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Shawn Anderson

Simple Steps to Ensure Your Kitchen Exhaust Hood is Cleaned Correctly

Updated: Oct 25, 2023

Are you concerned that your kitchen exhaust hood is not being cleaned correctly? Properly cleaning a kitchen exhaust hood is an important part of keeping your kitchen safe and efficient. Without proper cleaning, grease can build up and cause fires, smoke, and even poor air quality. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your kitchen exhaust hood is being cleaned properly. In this blog post, we will provide easy tips on how to check if your kitchen exhaust hood is being cleaned correctly.


Why is Proper Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Important?


Proper kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the hood plays a crucial role in eliminating cooking fumes, grease, and heat from the kitchen. If the hood isn't adequately cleaned, these substances can build up inside the exhaust system and become a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 25% of restaurant fires are caused by grease build-up in the kitchen exhaust system.


Secondly, an uncleaned hood can lead to health hazards, including respiratory problems, headaches, and allergies, among others. Over time, a dirty hood can harbor harmful bacteria, germs, and mold, which can pose health risks to your family and customers.


Regular kitchen exhaust hood cleaning also helps improve the efficiency of your kitchen ventilation system. A clogged hood can reduce the air-flow, forcing the exhaust fan to work harder, increasing energy costs, and decreasing the life of the fan.


Overall, proper kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is necessary to keep your kitchen safe, healthy, and energy-efficient.


Signs That Your Kitchen Exhaust Hood Needs Cleaning


Proper kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is essential to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your kitchen. If the exhaust hood is not cleaned properly, it can lead to grease buildup, clogs, and even fire hazards. It is important to know when your exhaust hood needs cleaning. Here are some signs that indicate that your kitchen exhaust hood needs cleaning:


1. Grease buildup: If you notice grease or oil buildup on the surface of the hood or around the exhaust fan, it's a clear sign that it needs cleaning.


2. Unpleasant odors: If your kitchen has unpleasant or pungent odors that linger even after cooking is done, it's a sign that the exhaust hood is not working properly.


3. Smoke or steam: If you see smoke or steam coming from the hood or it's not able to extract smoke effectively, it's a sign of a clog or dirty exhaust hood.


It's important to be vigilant and aware of these signs and get your kitchen exhaust hood cleaned immediately.


Hiring a Professional Hood Cleaning Service vs. DIY


While it may be tempting to attempt to clean your kitchen exhaust hood on your own, it is often recommended to hire a professional hood cleaning service. Not only do they have the necessary experience and equipment to thoroughly clean your hood, but they also know how to ensure that it meets all necessary safety standards.


DIY hood cleaning can often result in incomplete cleaning, leaving behind grease and debris that can cause fires and other safety hazards. Additionally, attempting to clean your hood on your own can be dangerous, as it requires climbing on ladders and working with harsh chemicals.


On the other hand, professional hood cleaning services are licensed and insured, providing you with peace of mind that your kitchen exhaust hood is being properly cleaned and maintained. Plus, they have access to industrial-strength cleaning products and tools that can provide a deeper clean than what you can achieve on your own.


Overall, hiring a professional hood cleaning service may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it can save you money and potential danger in the long run.


Steps to check if Your Kitchen Exhaust Hood is Cleaned Properly:


Cleaning your kitchen exhaust hood is important to keep your kitchen safe and healthy. But how do you ensure that it is cleaned properly? Here are some simple steps you can follow to make sure that your kitchen exhaust hood is thoroughly cleaned.


1. Look for a Clean Filter: One of the easiest ways to tell if your kitchen exhaust hood has been cleaned properly is to look at the filter. If it is dirty and clogged, then it hasn't been cleaned correctly.


2. Inspect the Ducts: Make sure to check the ducts for any signs of grease buildup. A properly cleaned kitchen exhaust hood should have a grease-free duct.


3. Check for Visible Grease: Look at the surfaces of the hood and exhaust fan to see if there are any visible grease residues. A clean hood should be free from any grease.


4. Smell Test: If your kitchen exhaust hood is still emitting an unpleasant odor, it means it hasn't been cleaned properly.


By following these steps, you can ensure that your kitchen exhaust hood is cleaned correctly, making your kitchen a healthier place to cook and eat.


Inspect kitchen equipment for any new damage potentially caused during the clean


Once the kitchen exhaust hood has been cleaned, it's essential to check all the kitchen equipment for any damage caused during the cleaning process. This inspection should be conducted thoroughly, and any equipment with new scratches, dents or damages should be noted and addressed immediately.

