Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a vital part of maintaining your restaurant’s health. Proper cleaning will remove grease, which is a major fire hazard. In addition to this, it improves the quality of the air you breathe. This is important for the health of your staff and the quality of the food you serve. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you clean your kitchen exhaust system at least once a year.
In order to properly clean your kitchen, you need to hire a qualified contractor. These experts will inspect your ductwork, hoods, and other equipment. They will also clean it with the proper cleaning detergents and techniques. Having a professional clean your system will not only increase its efficiency and lifespan, but it will also protect your business and your employees.
If you own a fast food restaurant, a church with a weekly fish fry, or a hotel, you might be required by your insurance policy to have your kitchen exhaust cleaned on a regular basis. If you aren’t sure, consult a kitchen exhaust specialist. Your ductwork and hoods can become dirty very quickly. Keeping up with routine maintenance can keep them looking their best.
Depending on your restaurant’s volume, you may need to have your kitchen exhaust cleaned on a more regular basis. For instance, Asian cuisine uses a lot of oil, which can result in a more frequent cleaning. NFPA 96 requires that you clean your hood and ductwork at least once a year. Whether you need it cleaned on a regular or just once every six months, there are plenty of ways to make it happen.
There are three main factors that determine how often your kitchen exhaust needs to be cleaned. The frequency of cleaning depends on your restaurant’s size and the type of foods you prepare. You may also need to have your kitchen exhaust cleaned by a certified company.
NFPA 96, a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association, recommends having your kitchen’s exhaust system cleaned by a certified contractor. These experts will thoroughly inspect your ductwork, hoods, fans, and other equipment. With their inspection, you can identify any issues and get them repaired. During this process, they will use powerful pressure washing methods to clean the system. A certification sticker will be applied to your hood to help the fire department and local authorities ensure that you are compliant with your local fire codes.
Although you can perform this task on your own, it isn’t advised. Cleaning your kitchen exhaust system can be hazardous, which is why you should leave the job to professionals. Not only can they remove hazardous buildups, but they can also give your equipment a fresh coat of fire-safe finish.
As a matter of fact, this cleaning process is actually much more complicated than you might think. Grease vapors from cooking are pulled into the ductwork and then sucked out of the building. When the vapors reach high temperatures, they can ignite. It’s not only dangerous, but it can also be an ominous sign that your ventilation system isn’t up to par.