In a busy restaurant kitchen, the air has a whole different vibe — it’s steamy and filled with cooking aromas. But is it possible to breathe in this environment non-stop? That’s a big no-no for your lungs because it can be hazardous, which is why exhaust systems are considered as life savers! They constantly try to keep the air fresh by pulling out the bad air.
But you know what? As they perform their job, the accumulation of grease & particulates tends to take a seat inside the system, clogging things up! Due to this, the exhaust systems have to work harder and let more bad air linger in the kitchen, which increases the risk of fire hazard.
That’s why it’s necessary to clean the hoods on a regular basis! But how often should you do this? When is the right time to get it cleaned? Well, inspections can help you to figure out but we’ve got the best plan to keep your kitchen safe and fresh. Let’s dive in to find out the answer!
Key Factors That Influence The Cleaning Frequency Of Kitchen Hoods
a) Frequency & Volume Of Cooking
How often you need to schedule commercial kitchen hood cleaning actually depends on the frequency & volume of cooking taking place in the kitchen.
Commercial kitchens stay busy as they operate for long hours and serve a lot of meals throughout the day, which leads to more grease & grime. Therefore, they require frequent cleanings. Meanwhile, smaller kitchens with low cooking loads might not require cleaning too often due to low grease buildup.
b) Different Types Of Cooking Methods
There are various cooking methods that are used and create different amounts of grease & smoke. For example, charbroiling or deep-frying methods tend to generate a huge amount of grease that quickly clogs up the hood. On the other hand, boiling or steaming usually generates less grease accumulation. Having an understanding of what cooking methods are being used in your kitchen can help you to figure out how often the kitchen hood needs to be cleaned up to function smoothly.
c) Types Of Menu & Ingredients Used
Different types of food items prepared in your kitchen using numerous ingredients can heavily impact the frequency of hood cleaning. Food items such as fatty meats or fried dishes produce more grease & oil that accumulates in the hood system. If your restaurant menu consists of these items, frequent cleaning is a must to prevent accumulation of grease! You should take a look at certain characteristics of the menu to decide how often the kitchen hood needs to be cleaned.
d) Local Health & Safety Regulations
When it comes to local health and safety regulations, it usually sets the minimum cleaning requirements for commercial kitchen hoods. You must ensure that you are well aware of the regulations in your area and follow them properly. Some jurisdictions have guidelines about cleaning frequency and you must stick to them! Following these regulations helps you to keep your kitchen safe & compliant and makes sure that you pass health inspections without any worries.
How Often Should You Opt For Hood Cleaning Services?
For Light Cooking Activities
For places like small cafes that perform light cooking activities, it’s usually a better idea to get your hood system cleaned every six months. Light cooking operations do not produce more grease and it’s usually low. However, do not neglect monitoring the hood system! If you notice too much grease being accumulated, it requires to be cleaned more often.
For Moderate Cooking Activities
Restaurants that are involved in moderate cooking activities, must get the hood system cleaned by a professional every three to six months. These types of restaurants usually produce moderate amounts of grease. However, regular inspections and professional help is a must to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for performance.
For Heaving Cooking Activities
When it comes to commercial kitchens that are indulged in heavy cooking activities will require cleaning more frequently. It is recommended to get professional cleaning every one to three months. Commercial kitchens tend to generate a lot of grease, which quickly gets accumulated and poses a fire threat. Regular hood system cleaning helps to keep your kitchen safe, fresh and prevent equipment problems.
Simple Guidelines To Follow For Hood Cleaning Frequency
a) Evaluating The Hood System Condition:
Evaluating the condition of the kitchen hood system timely is the key to understand if it needs to be cleaned or not! Visual inspection also helps to figure out the cleaning frequency of the hood. You must look for grease accumulation on filters, surfaces or ducts. Moreover, don’t skip to check for rust, damage or areas that are not functioning adequately. Regular inspections can help you to spot issues ahead of time and adjust the schedule for cleaning.
b) Keeping A Check On Grease Buildup Levels:
One of the most common problems in busy commercial kitchens is none other than grease accumulation, which can cause fire hazards. Keeping an eye on the grease accumulation levels is the way to understand when it’s time to get the hood cleaned. You must put some effort in checking the grease filters and hood surfaces on a regular basis, if they are clogged or coated, it’s time to clean them up! By monitoring grease levels, you can schedule cleaning services before things get out of hand and keep your kitchen well-maintained.
c) Consulting With Professional Hood Cleaning Services:
Hiring professional hood cleaners is the best way to maintain the kitchen hood system properly. Professionals have the knowledge about the needs of your kitchen and can suggest you the best cleaning schedule on the basis of volume & frequency of cooking in your kitchen, food items listed on the menu, and local regulations. In addition, they also have the expertise & tools to clean the hood in an appropriate manner.
In Conclusion
The kitchen hood system of your commercial kitchen is the best way to be risk-free, which is extremely important for safety, efficiency and keeping up with the rules & regulations. Therefore, you must follow the tips mentioned in this article! Regularly cleaning the hood system helps increase the lifespan of the hood system and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
So, what are you waiting for? Make kitchen hood cleaning a priority by getting in touch with us today!
