top of page
Shawn Anderson

Expert Tips on Checking the Quality of Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning

Updated: Nov 6, 2023

If you’ve ever hired a professional to clean your kitchen exhaust hood, you know the importance of ensuring the job is done properly. But how do you know for sure? In this blog post, we’ll provide expert tips on how to check the quality of kitchen exhaust hood cleaning, from identifying signs of a thorough clean to inspecting your exhaust hood and more. Read on to learn how to confidently ensure your kitchen exhaust hood is clean and safe.


The Necessity of Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning


Having a clean and well-maintained kitchen exhaust hood is crucial for the safety of your kitchen and everyone in it. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, kitchen hoods can become clogged with grease, dirt, and other particles, leading to several potential hazards.


One of the primary dangers of an improperly maintained kitchen exhaust hood is the risk of fire. When grease builds up within the hood and duct system, it becomes a major fire hazard. A grease fire in your kitchen can cause significant damage, not to mention potentially harming the people who are inside.


Additionally, dirty and clogged kitchen exhaust hoods can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can cause health problems for your kitchen staff and customers. It can also negatively impact the flavor of your food, leaving an unpleasant taste or odor.


Overall, keeping your kitchen exhaust hood clean is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy kitchen environment. By ensuring your hood is clean and well-maintained, you can minimize the risk of fire and keep your kitchen running smoothly.


The Dangers of Poorly-Done Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning


A poorly-done kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is more dangerous than not cleaning at all. It is crucial to ensure that the hood cleaning company you hire is competent of delivering high-quality cleaning services. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic consequences. For instance, the accumulation of grease on kitchen equipment can be a fire hazard, and failure to clean the ducts can lead to mold growth, causing respiratory problems.


The potential consequences of poorly-done kitchen exhaust hood cleaning are not only financial but can be life-threatening. Therefore, it's vital to ensure that the cleaning company you hire has experience, and certifications, and follows industry standards.


It's crucial to perform a post-inspection of the work done to ensure that all the components of the hood, including the fan and ducts, are thoroughly cleaned and polished to prevent the risk of fire and health problems. It's not worth taking chances with a poor hood cleaning job, and doing so is risking everything. Take your kitchen hood cleaning seriously and only work with reputable and experienced cleaning companies to avoid unnecessary risks and hazards.


Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Post Inspection


After your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning has been completed, it’s important to conduct a post-inspection to ensure that the cleaning has been done thoroughly and up to industry standards.


The primary objective of this inspection is to ensure that all potential fire hazards have been removed. You can do this by first checking if the hood is polished and shining. A polished hood is a sign that the cleaning was done properly, and the risk of fire is low.


You should also inspect all kitchen equipment to ensure that there is no new damage. It’s not uncommon for equipment to sustain some damage during the cleaning process, so make sure that all equipment is in good condition.


Next, inspect the floors for leftover grease from the cleaning process. Grease on the floor is a slip hazard, and you don't want your kitchen staff getting injured. Additionally, you should inspect the baffle filter and ducts to ensure that there are no signs of dirt or grease buildup.


If you have rooftop access, check that the fan itself was cleaned to bare metal as well. Make sure that all grease was collected appropriately. Finally, check all vents for grease, leftover food particles, and dirt.


Regular inspections can help prevent future fires, ensure a clean kitchen, and maintain a high level of safety for staff. Always remember that a dirty hood can be a recipe for disaster and always get the help of a professional hood cleaning company for the best results.


Now, you may wonder how often kitchen hoods should be cleaned. According to the National Fire Protection Association, commercial kitchens should clean their hoods and ducts at least once every six months. However, it’s best to have a professional inspection and assessment of your kitchen to determine how often cleaning should be done. Remember that the frequency of cleaning depends on the volume of cooking, the type of food cooked, and the kind of kitchen equipment used.


Look for a polished hood


One of the most obvious signs that your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning has been done properly is a polished hood. When your hood is professionally cleaned, it should have a spotless finish that reflects the light. This is because the cleaning company used the right equipment and cleaning solutions to eliminate all the grease and dirt from your hood.


A polished hood is not just for aesthetics. It's also a sign that your hood is working efficiently and effectively. When your hood is polished, it means there's no grease buildup, which reduces the risk of a fire. The buildup of grease on your hood can act as fuel and increase the risk of fire, which can put your staff and customers in danger.


A polished hood is also important because it means your hood is functioning correctly. When your hood is clean, the airflow is not blocked, and the smoke, steam, and heat are drawn out of your kitchen efficiently. This reduces the chance of your kitchen becoming too hot, which can also be dangerous.


In summary, a polished hood is a crucial element in ensuring your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning has been done properly. It is an essential part of keeping your staff and customers safe while also maintaining the efficiency of your kitchen exhaust system.


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


When performing a post-inspection of kitchen exhaust hood cleaning, it's important to check for any new damage that may have occurred during the cleaning process. While professional cleaners take precautions to protect equipment and surrounding areas, accidents can still happen.


Look closely at all kitchen equipment, such as ovens, stoves, fryers, and grills. Check for any scratches, dents, or other damage that wasn't there before the cleaning. It's important to address any new damage as soon as possible to prevent any potential safety hazards or future problems.


If you notice any new damage, bring it to the attention of the cleaning company right away. They should take responsibility for any damage that occurred during the cleaning process and work to resolve the issue promptly.


By checking for new damage after a kitchen exhaust hood cleaning, you can ensure that your equipment is still in good working condition and that your kitchen is safe and hygienic for staff and customers alike.


