Hood cleaning is a necessary service for most commercial cooking establishments. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 96 requires most commercial hoods to be cleaned quarterly, with less frequent cleanings for facilities that do not use solid fuel. Cleaning a kitchen hood is a good way to reduce the risk of fires and improve the quality of air in a restaurant.
Most hood cleaning services will remove any grease, grime or oil from your kitchen exhaust system. This is done by using a high-powered hot water pressure washer to blast away any residue. Some companies also clean ovens, floors, and other kitchen equipment.
When you hire a hood cleaner, you’ll receive a free estimate. You’ll also get a report detailing the work that was completed. Depending on the type of food being prepared, a hood can take about three to four hours to clean.
In addition to cleaning your hood, you’ll have to take care of any issues related to your fan. For example, if your fan is making noise or vibrating, a technician will inspect it to find the source. Once they have found the problem, they’ll test the fan for functionality. If the fan is still not working, they may replace the fan belt.
To ensure safety, the cleaning service will also inspect any areas that could be a source of fire. They’ll look for hidden corners and assess the condition of the hood and the fans.
To prevent a fire, a hood cleaner will also apply stickers to the hood and the exhaust system. These stickers will inform fire inspectors that the hood has been properly cleaned. At the same time, they’ll also let you know the next scheduled cleaning date.
If you’re wondering how long your restaurant’s hood will need to be cleaned, the length depends on how many hoods and fans there are in the kitchen. A small kitchen that cooks mainly fried foods should be cleaned every two months. High volume kitchens that don’t use solid fuel should be cleaned quarterly.
During the hood cleaning process, the hood cleaning company will use industrial strength power washers, steam cleaners, and degreasers to remove buildup. Their crew will then clean the interior of the hood and its canopy. They will also use plastic covers to keep grease from accumulating on the hood’s surface.
After the cleaning is complete, the Hood Cleaning crew will place a new inspection sticker on the kitchen canopy. Afterwards, they’ll polish the canopy and the backsplash, and reinstall the filters.
Besides cleaning your hood, a hood cleaner will also dispose of the oil, grease, and debris that they’ve removed. Keeping your hood and other parts of your kitchen clean will help to ensure the health of your employees, as well as the safety of your facility.
Restaurant ductwork is also important to keep in good working order. It requires attention to detail, so a professional duct cleaner can help you save money. Many restaurants have hoods that run up through their roof. As a result, it’s vital that the ducts and roof are cleaned periodically.