The smell of fried food that lingers for three days after cooking fish. The smell of curry that wafts up from downstairs every time the heating system goes off. Or simply the smell of rancid grease wafting through your condo without you being able to identify exactly where it's coming from.
If you live in Montreal, especially in a condo or building with shared ventilation, you're probably familiar with this problem. It's frustrating, embarrassing when you're entertaining, and downright unpleasant on a daily basis.
Here's the reality: these odors have become embedded in your ventilation ducts. Every time your system runs, it stirs up and redistributes these odors throughout your space. Opening the windows helps temporarily, but as soon as you close them (which happens quickly in Montreal winters), the odors return.
According to Health Canada, indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Cooking odours are one of the most frequent complaints about indoor air quality in multi-unit buildings.
The good news? There are solutions - from simple DIY for light odors, to professional cleaning for stubborn problems. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to eliminate these odors, depending on your situation.
At Vortex Air, we've been helping Montrealers breathe easier for over 10 years. We've seen and solved every kind of odor problem-from condos on the Plateau to homes in Laval. We're going to share our expertise with you, so you can finally enjoy fresh air in your own home.
Why kitchen odors can get trapped in air ducts in Montreal
Understanding why odors persist is the first step to eliminating them effectively.
In a building or even a house, your ventilation system is designed to circulate air. When you cook, particles of grease, smoke and spices become airborne. Your system draws in some of this contaminated air via return air.
These particles travel through your ducts and some settle on the walls. Grease especially - sticks to metal surfaces and accumulates other debris over time. This greasy layer becomes a permanent source of odour.
In Montreal, the problem is amplified by several unique factors. Our winters force us to keep everything closed for months on end. Air continually recirculates without adequate natural renewal. Odors have nowhere to go - they accumulate.
In condos and buildings with shared ventilation, it's even worse. Your neighbor's cooking odors can literally travel to your unit via the shared ducts. This is a particularly common problem in triplex conversions in the Plateau and Rosemont areas.
The main causes: grease, moisture and clogged filters
Visit cooking fat is enemy number one. According to the INSPQ, it accounts for around 80% of stubborn odour problems in residential ducts. When you fry food, the vaporized grease goes straight up your hood - if you've got one and it's working properly. Otherwise, it disperses into the ambient air.
Even with a hood, some grease escapes and is sucked up by the air returns of your ventilation system. It settles in your ducts, particularly at elbows and junctions where airflow slows down.
L'humidity aggravates the problem. Cooking generates a lot of water vapor, which carries odors. This moisture can condense in your ducts, creating an environment where bacteria and mold thrive. These micro-organisms break down organic residues and create their own unpleasant odors.
Visit clogged filters - whether in your furnace, air exchanger (HRV) or hood - lose their ability to capture particles. A saturated filter lets contaminants through, and may even release what it previously captured.
In Montreal buildings with «dense ethnic ventilation» - a term used in some condominium union discussions - the daily cooking of highly spiced or fried foods creates a constant build-up of odorous particles. This isn't a cultural judgment, it's a technical reality: certain cooking styles generate more airborne particles.
Visit inadequate or poorly maintained range hoods are also guilty. Many Montreal condos have hoods that recirculate air through a charcoal filter rather than exhausting it outside. These charcoal filters lose their effectiveness after a few months and need to be replaced - something few people do on a regular basis.
The effect of Québec winters on indoor air quality
Winter completely changes the dynamics of your indoor air. From November to April, your windows remain sealed. Natural air renewal becomes almost non-existent.
Heating dries out the air, but it also concentrates odors. In a dry environment, odorous particles stay in suspension longer. They are more likely to be drawn into your ducts before settling.
When it's -15°C outside, nobody wants to open the windows to air out. Even five minutes seems too long when you're losing all your heat. The result: stale, smelly air circulates and recirculates without escape.
Health Canada's 2025 guide to indoor air quality points out that indoor air can become up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air in winter in poorly ventilated homes. Cooking odors are a major component of this pollution.
Shared ventilation systems in apartment buildings create situations where you're literally «breathing» your neighbor's kitchen. If the system is poorly balanced or the ducts leak, the air from one dwelling can mix with that of another.
That's why so many odor complaints arise in winter. The problem exists all year round, but becomes unbearable when you're locked up with it for six months.