Inspect kitchen floors for leftover grease from the cleaning process


While inspecting the kitchen after the exhaust hood cleaning, don’t forget to check the floors. There may be some leftover grease or residue from the cleaning process, which could be slippery and pose a risk of accidents. If you notice any leftover grease on the floors, it's essential to clean it immediately to avoid any accidents.


Moreover, if you're running a restaurant, having clean floors is essential for food safety and hygiene. Leftover grease can also attract insects and rodents, which can pose a health risk. Therefore, it's important to check that the cleaning crew has cleaned the floors thoroughly after the exhaust hood cleaning.


Make sure that the cleaning crew has used appropriate cleaning solutions that won't leave any residue or create slipperiness. The cleaning crew should also have mopped the floors and ensured that there are no missed spots.


Inspect the baffle filter and ducts


One crucial aspect of a thorough kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is ensuring that the baffle filter and ducts are inspected. Baffle filters are responsible for trapping grease and oil particles, preventing them from escaping into the ducts and potentially causing a fire hazard. During the cleaning process, the baffle filters should be removed and cleaned properly.


Once the filters have been cleaned, it's essential to inspect the ducts for any grease or debris build-up that may have escaped the filters. Ducts that aren't cleaned can pose a severe risk for grease fires, so it's vital to make sure they're spotless. Look for signs of caked-on grease or debris inside the ducts, which may indicate that they haven't been thoroughly cleaned.


To check the baffle filter and ducts, start by turning off the kitchen exhaust hood and removing the filters. Carefully inspect each filter for any remaining grease or oil build-up, ensuring that they are clean and in good condition. Next, look inside the ducts, making sure that there are no signs of grease or debris build-up. If necessary, you can use a flashlight to inspect the ducts more closely.


Remember that cleaning the baffle filters and ducts is a critical part of kitchen exhaust hood cleaning. Make sure that these areas are thoroughly inspected to avoid the risk of a potential fire hazard. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that your kitchen is safe, and your exhaust hood is working at its best capacity.


If you have rooftop access, check that the fan itself was cleaned to bare metal as well


When it comes to ensuring that your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning has been done properly, one of the most important things to check is the fan itself. The fan plays a crucial role in keeping your kitchen well-ventilated and free from harmful grease particles. If the fan is not cleaned properly, it can lead to the buildup of grease, which can be a major fire hazard.


To check whether the fan has been cleaned properly, you'll need to have rooftop access. Once you're up there, take a close look at the fan and make sure that it has been cleaned down to the bare metal. If there is any grease buildup or residue, this could be a sign that the cleaning was not thorough enough.


Cleaning the fan can be a tricky job, so it's important to hire professionals who know how to do it right. Make sure to ask your cleaning service if they have experience cleaning fans and if they use specialized equipment to get the job done properly.


In addition to checking the fan itself, you'll also want to inspect the ductwork and make sure that it has been properly cleaned as well. This will ensure that the airflow in your kitchen is as clean and efficient as possible, reducing the risk of fires and other hazards.


By taking the time to inspect the fan and ductwork, you can ensure that your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning has been done properly and that your kitchen is as safe and healthy as possible.


Make sure that all grease was collected appropriately


One of the most crucial aspects of a kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is ensuring that all grease is collected appropriately. During the cleaning process, a technician will use various tools and cleaning agents to remove grease from the hood, baffle filters, ducts, and fans. It's important to ensure that all the grease is collected and disposed of correctly.


To check if the grease was collected appropriately, you can look for signs of leftover grease on the hood, filters, and surrounding areas. There should be no visible residue or streaks of grease after the cleaning process. You can also inspect the grease tray or collection system to make sure it was emptied and cleaned properly.


In addition to checking for visible grease, you should also inspect the air quality in your kitchen. If you notice a persistent greasy smell, it could indicate that not all the grease was properly removed. You should also keep an eye out for any changes in your kitchen's airflow. If you notice any unusual odors or poor ventilation, it could be a sign of a clogged or poorly cleaned exhaust system.


Overall, making sure that all grease is collected appropriately is an essential step in ensuring that your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is done properly. Don't hesitate to ask your cleaning technician for more information about their cleaning process, and if you have any concerns about leftover grease or other issues, don't hesitate to contact a professional.


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


As part of your post-kitchen exhaust hood cleaning inspection, it is important to thoroughly check all vents for any residual grease, leftover food particles, and dirt. Grease buildup in the vents is not only unsightly but also poses a serious fire hazard. A spark can easily ignite a grease-coated vent, leading to a fire that can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage to your kitchen.


To ensure that your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning was done properly, inspect each vent for any visible signs of grease or dirt buildup. You can use a flashlight to check the inside of the vents thoroughly. If you find any grease, dirt, or food particles, it is a clear indication that the cleaning was not done properly.


If you notice any issues, immediately bring it to the attention of the cleaning company. They should be able to rectify the problem as soon as possible, ensuring that your kitchen is safe for use. Remember that regular kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in your commercial kitchen. So, always prioritize it and conduct a post-inspection to make sure the cleaning is done right.


How often should kitchen hoods be cleaned?


The frequency of kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is determined by the type of kitchen and its usage. As a general rule of thumb, commercial kitchens should have their exhaust hoods cleaned at least every three months. High-volume kitchens such as fast-food restaurants and 24-hour diners should be cleaned more frequently, while low-volume kitchens such as cafes may be able to stretch to every six months.


However, every kitchen should have a regular cleaning schedule in place that takes into account the volume of cooking and the type of food being prepared. Failure to maintain a regular cleaning schedule could lead to safety hazards, poor indoor air quality, and the build-up of grease that can damage the exhaust system and surrounding structures.

27 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page