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One of the most critical regulatory codes in the restaurant industry is the National Fire Prevention Association's code 96. This is the standard for cleaning and maintaining kitchen hood systems. Before hiring a kitchen hood cleaning company, here are some questions you should ask.

Why Can't Your Employees Clean Your Kitchen Hood?

Many restaurant owners, especially startups, are tempted to conduct kitchen hood cleaning in-house. While this translates to huge savings, it might lead to poor-quality work. Furthermore, this cleaning requires special equipment, tools, and expertise. Also, failing to hire a certified company violates NFPA-96 standards

A qualified professional should clean the entire system if your kitchen hood is inspected and found to have grease contamination. Consider hiring a certified company that is affiliated with NFPA. You can conduct an online search for a reputable company or consult NFPA for a referral.

What Does Cleaning the Kitchen Hood Entail?

You are mistaken if you think kitchen hood cleaning only involves the hood's surface. This cleaning involves the whole exhaust system. Kitchen hood cleaning services should clean the hoods, fans, ducts, and grease removal devices.

This thorough cleaning is necessary to prevent surfaces from contamination with grease sludge. Grease and oil buildup in your kitchen hood system is a fire hazard. Moreover, this buildup significantly reduces the lifetime and efficiency of mechanical equipment. 

Many restaurant fires can be traced back to kitchen cooking devices and flare into the kitchen hood system. Failing to clean the entire hood system increases the risk of a fire outbreak whenever a cooking appliance is used.

How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Kitchen Hood?

Many restaurants clean their kitchen hoods after a few months. However, restaurant hood cleaning will vary depending on several factors. These include the volume of business, the cooking appliances, and the food you cook.

Restaurants that use wood or charcoal stoves should conduct regular cleaning. However, if a hood is over an appliance that doesn't create grease, it can be cleaned annually. Consult a professional on how often you need to inspect and clean your kitchen hood.

In Closing

The restaurant kitchen hood is one of the most-used places in the kitchen and the area with the most significant risk for a fire hazard. Before hiring a kitchen hood cleaning service, familiarize yourself with NFPA-96 guidelines. Additionally, compare the quotes and benefits of different kitchen hood cleaning companies.

For more info about commercial cleaning, contact a local company.