Kitchen equipment includes ovens, fryers, grills, and any other appliances located near the hood. Grease buildup in the hood can lead to excessive heat, causing potential damage to the surrounding equipment. It is also important to check that the equipment has been properly reconnected and functioning correctly. Any faults in the equipment could result in an unsafe environment for staff and customers, leading to potential health risks and costly repairs.


If you notice any issues with the equipment, it is crucial to contact the professional hood cleaning service provider immediately to rectify the problem before the equipment is used again.


Inspect kitchen floors for leftover grease from the cleaning process


One important step in ensuring your kitchen exhaust hood is cleaned properly is to inspect the floors for any leftover grease or grime from the cleaning process. Grease can be a serious hazard and can cause slip-and-fall accidents if not cleaned up properly.


When inspecting the kitchen floors, check for any greasy residue that may have been missed during the cleaning process. This residue can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas such as corners, crevices, and behind equipment. A thorough inspection can help prevent potential hazards and ensure that your kitchen is safe for staff and customers.


If you notice any greasy residue on the floors, it is important to address it immediately. Wipe the area clean with a degreaser or soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process until the area is completely clean.


By taking the time to inspect your kitchen floors for leftover grease, you can ensure that your kitchen exhaust hood is cleaned properly and that your kitchen is a safe and healthy environment for everyone who works in or visits the space.


Check that the fan itself was cleaned to bare metal as well


If your kitchen exhaust hood has rooftop access, it is crucial to check that the fan itself has been cleaned to bare metal. The fan plays a significant role in extracting air and grease from the kitchen, and if it is not cleaned properly, it can hinder the effectiveness of the entire system. Grease buildup on the fan can impede its rotation and reduce its ability to remove smoke, heat, and odors from the kitchen.

To check if the fan has been cleaned properly, access the rooftop and inspect the fan blades. They should be free from any grease or residue and should appear clean and shiny. If you notice any buildup or sticky residue on the blades, it is a clear sign that the fan has not been cleaned to bare metal. In such cases, contact your hood cleaning service provider to address the issue and ensure that the fan is thoroughly cleaned for optimal performance and safety.


Check all vents for grease, leftover food particles, and dirt


When it comes to ensuring that your kitchen exhaust hood is cleaned properly, checking all vents is a crucial step. Over time, grease, food particles, and dirt can accumulate in the vents, which can not only create an unsanitary environment but can also lead to potential fire hazards.


To check if your vents are clean, start by visually inspecting the outside of each vent. If there is any visible buildup of grease or dirt, then the vent likely wasn't cleaned properly. You should also remove the cover of each vent and inspect the inside. Use a flashlight to shine through the vent to see if there is any leftover residue. If there is, it's time to call the hood cleaning service back to fix the issue.


It's important to remember that even if your kitchen exhaust hood appears to be clean, it doesn't mean that the vents are. The vents are a crucial part of the entire system and need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are cleaned properly. So make sure to add checking the vents to your list of steps when evaluating the quality of your hood cleaning service.


How often should kitchen hoods be cleaned?


The frequency of kitchen hood cleaning depends on various factors, including the type of cooking you do, the volume of cooking, and the type of exhaust system you have. Generally, it is recommended to clean kitchen hoods every three to six months.


However, certain establishments, such as high-volume restaurants or kitchens that use a lot of oil, may require more frequent cleaning, such as every one to three months. On the other hand, kitchens that have lighter cooking loads or use less oil may be able to extend the cleaning schedule to six months or longer.


It is important to consult with a professional hood cleaning service to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for your specific kitchen and exhaust system. Regular inspections should also be conducted to check for any signs of grease buildup or other issues that may require more frequent cleaning. Remember, proper and regular cleaning is essential to maintain a safe and healthy kitchen environment.


A Quick Wrap


Ensuring your kitchen exhaust hood is properly cleaned is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for cooking and preparing food. Whether you decide to hire a professional hood cleaning service or do it yourself, it's important to understand what proper cleaning entails and how to check that it was done correctly.


By inspecting your kitchen equipment, floors, and vents after a cleaning, you can make sure that all areas were thoroughly cleaned and that there are no damages or leftover grease. It's also important to note that kitchen hoods should be cleaned regularly, with the frequency depending on how often it is used.


In the end, taking the time to ensure that your kitchen exhaust hood is cleaned correctly is a small but important step in maintaining a clean and safe kitchen. By following the simple steps outlined in this post, you can be confident in the cleanliness of your kitchen exhaust hood and the safety of your food.


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