How to Keep Your Restaurant Hood Clean and Safe

Maintaining a safe and clean environment in your restaurant is critical to the success of your business. The kitchen is a high-traffic area where dirt, grease, and other contaminants can quickly build up and create hazardous conditions. That’s why it’s important to have a regular hood cleaning schedule in place. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of hood cleaning and outline some tips for keeping your restaurant hood safe and clean!

Having your commercial kitchen exhaust system professionally cleaned will ensure that all oil and debris are thoroughly removed from the vent hood, the exhaust fan, baffle filters, and the ductwork. This method not only ensures that your restaurant and kitchen are safe for staff and visitors, but it also ensures that you comply with NFPA 96 criteria. Even though the hood appears clean from the exterior, only an experienced and licensed kitchen exhaust expert will be able to identify and remove dangerous buildups that can collect from the hood and filters to the vent, fans, ducts, and, eventually, the roof grease containment system.

Inspect the Exhaust System

The first step in the hood cleaning process is to thoroughly inspect and assess the exhaust system. It includes checking all grease containment systems, ductwork, fans, and hoods for any buildup or damage.

Shut Off the Exhaust Fan

A licensed hood cleaner will then shut off and disconnect the exhaust fan to ensure safety during the cleaning process.

Prep the Kitchen

The kitchen should be properly prepped before the cleaning begins. This includes removing combustible materials from the area, covering appliances and other equipment, and shutting off gas lines if necessary.

Cleaning the Hood, Filters, Ducts, and Fans

The hood cleaner will then use a degreasing agent to clean all surfaces of the vent hood, filters, ducts, and fans. They may also use high-pressure water jets or a scraping tool to remove stubborn buildup. The baffle filters, which trap grease from cooking vapors, are removed and cleaned using a degreaser and hot water pressure wash. Next, the interior and exterior of the hood are cleaned using heated degreasing solutions. Any built-up grease and grime are removed from all surfaces.

Reassemble and Test

Once all components have been thoroughly cleaned, the exhaust fan is reassembled and tested for proper functioning.

Final Inspection

Before leaving the premises, the hood cleaner will do a final inspection to ensure that the exhaust system is clean and functioning properly. The technicians will put a legally needed sticker on the hood. Always put this on the hood – it will show fire inspectors, the health department, and even your insurance broker when the hood was cleaned and when the next cleaning is scheduled.

Post-Cleaning Inspection and Maintenance

It is necessary to regularly inspect and maintain your kitchen exhaust system, even after a professional cleaning. And, in addition to scheduling regular hood cleaning near me, there are some steps you can take daily to help keep your hood clean and safe.

  • Make sure all food particles and grease are properly disposed of
  • Keep the hood and filters free of debris
  • Regularly clean equipment such as grills, fryers, and cooking surfaces

Following these tips and keeping up with regular professional hood cleanings will ensure that your restaurant is not only compliant with safety standards but also operates efficiently, effectively, and safely. Happy cooking!

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