Have your ducts inspected free of charge - our certified technicians will tell you if cleaning is really necessary. At Vortex Air, we use our endoscopic cameras to show you the real state of your ducts. No fear-mongering, just the facts.
Solutions for removing food odors - from DIY to professional cleaning
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty. We'll cover what you can do yourself, and when calling in a professional becomes necessary.
DIY tips to reduce odours
For light or recent odors, these methods can help:
- White vinegar - the natural air freshener
Boil a mixture of water and white vinegar (50/50) in a saucepan for 15-20 minutes. The vinegar vapor travels through your home and neutralizes certain odors. The vinegar itself evaporates within a few hours, taking other odors with it.
You can also place bowls of white vinegar near air returns. This helps absorb circulating odors.
- Baking soda - the classic odor absorber
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and leave for a few hours before vacuuming. It absorbs odors deposited on textile surfaces.
You can also place open containers of bicarbonate near the ventilation grilles. Change them every month.
- In-depth cleaning of your hood
Remove and wash your hood's metal filters in hot, soapy water with degreaser. If you have charcoal filters, replace them - they don't clean.
Clean the inside of your hood with a strong degreaser. Grease build-up in the hood creates a continuous source of odor.
- Change all your filters
Replace your furnace, HRV and hood filters. Fresh filters capture odorous particles better.
For stubborn odors, switch to an activated carbon filter if your system can accommodate it. These filters absorb odors as well as particles.
- Strategic breakdown
Even in winter, open your windows for 5-10 minutes when you're cooking something fragrant. Yes, you're losing heat, but you're getting rid of the particles before they set in.
Run your hood at full power during cooking and for 15 minutes afterwards. Many people turn it off too quickly.
ATTENTION: Ozone generators are FORBIDDEN
You may see ads for «ozone purifiers» that promise to eliminate all odors. Don't touch them. The INSPQ and Health Canada strongly advise against their use. Ozone is a toxic gas that irritates the lungs. It is banned in residential spaces in Quebec for good reason.
These DIY methods help with light, recent odors. But if odors persist despite all this, they've become deeply embedded in your ducts. At this point, DIY reaches its limits.
When to call in a professional
Here are the signs that professional cleaning is required:
Persistent odor despite cleaning
You've tried everything - vinegar, baking soda, hood cleaning, changing filters - and the smell keeps coming back. This is a classic sign that the source is in your ducts, not in your living space.
Odor worsens when system is running
If the smell gets stronger every time your heating or air conditioning goes out, it's clear: your ducts are blowing stored odor directly into your home.
Air that seems «heavy» or «greasy»
If the air has an unpleasant, almost tangible quality, it's often due to greasy build-ups in the ducts that continually release particles.
Clogged dryer vent
If your dryer takes longer to dry and smells burnt or musty, the vent is probably clogged. This is a fire hazard and requires immediate professional cleaning.
Realistic costs in Montreal
For a complete cleaning of ventilation ducts In a typical house or condo, expect to pay between 350 $ and 550 $, depending on system size and level of contamination.
For the dryer vent cleaning, In general, it's between 120 $ and 250 $, depending on length and accessibility.
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and the Corporation nationale des entrepreneurs (CNÉ) recommend professional cleaning every 3 to 5 years to maintain good air quality.
Important question for condos: who pays?
In condominiums, it can get a little confusing. If ducts are common and shared, it's usually the responsibility of the syndicate. If each unit has its own independent system, it's up to the owner.
Check your declaration of co-ownership. This issue causes a lot of frustration and disputes. Clarify it before the problem gets worse.
For tenants, duct cleaning is normally the landlord's responsibility as part of normal building maintenance. But again, check your lease.
Do you still smell of fried food after cleaning? Our experts eliminate odors at the source - call Vortex Air at 514-214-7492. We'll come out quickly, give you a free estimate, and give you an honest price before we start.
The benefits of professional duct cleaning in Montreal
Beyond simply eliminating odors, professional cleaning brings several measurable benefits.
Healthier air for the whole family
Deep cleaning doesn't just remove smelly, greasy residues. It also removes:
- Years of dust
- Animal dander if you have farts
- Mould spores that can grow in damp areas
- Construction debris if you have recently renovated
- Allergens deposited over time
INSPQ confirms that professional duct cleaning can reduce airborne allergens by 30% or more. For families with asthmatic children or members with severe allergies, this impact is significant.
Less airway irritation, less congestion, fewer allergic reactions. You breathe air that not only smells better, but is objectively cleaner.
