Keeping kitchen hoods clean and in good working order is a key component to your restaurant’s success. Regular cleaning will help prevent fires and other hazards. It will also make your kitchen look cleaner.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established the national minimum standard for cleaning hoods. NFPA 96 requires most commercial hoods to be cleaned at least once every six months. However, special circumstances may necessitate a quarterly or more frequent schedule. Depending on the volume of food being cooked, more frequent cleanings might be necessary.
Many jurisdictions have adopted the National Fire Protection Association Standard 96, which outlines the cleaning requirements for kitchen hoods. In addition to the NFPA standard, some local fire codes preempt general cleaning requirements. Often, a contractor will use pressure washers to clean the ductwork. They may also use brushes to scrape the plenum and interior surfaces.
Using a hood cleaning service is a great way to ensure that your kitchen exhaust systems are thoroughly cleaned. A hood cleaning professional can help you establish a regular cleaning schedule that works for your restaurant. For example, if you operate a QSR (quick serve restaurant), you may only need to clean your hood filters once or twice a week. Similarly, if you operate a full-service restaurant, you can probably get away with a quarterly or monthly cleaning schedule.
Before contacting a hood cleaning service, it is a good idea to have your roof and exhaust hoods checked by a qualified professional. These systems can be easily damaged and can lead to a fire. Also, the ductwork is hard to see. You need to have your ducts cleaned so you can be sure to avoid any potential EPA/OSHA violations. Having a professional perform this task is a great way to ensure that your building meets all applicable codes.
When you hire a cleaning service, they will inspect your hood and fans for noise and proper working order. They will also wipe down the hood and polish the ceiling and other surfaces. Depending on the type of equipment you have, your hood filters might need to be wiped down daily.
Generally, a hood cleaning service will give you a free estimate on the amount of time it will take to complete the job. This is based on the number of hoods and fans you have, as well as the Hood Cleaning size of your kitchen. Cleaning a hood usually takes about three to four hours. If you need a cleaning sooner than expected, you can also contact a hood cleaning company to make a last minute appointment.
The most important aspect of a hood cleaning is the inspection of the vent hood. Dirt and debris build up can damage parts of the hood and can lead to a fire. Therefore, the first step is to remove the fan blades, baffle filters, and grease traps from the hood. Then, soak the filters in a degreasing solution for about two to three hours. After that, rinse the hood with warm water and then dry it with a towel.