Okay, so the other day, I realized my kitchen was looking... well, let's just say it needed some serious help. The hood over my stove was coated in this gross layer of grease. I tried wiping it down myself, but honestly, it was a lost cause. I figured it was time to call in the professionals. So I started looking for "hood cleaning companies near me."

First, I did a simple search. You know, just typed it into the search bar and hoped for the best. I got a bunch of results, a mix of big national chains and some smaller, local-looking businesses.

Then, I started digging a little deeper. I wanted to see what other people were saying. So I went to those review sites. I was looking for companies with lots of good reviews, and I definitely paid attention to any negative ones too. I mean, who wants to hire someone who's going to do a shoddy job, right?

I also wanted to see pictures!

Some companies had photos of their work. It can help to see what to expect!

After checking out a few companies' websites, I narrowed it down to three that seemed promising. They all had decent reviews, and their prices seemed reasonable.

Finally, it was time to make some calls. I just wanted to get a feel for the companies and ask a few questions. I asked about their cleaning process, what kind of products they used, and of course, how much it would cost. One company was super friendly and answered all my questions patiently. Another one seemed kind of rushed, and the third didn't even answer the phone!

So, guess who I went with? The friendly, helpful one, obviously! They came out a few days later, and let me tell you, they did an amazing job. My hood looks brand new! It's sparkling clean, and I don't have to worry about that nasty grease buildup anymore.

What I learned

• Check multiple review: Don't just rely on one website.
• Look the photos: See past work to know the level.
• Call around: Get a feel for the company's customer service.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, move on to the next option.

In the end, I'm really glad I took the time to find a good hood cleaning company. It was worth the effort to get my kitchen back in shape!