Kitchen hood cleaning is an important aspect of a restaurant’s operations. It keeps the air in the kitchen clean and prevents the spread of foodborne illnesses. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that most commercial hoods be cleaned quarterly. Restaurants should also consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle ductwork, which can save them a lot of money in the long run.

Kitchen hood cleaning involves a number of different steps. Some of the most common include removing built up grease from the exhaust system. This is often accomplished by using high-powered hot water pressure washing. To ensure that the process is safe and effective, it is crucial that a cleaning service uses only non-toxic products and techniques.

When a hood is not properly cleaned, it can become ineffective. As a result, fires can occur in the kitchen, leading to the loss of life and property. In addition, dirty vent hoods can damage certain parts of the hood. If a fire does happen, it can be difficult to put it out. A hood cleaner can also help remove and dispose of cooking oil.

Generally, a hood cleaner will perform several tasks, including removing and disposing of built up grease, and wiping down walls, floors, and the plenum area. They can also apply stickers to the hood to indicate that it has been cleaned.

Before a hood can be cleaned, a fan or a roof mount fan must be removed. Once removed, the crew will apply a degreasing agent to the canopy and backsplash of the hood. After applying the agent, the crew will rinse off the area and remove any plastic covers. These plastic covers are used to keep dirt and grease from collecting in the canopy.

After the hood has been cleaned, the crew will inspect the hood and other parts of the ductwork for any signs of malfunction. If the fan or roof mount fan is malfunctioning, they can be replaced. Also, the gas valves should be turned back on. Lastly, the crew will place a new inspection sticker on the canopy.

Cleaning a hood may take three to four hours, depending on the Hood Cleaning size of the kitchen and how many fans or hoods are in the building. Depending on the frequency of the cleanings, the rate is set by the cleaning company. Sometimes the rates are based on the amount of grease laden vapors that are drawn up through the hood plenum.

Kitchen hood cleaning services can be scheduled any day, Sunday to Thursday. It is important to remember that the NFPA-96 Standard requires a regular cleaning of kitchen hoods. Keeping the exhaust system free of grease is one of the most effective defenses against fire hazards. However, it is important to ensure that a hood cleaning company is experienced, properly certified, and follows the company’s policies.

Hood cleaning jobs require a lot of physical work and training. You will need a valid driver’s license, a car, and a good understanding of cleaning methods and procedures. Additionally, some hood cleaning jobs require a criminal background check or drug testing.