A ducted cooker hood is only as good as the duct behind it. Grease that passes the filters settles inside the ducting, and flexible duct in particular sags and traps it. Add a blocked external vent or a backdraft flap stuck with grease and even a spotless hood will struggle to move air.
What's included
- Duct disconnected at the hood outlet where possible
- Grease and debris cleared from accessible duct runs
- External grille cleaned of grease, lint, nests and paint
- Backdraft flap freed so it opens fully
- Crushed or over-long flexible duct identified
- Hood run to confirm airflow at the outside vent
Inside the duct and at the vent
We clean rigid and semi-rigid ducting from the hood outlet and, where possible, from the external vent. We clear the outside grille of grease, lint, nests and paint, and free the backdraft shutter so it opens fully when the hood runs.
When the duct itself is the problem
Flexible foil ducting that is crushed, kinked or much longer than it needs to be restricts airflow even when clean. If we find ducting in that state, we'll recommend replacing it with a shorter, smoother run so the hood can reach its rated extraction.
Commercial ductwork
Commercial kitchen ductwork is cleaned as part of our commercial kitchen extract service, with access panels and a written report.
How the visit works
01
Trace the route
We follow the duct from the hood to the outside wall or roof and note any bends, sags or joins.
02
Clean the run
Grease is cleared from the accessible duct from the hood end and, where possible, from the vent end.
03
Clear the vent
The outside grille is cleaned and the backdraft flap freed so air can leave the building.
04
Test the airflow
The hood is run on full power and we check the flap opens and air is moving at the vent.
Common problems we fix
Cooker hood still smells after cleaning
Smells that come back quickly often start in greasy ducting. If the hood vents outside, cleaning the duct usually solves it.
Should flexible cooker hood ducting be replaced?
If it is crushed, torn, dripping grease or much longer than needed, yes. Rigid or semi-rigid ducting gives better airflow and is easier to keep clean.
Blocked outside vent on a cooker hood
Painted-over grilles, nests and stuck flaps are common causes of poor extraction. Clearing them is quick and often makes a big difference.
What affects the price
Duct cleaning depends on the length and type of duct, the number of bends, whether the outside vent can be reached safely from the ground and whether the duct passes through a loft or ceiling void. A photo of the outside vent and a rough idea of the duct route help us price it.
Send photos for a written quoteWhat you can do yourself
From outside, you can check that the vent flap opens when the hood runs and that the grille is not painted over or blocked by plants. Inside the duct, grease needs proper tools, and flexible foil duct tears easily if it is pulled or brushed.
Questions about Hood Duct Cleaning
Weak extraction after the hood and filters have been cleaned, grease dripping from the hood outlet, or lingering smells are all signs.
Yes, if there's safe access and boarding. We'll check before the visit.
It helps the hood remove steam more effectively, which reduces condensation on windows and walls in the kitchen.
Yes, through our commercial kitchen extract cleaning service.
Get a free quote
Tell us the make or model, add a photo of the underside of the hood, and let us know whether it vents outside or recirculates.
Often booked with hood duct cleaning
Extraction Fan Cleaning
The motor and impeller inside or behind the cooker hood.
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Cooker Hood Cleaning
Canopy, filters and chimney on a domestic cooker hood.
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Commercial Kitchen Extract Cleaning
Canopies, baffle filters and ductwork for restaurants, takeaways and hotels.
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