaust system. This includes:

• The hood over the cooking line
• Baffle filters, UV bulbs, and lighting inside the hood
• The internal ductwork through ceilings and walls
• Exhaust fans and grease containment systems on the rooftop
• Drainage trays, fan blades, and mechanical components

In Northern Ontario cities like Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, and Barrie, local fire departments have the authority to shut down kitchens that don’t meet required cleaning and documentation standards. And yes, we’ve seen it happen. Often.

The risk is real. But it’s avoidable with the right service partner.

Local bylaws & compliance: What you need to know in Northern Ontario

Commercial kitchens across Northern Ontario are subject to stringent municipal bylaws and property standards regulations. Non-compliance can lead to fines, operational shutdowns, or insurance complications. Here's a breakdown of key regulations in the cities we serve:

Sudbury

Under the Property Standards By-law 2011-277, the City of Greater Sudbury mandates that all commercial properties, including restaurants, maintain their premises in a condition that does not pose a risk to health or safety. This includes the proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen exhaust systems to prevent fire hazards.

Timmins

The Property Standards By-law 2007-6489 in Timmins requires that all properties be maintained to ensure the safety and health of occupants. This encompasses the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems to prevent the accumulation of grease and other flammable substances.

North Bay

North Bay's Property Standards By-law 2022-27 stipulates that all buildings must be maintained in a manner that ensures the safety of occupants. This includes the proper upkeep of ventilation systems to prevent potential fire hazards.

Sault Ste. Marie

The Property Standards By-law 2012-9 in Sault Ste. Marie sets out the minimum standards for the maintenance and occupancy of properties. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining all aspects of a property, including kitchen exhaust systems, to ensure safety and compliance.

Parry Sound

Parry Sound's Property Standards By-law 2012-6103 outlines the requirements for property maintenance, focusing on health and safety. Regular cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems is essential to comply with these standards and to prevent potential fire risks.

Barrie

The Property Standards By-law 2011-138 in Barrie mandates that all properties be maintained to ensure the safety of occupants. This includes the regular maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems to prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable materials.

At Reliable, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive understanding of these local regulations. Our team ensures that your kitchen exhaust systems are cleaned and maintained in full compliance with municipal bylaws, helping you avoid potential fines and ensuring the safety of your establishment.

Why not do it yourself?

We get it, nobody wants to spend money if they think they can tackle it themselves. But cleaning a commercial exhaust system isn’t like cleaning your stovetop at home.

Most business owners quickly realize:

• It’s physically demanding, dirty, and takes hours
• Rooftop systems are hard to access and can be dangerous
• Common degreasers don’t work on carbonized grease or damage metals
• Documentation and inspection-ready reports are required by insurers and bylaw officers

And frankly? Most people don’t want to do it. It’s a burden. That’s why Reliable exists; to take this off your shoulders so you can focus on your business.

How we do it and why we’re different

At Reliable, we’ve built a full-service program with certification, experience, and tools that go far beyond the average janitorial team.

Phil Ackland certified

We proudly hold the Phil Ackland Certification, the most respected designation in the industry, obtained in 2021. Our expert John Lafantaisie travelled to Texas to train directly with the organization. This certification means our work meets international standards for safety, thoroughness, and documentation.

A dedicated, experienced team

We have a specialized crew that works exclusively on kitchen exhaust systems, not general cleaners. Many of our technicians have 5–10+ years of focused experience in this niche.

Complete system cleaning

We clean what others miss:

• Rooftop exhaust systems and grease containment trays
• Internal duct runs, fans, and mechanical blades
• Lighting fixtures and UV bulbs
• Baffle filters and fan belts
• Drainage systems and grease overflow areas

We also log and send post-cleaning documentation to ensure you’re inspection-ready.

Our Tools: Built for the Job

We don’t rely on cheap, one-size-fits-all products. We created our own.

Amaze Hood, Vent & Grill Cleaner

Concentrated, Industrial-Grade Degreaser

Formulated by Reliable Maintenance Products, our in-house chemical division, Amaze is:

• Safe for both aluminum and stainless steel
• Effective on animal fats, carbonized grease, and thick buildup
• Low odor, non-flammable, and ready to use
• Sold across Canada, including on Amazon

It’s used by our team and by other professionals who trust its performance.

Fortador Volt Electra Steam Extractor

We invested in a 2023 Fortador Volt Electra, a fully electric vacuum steam washer and extractor that cost over $10,000. It allows us to:

• Steam-clean hard-to-reach duct interiors
• Sanitize without harsh fumes
• Vacuum away residue for a cleaner finish and less mess

This isn’t something the average competitor or restaurant has on hand.

Why Reliable?

• We invented our own product for this job
• We’re Phil Ackland Certified
• We understand Ontario’s local bylaws and fire codes
• We work in Northern cities daily and know the inspectors, standards, and timelines
• We do the job safely, completely, and on schedule

Book a Service or Request a Quote

Let us take care of the grime, so you can focus on the food.

📞 705-522-2833

📧 info@reliableclean.ca

Reliable Cleaning Services – Your Certified Partner in Hood & Vent Safety.