Eliminating greasy residues also reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Rancid grease becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning that up improves the overall hygiene of your air.
Energy savings and sustainable maintenance
Clean ducts mean better airflow. When your ducts are clogged with buildup, your system has to force air through. This consumes more energy.
Transition Énergétique Québec (TEQ) estimates that a well-maintained ventilation system can save you 10 to 15% on your heating and cooling costs. Over a year, for an average home in Montreal, this represents savings of 150 $ to 300 $.
A system that works less hard also lasts longer. Your furnace, your fan, your air conditioner - all these components are under less stress when the air circulates freely.
Replacing a furnace costs between 4,000 $ and 8,000 $. Extending its life by a few years while maintaining clean ducts is an obvious return on investment.
Professional cleaning of your dryer vent also eliminates a major fire hazard. Every year in Canada, hundreds of fires are caused by lint-clogged dryer vents. It's a serious and preventable risk.
Over 500 Montreal customers trust Vortex Air to breathe easier. See our 5★ reviews on Google! Our local reputation is built on customer satisfaction. We do the job right, with transparency and respect.
Myths and facts about odors in ducts
Let's demystify a few common beliefs.
Myth: «You have to clean every year».»
FALSE. This is an aggressive sales tactic used by some unscrupulous companies. The reality, according to RBQ and Protégez-Vous, is that 3 to 5 years is more than enough time for most homes.
Cleaning more often brings little additional benefit and costs money unnecessarily. Unless you have exceptional circumstances - major renovations, flooding, excessive pet accumulation - the 3-5 year cycle is adequate.
Certain situations call for more frequent cleaning:
- You cook a lot with daily frying
- You have several pets
- Someone is smoking inside (which still happens)
- You've had a mold or moisture problem
But for an average family with normal use, every 3-5 years is perfect.
Myth: «Ozone eliminates everything».»
FALSE and DANGEROUS. Ozone generators are often marketed as a miracle solution for odors. The reality is far less rosy.
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing gas. Yes, it can break down certain odor molecules. But it's also toxic to humans and animals. Even at low concentrations, it irritates the lungs and can aggravate asthma.
INSPQ and Health Canada strongly advise against the use of ozone generators in residential spaces. In Quebec, their commercial use in occupied homes is essentially prohibited for safety reasons.
And here's the thing: ozone doesn't clean your ducts. It may temporarily mask odours, but the source - grease and residue in the ducts - remains. As soon as the ozone wears off, the odors return.
This is a dangerous and temporary solution. True mechanical cleaning is the only sustainable approach.
Fact: «Dirty HRV filters recirculate odors».»
TRUE. Your air exchanger (HRV - Heat Recovery Ventilator) is designed to bring in fresh air from outside while recovering heat. But it has filters that need to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
According to Chapter V of the Building Code (RBQ 2025), HRV filters must be serviced at least every 3 months. Many homeowners ignore these filters altogether for years.
Clogged HRV filters:
- Reduce fresh air flow
- Force the system to recirculate more indoor air
- Can develop mould if damp
- Release the odors and contaminants they have captured
Checking and cleaning your HRV filters is a simple but critical maintenance task. Most are easily removed and washed in soapy water. Do it at least four times a year.
Our technicians comply with INVC and RBQ standards for certified, safe cleaning. We follow industry protocols. Your safety and that of your family come first.
Why choose Vortex Air in Montreal
There are many duct cleaning companies in Montreal. Here's what sets us apart.
Local, transparent service
We're local. Mohamed and Omar, our owners, have lived and worked in Montreal for over 10 years. We know the specific challenges of our buildings - the old condos on the Plateau with shared systems, the houses in Laval with damp basements, the buildings in Saint-Laurent with complex ventilation.
Available 24/7. Odor problems can become urgent, especially if you're entertaining guests or if it's affecting your daily quality of life. We respond fast, we move fast.
Free inspection, always. We come to your home, inspect your ducts with our endoscopic cameras, show you what we find, and give you our honest recommendations. If your ducts don't really need cleaning, we'll tell you. Zero sales pressure.
Clear quote before starting. The price we give you includes everything. No hidden fees that magically appear at the end. No surprise extras. What we say is what you pay.
Bilingual service. We speak French and English fluently. That's what Montreal is all about. You communicate in the language you're comfortable with.
