As a restaurant owner or commercial kitchen operator, you might know that hood cleaning is a necessity. But what exactly happens during a kitchen exhaust hood cleaning? Understanding the steps involved can give you peace of mind and help ensure your kitchen remains safe and compliant. This blog breaks down the process of a hood cleaning service, so you know exactly what to expect.

What is a Hood Cleaning Service?

A hood cleaning service is a professional cleaning of your kitchen exhaust system, including the range hoods, ducts, fans, and grease traps. This process is essential to maintaining kitchen safety, ensuring compliance with local fire codes, and improving air quality in your commercial kitchen.

Failure to keep your kitchen hood system clean can lead to fire hazards, foul odors, and a decrease in the system’s efficiency. That’s why having a hood cleaning service performed regularly is so important for your restaurant, hotel kitchen, or other commercial facilities.

Why Do You Need a Hood Cleaning Service?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly look at why it’s important to have this service performed regularly. Hood cleaning services help with:

• Fire Safety: Grease buildup in kitchen exhaust systems is a major fire risk.
  
• Health & Safety: Clean hoods and ducts help improve air quality and reduce unpleasant odors.
  
• Compliance: Hood cleaning is required to meet NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.

Now that we understand why hood cleaning is crucial, let’s explore what happens during the service.

Step 1: Initial Kitchen Assessment

The first step in any kitchen exhaust hood cleaning  is to assess the current condition of your kitchen’s exhaust system. A professional cleaning crew will inspect the hood, ductwork, fan, and grease traps to determine how much buildup is present and whether there are any signs of damage or wear.

Inspection Includes:

• Visual Assessment: Technicians will inspect all accessible areas of the system.
  
• Safety Checks: They will ensure the system is operating safely and within local fire code requirements.
  
• Grease Buildup Evaluation: Heavy grease accumulation is a common issue that needs immediate attention.
  

During this initial assessment, the cleaning team may also identify any specific concerns that need extra attention, such as malfunctioning fans or a clogged grease trap.

Step 2: Preparing the Kitchen for Cleaning

Once the assessment is complete, the cleaning crew will prepare your kitchen for the cleaning process. This typically involves the following steps:

Preparation Includes:

• Turning Off the Power: The power to the exhaust system and any electrical components will be turned off for safety.
  
• Covering Sensitive Equipment: Surfaces like countertops, cooking equipment, and floors are protected to avoid damage from cleaning solutions or grease.
  
• Preparing Cleaning Supplies: The crew will set up their equipment and cleaning solutions. These often include industrial degreasers and tools to dislodge stubborn grease.
  

It’s also common for the kitchen to be closed temporarily during cleaning, as some areas may need to be shut down for safety reasons.

Step 3: Removing Grease and Dirt from the Hood

The hood cleaning service begins with the removal of grease and dirt from the range hood itself. This part of the cleaning process is vital for preventing grease buildup and improving air circulation. The technicians will remove the grease filters and soak them in industrial degreasers before scrubbing them thoroughly.

What’s Involved:

• Scraping: Using special scraping tools, the crew will remove thick grease deposits from the hood’s surfaces.
  
• Soaking Filters: Grease filters are removed, cleaned, and soaked in a degreasing solution to break down the grease.
  
• Cleaning the Hood: The hood itself will be scrubbed down with cleaning agents to remove any residue and ensure the area is spotless.
  

In commercial kitchens, this is a vital step, as grease buildup can quickly clog the exhaust system, leading to airflow problems and potential fire hazards.

Step 4: Cleaning the Ductwork and Ventilation System

Once the hood is thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to tackle the ductwork. The ducts that run from the hood to the roof or ventilation system need to be cleaned to remove any hidden grease and dirt.

What’s Involved:

• Scraping and Brushing: Technicians use special brushes to scrub the duct walls and remove grease buildup.
  
• Vacuuming: Powerful vacuums are employed to pull out the debris and grease from the ducts.
  
• Inspection of Ductwork: The crew will inspect the ductwork for any damage, leaks, or blockages that could interfere with airflow.
  

If the ducts are clogged or dirty, they can reduce the effectiveness of your exhaust system and contribute to poor air quality in the kitchen. This step ensures that air flows freely and that the system is operating efficiently.

Step 5: Cleaning the Fans and Exhaust System

The exhaust fan, which is responsible for pulling air out of the kitchen, is another critical part of the hood cleaning process. Over time, grease can accumulate on the fan blades, reducing airflow and creating a potential fire hazard.

What’s Involved:

• Fan Disassembly: The fan will be carefully disassembled to allow for thorough cleaning.
  
• Scrubbing and Degreasing: Fan blades and motor parts are scrubbed and degreased.
  
• Reassembly and Testing: After cleaning, the fan is reassembled and tested to ensure proper functionality.
  

This step is crucial for ensuring that the fan operates efficiently and safely.

Step 6: Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance

The grease trap is another area of concern that needs regular cleaning. Grease traps collect grease and prevent it from entering the sewer system. Over time, these traps can become clogged, leading to unpleasant odors and poor drainage.

What’s Involved:

• Grease Trap Inspection: The grease trap will be checked for excessive buildup.
  
• Removal of Grease: Any grease and waste will be removed and disposed of properly.
  
• Sanitization: The trap will be sanitized to ensure no residue remains that could attract pests or cause odors.
  

Maintaining a clean grease trap is essential for preventing clogs and maintaining a hygienic kitchen.

Step 7: Final Inspection and Report

After the cleaning process is complete, the crew will conduct a final inspection to ensure all areas have been thoroughly cleaned and are in good working order. A detailed report will be provided to the business owner, noting any repairs or further action needed.

Final Inspection Includes:

• Visual Inspection: The technician will inspect all cleaned areas to ensure they meet safety standards.
  
• Test Run: The exhaust system is tested to ensure it’s operating correctly.
  
• Report: A report will be provided, detailing the services performed and any recommendations for future maintenance.
  

Conclusion: Why Regular Hood Cleaning Service Is Essential

Having a professional hood cleaning service is not just about cleanliness; it’s about maintaining the safety and efficiency of your kitchen. Regular hood cleaning prevents fire hazards, ensures compliance with health codes, and improves the overall air quality in your kitchen. By understanding what happens during a hood cleaning service, you can better appreciate its importance and ensure your kitchen is running smoothly and safely.

If you haven’t had your kitchen hood cleaned in a while, consider scheduling a service today. A clean hood system is a safe and efficient system.