How to Check if Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning is Done Properly?

If you’re the owner or manager of a restaurant, it’s crucial that the cleaning of kitchen hoods is properly done. Kitchen exhaust hoods gather all kinds of grease when pulling out the smoke and heat during their function in the kitchen. This is a major fire hazard waiting to happen if the exhaust duct is not properly cleaned.

It’s not always easy to see and reach every last crevice of these hoods, and choosing the right company to perform the best job at cleaning your kitchen exhaust hood is fundamental. It’s a complicated and detailed job to get right, so having a clear idea of the process of inspecting the work after it’s been done will give you the confidence and peace of mind to continue operations in your restaurant kitchen.

Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Post Inspection

Once an inspection has been done, it’s time to go through the following key indicators that your kitchen exhaust hood has been properly cleaned.

1. Look for a polished hood

Call the hood company back in for a follow-up clean if you can see even a splash of grease. There should be no visible marks anywhere on, in, or around the exhaust hood. Make sure all areas are grease-free.

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

It’s not common, but it can occur where the cleaning company might cause slight damage during the cleaning process. The main thing is that they bring this to your attention and discuss how to fix what’s needed.

3. Inspect kitchen floors for leftover grease from the cleaning process

A greasy floor is a major safety hazard. The last thing you want is one of your staff to slip and fall. A responsible hood cleaning company ensures that kitchen floors are thoroughly cleaned in the areas surrounding the vent hoods once they’ve done the hood.

4. Inspect the baffle filter and ducts

Remove the filter and use a flashlight to inspect deep into the ducts, making sure that they were cleaned to bare metal. At first sight of grease or gathered dirt, bring the cleaning company back in for a re-clean.

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

Serious damage can be caused to the fans if all grease residue isn’t entirely removed. Since you’re up on the roof, make sure that everything is left tidy and undamaged.

6. Make sure that all grease was collected appropriately

It’s non-negotiable that grease spillage be cleaned up immediately to avoid any damage to the roof or environment.

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

Lastly, each vent, rooftop, and hood should be thoroughly cleaned and in the perfect nick to continue working in your restaurant kitchen.

How often should kitchen hoods be cleaned?

Typically, kitchen hood cleaning should take place every three months. But this differs from kitchen to kitchen. Commercial exhaust systems that use wood or charcoal-burning stoves require a thorough monthly cleaning. The frequency of service comes down to the type of business, the food types being cooked, and the various items of equipment in your kitchen.

Need more information on whether your kitchen hood was properly cleaned?

If you still have questions and would like to know more about your specific kitchen setup, contact us online and one of our team members will call and assist you with all you need to know about kitchen exhaust hood cleaning.

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