In a busy restaurant environment, maintaining a clean kitchen and keeping it in good working order is an essential task. One key part that helps in keeping your kitchen functional is maintaining a clean kitchen hood, which is generally overlooked. A properly clean hood is important for avoiding specific risks such as fire hazards, poor air quality, and safety regulations. Still, there are numerous mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of your hood cleaning efforts.
Here are the common mistakes to avoid in restaurant hood cleaning:
1) Skipping Regular Maintenance & Cleanings
Skipping regular maintenance and cleanings of the kitchen hood system is considered to be one of the biggest mistakes made by restaurant owners. Remember that on the basis of the volume and type of cooking in your commercial kitchen, the hood must be cleaned at least every quarter or month. Neglecting these cleanings enables pollutants like grime and grease to build up in the hood, which results in reducing the efficiency of the exhaust system and also elevates the threat of a grease fire. Therefore, to stay safe and compliant, do not forget to schedule regular cleanings and ensure to follow it in a consistent manner.
2) Utilizing Inappropriate Cleaning Techniques
All the hood cleaning techniques are not the same. Plus, sometimes it can be seen that some restaurant owners or kitchen staff make an attempt to clean the hood by themselves utilizing regular household cleaning products or pressure washers that are not enough for the task. This generally leads to incomplete cleanings, and dirt/grease/grime is left behind, specifically in areas that are difficult to reach, like fans and ducts. Therefore, you must go for professional hood cleaning services like Discount Hood Cleaners, as they have the right equipment, skills and experience to perform the task properly.
3) Overlooking The Entire Hood System
The third mistake that is quite frequently made is focusing on cleaning only the visible parts of the hood and overlooking the rest of the exhaust system. Also, the most obvious component of the system is the canopy hood, but the fans, filters and ducts are also the critical parts. Accumulation of grease can take place in all these areas, causing blockages, poor airflow, and a higher risk of fire hazards. When the cleaning of the hood is done, make sure that the entire system is cleaned thoroughly to keep your kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.
4) Not Having Cleaning Certificates
In situations such as health inspection or fire hazards, being able to show proof, as in a cleaning certification that clearly states that regular cleanings have been performed, is essential. Not having a document/ certificate is a costly mistake as it can have some serious consequences. Therefore, you need to own detailed records of each & every cleaning, which includes dates, the cleaned areas or parts, and the hood cleaning service company you opted for! Various professional hood cleaning services will make sure to provide you with a cleaning certificate like us. This certificate is used as a proof of compliance.
Also Read: How Often Should You Schedule Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning?
5) Neglecting Access Panels
Neglecting access panels has been one of the most common mistakes at the time of hood cleaning because they are not always in plain sight. No matter how, these access panels are essential for reaching as well as cleaning the inner parts of the ductwork. If access panels are neglected, accumulation of grease can happen in hidden areas, which may result in dangerous situations. So, always make sure that all the access panels are opened and cleaned appropriately.
6) Dependency On Kitchen Staff For In-Dept Cleanings
The kitchen staff at your restaurant must have the capability to manage daily tasks such as cleaning filters, and wiping down the hoods, but they are not responsible for performing deep cleanings. Professional hood cleaning demands special tools and cleaning agents to make sure that your kitchen exhaust system is free of grease. If your kitchen staff tries to handle this challenging job and misses the important areas that must be cleaned, then it can result in incomplete cleanings and potential safety threats. It’s better to depend on trained professionals who have the expertise to clean the system nicely.
7) Fail To Notice The Importance Of Filter Maintenance
Hood filters play a vital role in preventing grease buildup; therefore, failing to notice its importance is also considered a big mistake. Filters must be cleaned on a regular basis depending on the usage of the kitchen. Also, replace the filters when they become damaged. Damaged or dirty filters will not be able to perform their task in an effective way, which can lead to more grease accumulation and the potential risk of fire.
8) Not Scheduling Hood Cleanings During Downtime
Timing is extremely crucial in a restaurant business and involves scheduling regular hood cleanings. One of the common mistakes is planning and scheduling hood cleanings at the time of busy hours. This can interrupt your kitchen operations and give rise to rushed or imperfect work. Therefore, always keep in mind that you should schedule hood cleanings during off-peak hours or downtime to make sure the task is appropriately completed without disrupting the workflow of your kitchen.
Check This Out: 5 Most Common Problems With Kitchen Exhaust Systems To Know About
Wrapping It Up!
This article sheds light on the mistakes that must be avoided at all costs during kitchen hood cleaning, as this can significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of your kitchen hood cleaning efforts. By following the regular cleaning routine, opting for professional services, and focusing on the entire system, you can make sure that your kitchen remains safe, compliant and runs efficiently.
Professional cleaning also has a lot of benefits, as the entire system gets cleaned, and not just the visible components. You must keep this in mind that a clean hood isn’t just about looking good, but it’s also about safeguarding your business, your kitchen staff and customers, from the risk of grease buildup and fire hazards.
Therefore, take enough time to weigh up your present hood cleaning practices and ensure that you are not making any of the mistakes mentioned above. Making a few improvements can go a long way in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your kitchen!
