Kitchen exhaust cleaning is essential to the safe and efficient operation of a restaurant or other commercial cooking establishment. Keeping the kitchen exhaust system clean reduces the risk of fires and the potential for odors. It also improves airflow, which increases efficiency and reduces power bills. In addition, the cleaner the kitchen exhaust system, the better the indoor air quality.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines for minimum safety standards for kitchen exhaust systems. Most jurisdictions require compliance with this standard. If you own or operate a commercial cooking facility, you should schedule regular inspections to ensure your system meets NFPA 96 requirements.
You should consider hiring a professional contractor to perform a proper cleaning of your kitchen exhaust. A qualified contractor will be able to remove buildups that can cause hazardous conditions and damage equipment. They can also apply a fire-safe finish. This is important to avoid liability claims and fire code violations.
Whether you need a one-time or quarterly cleaning, you should be able to find a reputable, reliable contractor who is experienced in the cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems. These companies have a high standard of testing and inspection. Their services include a thorough cleaning of all surfaces of the ductwork and hood, including the baffle filters, fans and burners.
Before starting the cleaning process, the technician will first examine the hood and ductwork to see if it needs to be cleaned. They will then give you a written report detailing the work they performed.
Typically, food-safe caustic chemicals are used to break down grease, which is then washed away with hot water. They are applied using a garden-type sprayer.
After cleaning, the Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning filter should be secured properly and reinserted in the same way as it was removed. Clean the interior of the hood and the plenum to remove any remaining residue.
Grease vapors from cooking accumulate in the ductwork and hood. These vapors can ignite if they come in contact with a hot stove or other heating source. When the filters are improperly secured or dirty, the vapors can contact the metal of the ductwork and ignite.
Having a certified vent hood cleaning service remove the accumulated grease from the ductwork and hood is critical for your operation. Having a qualified contractor clean and maintain your ductwork and hood will also allow you to meet NFPA 96 requirements.
While it is possible to clean your own ductwork and hood, it is recommended that you hire a professional. Professionals use powerful pressure washing techniques and cleaning detergents to ensure that your equipment stays clean and operating smoothly.
In addition to helping keep your ductwork and hood clean, a professional service can help you to improve the efficiency of your ventilation system. This will keep you from incurring EPA/OSHA fines, health department violations and insurance claim rejections.
Restaurants that use wood fuels or solid fuels should have their systems cleaned on a regular basis. An annual or quarterly inspection is recommended for restaurants that serve a large amount of people.