Kitchen hood cleaning is one of those regularly scheduled cleaning services often overlooked. It’s easy to understand why; cooking supplies can be messy, and cleaning them takes time and effort.The benefits of having your commercial kitchen hood professionally cleaned, along with the potential risk involved in not properly taking care of this task, validate the need to hire a hood cleaning service.
Importance of Hood Cleaning in Commercial Kitchens
A commercial kitchen is a busy, fast-paced environment. There are so many things that can go wrong in such a short amount of time.
Below is a list of benefits for regular cleaning and maintenance with commercial kitchen hood cleaning:
- Fire prevention
Arguably one of the most important reasons to have your commercial kitchen hood cleaned. It is recommended that you clean the filter after every cooking day because grease buildup can ignite, causing a fire that can burn down your business.
Fires are not only bad for your business, but they are also awful for the environment.
- Reduces dangerous particle emissions
A clean vent hood will significantly reduce the hazardous particles emitted into the air of your commercial kitchen. If you’re not familiar with the term ‘particulate matter,’ think of it like setting off fireworks; they explode and then dissipate into thin air. The same goes for dangerous particles.
- Become compliant with health codes
Health codes (NFPA 96) for commercial kitchens are very demanding, which is no surprise to most people. A comprehensive kitchen hood cleaning is one of the easiest ways to help your restaurant or food business comply with specific health standards. If you don’t meet proper health standards, they may shut your business down.
- Lowers Insurance Costs
Fire safety code and insurance requirements in commercial kitchens are stringent. As the risk of fires and other accidents continues to rise, it is more important than ever for you to keep your business insurance rates low. Insurance companies will do a walk-through of your kitchen and check certain features, such as the hood filters.
- Improves kitchen Hygiene
Kitchen hygiene is essential for all of us, but your commercial kitchen may need to worry about even more things.
Whether it’s the back door of a fast-food restaurant or the serving area at an elegant banquet hall, any site that provides food will have strict health codes and regulations.
Signs that Kitchen Hood Cleaning is Due
The following are a few signs that kitchen hood cleaning is due:
- Grease buildup
Grease buildup can be a considerable fire hazard, even with a vent filter. Droplets of grease could fall from the filter and land on the gas range below, ignite it and cause a potentially dangerous situation. The same goes for dripping grease that can accumulate, ignite and cause significant damage.
- Filter is black
If the filter is filthy, it’s time to clean it professionally. If you don’t replace the filters after every cooking session, this could be a sign that your restaurant hood cleaning needs are overdue. There are specific health codes regarding how often you change certain parts of your kitchen equipment, and if you aren’t up to date on these standards, it could affect how your business is viewed.
- You notice an unpleasant cooking smell
This is a bad sign if your kitchen smells like old grease after cooking. As mentioned before, droplets of grease could accumulate over time and ignite when exposed to heat. You can smell old cooking oil because it’s water-soluble, and it can go airborne and spread quickly if not properly filtered.
- Smoke is noticeable
If there is smoke coming out of the vent hood, it’s time to take care of that problem. The same goes for any other unusual smells or odors. There are times when smoke does not clear from your kitchen even after the cooking session has ceased. If you notice smoke or a noticeable smell in your kitchen at any time, contact a professional restaurant hood cleaners’ company right away to avoid a severe fire hazard.
- Fan seems weak
If you have an exhaust fan, take note if it’s running slower than usual. If the fan isn’t running as it should, this could signify that you need to replace some parts of your exhaust hood. Your business owner’s manual will provide you with some guidance on fixing or replacing some parts.
Why Hire a Commercial Hood Cleaner?
Commercial kitchen hood cleaning services are necessary, especially for busy restaurants. Even if you’re diligent about cleaning your kitchen hood, the job is best left to professionals who know how to clean and maintain ventilation equipment properly.
Choosing a reputable company like Bare Metal Standard of Texas will ensure that your business meets health codes and help you save money on expensive equipment problems down the road.
Benefits of Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning Services
The following are the benefits of commercial kitchen hood cleaning services to your business:
- Save time
Cleaning a kitchen hood is a time-consuming process. Even if you don’t mind the work, dealing with grease and grime can wear you down after a while. There’s also the potential for injury; gas ranges and other kitchen equipment pose risks when working nearby.
Experts in kitchen hood cleaning services provide the same quality of work without all of the hassles. Your employees can go about their work in other parts of your business while commercial hood cleaners take care of the dirty work.
- Keep equipment running smoothly
Professional technicians clean each part thoroughly, which benefits you in your commercial hood cleaning schedule. They also clean the hood’s internal components, which reduces the risk of expensive equipment rebuilds or replacements.
- Protect your business from fire hazards
These companies are well-versed with fire codes and regulations. They know how to clean the kitchen hood area safely and adequately, essential for avoiding fires. Additionally, these companies can help you choose parts up to code, so your restaurant meets regulations while still running smoothly.
- Complicated design
Kitchen hoods are designed in many different ways. One company might not be experienced with all makes and models, resulting in equipment damage or poor performance. Working with a qualified restaurant hood cleaners company ensures that your equipment is properly cared for at all times.
- They will identify and repair damage
A professional kitchen hood cleaning company will thoroughly inspect your equipment and use the proper chemicals to remove grease, grime, and other substances. They’ll also repair any damage to keep your equipment running as it should be and take steps to prevent future problems.
Having your kitchen hoods cleaned by a reputable company ensures that your business meets health codes. You’ll also experience benefits like reduced risk of damage, improved equipment performance, and increased safety for you and your employees.
How to choose a Kitchen Hood Cleaning Company
The following tips will help you choose a reputable commercial hood cleaning company:
- Experience and qualifications
Many companies offer commercial kitchen hood cleaning services, so it’s important to find extensive experience in this business. Look for a company that is knowledgeable about each part of the process and understands how to clean your equipment safely.
Additionally, choose a company that meets all state and local health codes. It’s essential to work with licensed and has the proper insurance coverage.
- Ask for referrals
Asking for customer referrals is one of the best ways to find a reputable commercial kitchen hood cleaning company in your area. These companies must be bonded and insured, so they should be willing to provide references.
- Compare costs
Prices vary significantly from one commercial kitchen hood cleaning company to the next. You’ll save some money if you choose a technician with less experience, but you might end up paying more in the long run if they damage your equipment while trying to cut corners.
On the other hand, a highly-experienced professional may be more expensive but less likely to cause additional problems.
- Get it in writing
It’s essential to have a written contract from the company you choose. This agreement will outline each part of their services and detail what they provide for you. Additionally, this contract should clarify what the service will cost and when payment is due.
- Make sure they clean kitchen hoods
Some companies only offer general cleaning services. Ask any company you’re considering for references, or check their website to determine if they specialize in this business. You’ll have a hard time finding a commercial hood cleaning company that specializes in kitchen hoods if you choose one that doesn’t.
Conclusion
Kitchen hood cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your restaurant’s equipment. A thorough cleaning helps eliminate fire hazards, improves efficiency, and prevents damage. You should hire a reputable commercial hood cleaning company to do this properly.
The tips mentioned above will help you choose the best option for your business needs. You can search online or ask around in your area for companies that offer these services. Be sure to research your options carefully so you can hire a company that provides high-quality work at an affordable price.