Certified, respectful methods
INVC certification. Our team is trained and certified by the Institut National de Ventilation et de Climatisation. We follow industry standards for cleaning and decontamination.
NADCA in progress. We are in the process of obtaining our NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification, the recognized North American standard. This additional certification reinforces our commitment to excellence.
Professional HEPA equipment. We use suction-pulse systems with HEPA filtration that capture 99.97% of particles. Everything we remove from your ducts is captured - nothing gets dispersed into your home while we're working.
Protecting your space. We protect your floors and furniture. We work cleanly. We clean up after ourselves. You'll find your home looking just as good - just with better-smelling air.
Safe products. If a deodorizing or sanitizing treatment is required, use only Health Canada-approved products with DIN numbers. No harsh or hazardous chemicals.
Commitment to health and satisfaction
Satisfaction guaranteed. If you're not happy with the result, we'll come back and rectify the situation. Our local reputation depends on happy customers, not quick sales.
500+ satisfied customers. We've served hundreds of families and property managers in the Greater Montreal area. People like you who just wanted to breathe easier in their own homes.
Human approach. We understand that odor problems can be annoying and frustrating. We treat each situation with empathy and professionalism. No judgment, just solutions.
Full documentation. You receive a before-and-after photo report documenting the work carried out. This is useful for your personal files, for your condominium corporation, or for a future property sale.
Request your free inspection today - call Vortex Air or book online. We travel all over Greater Montreal. Let us show you exactly what's hiding in your ducts.
FAQ - Odours and duct cleaning in Montreal
Why does my condo smell like fried food even after cleaning?
Because the source of the smell is in your ventilation ducts, not in your visible living space. Greasy particles have settled on the walls of your ducts over time. Every time your system runs, it stirs up this residue and redistributes the odor. Surface cleaning doesn't help get to this hidden source.
Does duct cleaning remove all odours?
Professional cleaning removes 80-90% of the odours associated with duct build-up. If the odor is also coming from other sources - mold in the walls, plumbing problems, material contamination - duct cleaning helps, but doesn't solve everything. We can identify these other sources during our inspection.
What is the recommended frequency in Montreal?
Every 3 to 5 years for a typical residence. More frequently (every 2-3 years) if you cook a lot of fried food, have several pets, or live in a building with problematic shared ventilation. After renovations or water damage, additional cleaning is recommended.
Can I clean my own ducts?
Not efficiently. You can clean the visible grids and vacuum the first few accessible sections, but that affects maybe 5% of the system. The rest requires professional equipment - rotary brushes, commercial HEPA vacuums, and access to all sections of the network. DIY also risks dispersing more contaminants than it removes.
How much does an anti-odour treatment cost?
Complete duct cleaning to eliminate odour sources typically costs between 350 $ and 550 $ for a typical Montreal residence. If an additional deodorizing treatment is required after mechanical cleaning, add 100 $ to 200 $. We always give you a clear price before we start.
Are natural products (vinegar/bicarbonate) enough?
For light, recent odors, they can help to mitigate. But for odors that have been present in ducts for months or years, they are insufficient. They provide temporary masking without eliminating the source. Think of them as a maintenance measure between professional cleanings, not as a replacement.
Does the syndic have to pay for cleaning common ducts?
If the ducts are shared by several units and form part of the common areas, yes, this is generally the responsibility of the syndicate, according to your declaration of co-ownership. If each unit has its own completely independent system, it's up to the individual owner. Check your declaration or consult your manager - this question often causes disagreements.
How do I know if my air exchanger is contaminated?
If you smell something when your HRV is running, if you see excessive dust around the grilles, if the airflow seems reduced, or if you've never cleaned the filters, it's probably contaminated. Visually inspecting the filters already gives you a good idea - if they're black with dirt, the rest of the system probably is too.
What are the risks of letting odors build up?
Beyond the inconvenience, greasy buildup can reduce the efficiency of your system (increasing your energy costs), create a favorable environment for bacteria and mold, and in extreme cases of dryer venting, pose a fire hazard. Persistent odours also affect your quality of life and can reduce the resale value of your property.
What's the difference between hood and duct cleaning?
Hood cleaning treats the unit itself and its exhaust duct to the outside (if it vents). Duct cleaning treats your entire HVAC ventilation system - the heating, cooling and return air ducts that circulate throughout your home. Both are important, but address different systems. Often, odor problems require treating both.
