Liberty Lake and Spokane, WA Kitchen Hood Cleaning Service

Frequency of Commercial Hood Cleaning in Washington

The required frequency of hood cleaning for Washington depends on the type and activity level of the kitchen. The NFPA requires monthly hood cleaning in kitchens that engage in solid fuel cooking operations. In systems that involve serving high-volume cooking operations, including 24-hour cooking, wok or charbroil cooking, quarterly hood cleaning is required. Customers with a kitchen in the moderate-volume cooking operations range, the hood should be cleaned every six months. In a system with low-volume cooking, such as a day camp, church or seasonal business, annual hood cleaning is required.

Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Service by Trained Professionals

The NFPA 96 document also provides guidance on who should clean the kitchen hood. If an inspector finds the hood to be contaminated with greasy deposits, the whole exhaust system has to be cleaned. This must be done by a technician with the proper certifications, training and experience. The entire hood exhaust system includes the hood, duct work, filter, exhaust fan, vertical and horizontal ducts and grease removal devices. The NFPA 96 documentation goes on to explain that the hood cleaning should be done before there is enough combustible contamination, such as oily sludge or grease, to ignite and sustain a fire.

Why Grease Is a Problem on Kitchen Vent Hoods

Grease and particles from smoke are fire hazards. They also impact the hood fan’s lifespan. The particles and grease may cause corrosion and cause the equipment to operate less efficiently. If the whole system isn’t regularly cleaned, the buildup is a serious fire risk for Spokane restaurants whenever a cook-top or oven is used.

Particles That Build Up in Commercial Hoods

While grease is the main source of buildup in kitchen hoods, it’s not the only substance that increases the risk of a fire. Mold, soot, dust and oily deposits can also stick to the hood, filter, fan and ducts.

Risks of Skipping NFPA Required Restaurant Kitchen Hood Cleaning

When grease and oily substances build up on surfaces, bacteria thrive. This is especially true in a warm, humid restaurant kitchen where large quantities of food are prepared every day. This buildup may cause foul odors to develop. Skipping routine maintenance on the kitchen hood could also lead to an invalidation of business insurance. Compliance with the NFPA 96 regulations is required for restaurant owners to maintain their business insurance policy in the state of Washington. Reduced airflow efficiency of a clogged hood may cause the kitchen to get too hot. This is uncomfortable for employees, and it can make food spoil faster. It will also drive up the costs of utility bills because refrigerators and freezers will have to cycle more frequently to account for the higher kitchen temperature.

Signs That It’s Time Hire A Kitchen Hood Cleaning Company

In a restaurant, it is important to be aware of the signs that a hood needs to be cleaned. These signs include visible dirt or grease inside the extraction system and a duct or canopy that’s visibly stained. If the smoke isn’t clearing when the fan is on its fastest setting, the whole system is operating inefficiently and needs a thorough cleaning. If the fan’s motor is making an unusual or loud noise, the hood needs to be cleaned as soon as possible.

If you see any of these signs contact Bare Metal Standard immediately to have your kitchen exhaust system cleaned.

Benefits of a Clean Restaurant Hood

A clean restaurant kitchen hood lowers the risk of a fire. Clean hoods enhance the extraction system’s ability to remove vapors, odors, steam, smoke and heat. Keeping up with hood cleaning also lowers the amount of wear and tear on the extraction equipment. The equipment will last longer and incur fewer breakdowns.

1. Enhance kitchen airflow. Grime and grease build-up in the ventilation systems reduce air circulation and makes the environment uncomfortable to be in.
2. Reduce kitchen fire risks. Grease is flammable. Therefore, neglecting your kitchen hood with the piling grease build-up increases the chance of a fire incident.
3. Improves kitchen hygiene. Regular kitchen hood cleaning reduces the chances of food contamination.
4. Compliance with NFPA 96 regulations. The NFPA 96 has outlined the need for regular mandatory kitchen hood cleaning. Failure to comply leads to fines and possible restaurant closure in the state of Washington.

Surrounding States: Boise Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning – Portland Hood Cleaning Services