The business in one offer
Who it serves
Independent restaurants with one or two hoods, such as diners, pizza shops and family restaurants, that need regular exhaust cleaning to meet fire codes and insurance requirements. Owners pay for a reliable crew that works overnight, leaves the kitchen ready for breakfast, and provides clear documentation for inspectors.
What to sell first
Overnight hood cleaning for kitchens with one or two hoods: degreasing and pressure washing hoods, filters, accessible ductwork and rooftop fans, capturing wastewater, applying a service label, and sending a photo report with notes on inaccessible areas. Excluded: fire suppression system service, installing access panels, repairing fans or electrical work, and cleaning large commercial systems with long duct runs.
Focusing on small restaurants keeps jobs within the reach of a two-person crew and simple equipment. Photo reports give owners proof for inspectors and insurers, which often matters more to them than price.
What could it cost to start?
This is an original example budget for the limited pilot described above. It is not a researched market average or a complete quote for every location.
| Item to price | Example allowance |
|---|---|
| Hot-water pressure washer and hoses | $3,500.00 |
| Degreasers, plastic sheeting and scrapers | $400.00 |
| Wastewater recovery and containment tools | $600.00 |
| Ladders, fall protection and respirators | $800.00 |
| General liability insurance | $1,800.00 |
| Training course on exhaust cleaning standards | $500.00 |
| Example total | $7,600.00 |
What this assumes—and excludes
These costs assume you have a truck or van and basic tools. They exclude workers' compensation premiums, state certifications that may apply, rooftop access equipment for tall buildings and owner pay. Insurance for fire-related work can be costly, so get quotes early.
Collect actual supplier, insurance and local-authority information. Add a reserve for delays and unexpected costs; the example total is not a funding recommendation.
How the unit economics work
At an assumed $450.00 per hood system clean and $50.00 in direct costs, contribution is $400.00 before monthly fixed costs, owner pay and taxes. With 6 all-in working hours per unit, that is $66.67 per delivery hour before those deductions. These inputs illustrate the arithmetic; they do not establish a market price or expected earnings.
The example also allows $450.00 in monthly fixed costs. Include unpaid acquisition and administrative time when deciding whether the offer is worthwhile.
Try your own numbers
These are editable planning assumptions, not prices we have verified. Calculations stay in your browser.
Operating result = (price − direct cost) × units − monthly fixed costs. Before owner pay, taxes, financing and startup recovery. At these inputs, delivery requires 60 hours per month, plus any work not included in your per-unit estimate. Sales volume is a scenario, not a forecast.
How to find the first customers
Test a small offer before scaling traffic. Record the source of each enquiry, whether it fits the offer, and whether the buyer pays.
- Visit independent restaurants during slow hours, asking managers when their hoods were last cleaned and who does it. Leave a sample photo report.
- Ask fire suppression service companies whether they refer hood cleaning work, and agree on referral terms in writing.
- Offer a discounted first cleaning to two restaurants and ask for written feedback on your work and report.
- Track which restaurants schedule repeat service and how often, so you can plan routes and staffing.
What to validate before spending more
- Ask your local fire marshal what standards and documentation they expect for hood cleaning, and whether certification is required in your area.
- Read the safety data sheets for degreasers and train helpers on safe use, eye protection and ventilation.
- Ask your insurer about coverage for fire-related claims and damage to kitchen equipment.
- Time two pilot jobs from setup to cleanup, and adjust pricing for travel, overnight work and disposal.
The operational catch
Grease-laden wastewater cannot go down storm drains or kitchen sinks, and improper disposal can lead to fines or clogs. Plan containment and disposal before your first job, and confirm where you can legally dump captured water. Many crews underestimate this cost.
A practical way to fund the first step
Start with a used pressure washer and rented rooftop equipment as needed. Ask restaurants for deposits or payment on completion to fund supplies.
Separate cash already available from money still to earn. Count only proceeds after direct expenses, and do not spend customer funds needed to fulfill their existing orders.
Questions before you start
How often should hoods be cleaned?
It depends on cooking volume and type. Restaurants with heavy grease may need cleaning more often. Ask the fire marshal or insurer what schedule they expect.
Can I service fire suppression systems?
No, unless licensed for that work. Suppression systems require separate certification. Coordinate with the restaurant's suppression contractor.
What if parts of the duct are inaccessible?
Document them with photos and notes in your report. Recommend access panels installed by a qualified contractor, and do not claim areas were cleaned if you could not reach them.
Source-backed checks
These references support the specific checks below. They do not endorse this business idea or substantiate the example prices, costs or demand.
OSHA's Hazard Communication standard requires employers with hazardous chemicals to train exposed workers to handle those chemicals appropriately. OSHA: Hazard Communication.
OSHA's small business page offers resources to help employers understand and comply with workplace safety requirements. OSHA: Small Business.
SBA says business insurance can fill gaps in coverage and that some types may be legally required, with laws that vary by state. U.S. Small Business Administration: Get business insurance.
- Hazard CommunicationOSHA · Reference checked September 8, 2026
- Small BusinessOSHA · Reference checked September 8, 2026
- Get business insuranceU.S. Small Business Administration · Reference checked September 8, 2026
Turn this into your own plan.
Start with this offer, then add your actual budget, skills, weekly hours and location. Your generated plan starts private.
Plan this business →