Running a restaurant kitchen can be a challenging task in ensuring its safety and efficiency. Among the important things to maintain are the cooking equipment such as the exhaust hood. Commercial hood cleaning is a vital aspect of maintaining cleanliness in a restaurant kitchen. The commercial hood is the device that helps in filtering the particulate matter and grease vapors produced during cooking. Lack of proper maintenance of the hood system could lead to significant health hazards and code violations. In this article, we shall delve into commercial hood cleaning and why it is one of the most essential processes in a restaurant kitchen.
Reasons for Commercial Hood Cleaning
The commercial hood collects grease and other debris that accumulate over time and can pose dangers to the health and safety of the staff and customers. Accumulation of grease in the exhaust hood can cause a fire hazard. Grease is flammable, and in case of a fire outbreak in the kitchen, it could spread rapidly. A contaminated hood could expose the kitchen staff to toxic fumes that could lead to respiratory problems. It’s also important to note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that any commercial kitchen must have the exhaust hood cleaned after a specified duration to ensure the health and safety of the workers.
The Benefits of Commercial Hood Cleaning
Commercial hood cleaning comes with several benefits, and most importantly, the removal of the risk of fire outbreak and other health hazards. Also, a clean hood provides a clean working environment that boosts the morale of the staff. Proper commercial hood cleaning ensures a longer-life span for your kitchen equipment. The restaurant kitchen equipment is a significant investment, and maintenance of the hood system is vital to the efficiency of the equipment.
The Different Types of Commercial Hood Cleaning
Various methods are used when cleaning a commercial hood. The methods used depend on the amount of grease and debris collected. The most common method is a steam cleaning procedure that involves using hot water and high-pressure steam to break down the accumulated grease and other debris. Another method is a chemical cleaning process that involves using chemicals to break down and remove built-up grease and debris. Chemical cleaning is more effective if your hood system has not been regularly maintained.
How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Hood?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the frequency of commercial hood cleaning depends on the type of cooking and the volume of food cooked in the kitchen. Restaurants that use heavy cooking equipment and make extensive use of the kitchen hoods should have the hood system cleaned at least once every three months. Restaurants that use moderate cooking equipment such as restaurants that serve breakfast should have the hood system cleaned every six months. Restaurants that use lighter cooking equipment for making light meals such as cafes or bars should have the hood system cleaned at least annually.
Selecting the Right Commercial Hood Cleaning Company
The process of commercial hood cleaning requires expertise to ensure that the equipment remains in-tact and all the risks are mitigated. It’s essential to select a reliable and experienced commercial hood cleaning company that has a good reputation. The company should be insured and comply with OSHA regulations. A reputable company should also provide certification after the cleaning process to ensure that your kitchen meets industry standards.
Conclusion:
The efficient running of a restaurant kitchen is critical, and proper maintenance of the hood system plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the kitchen. Commercial hood cleaning should never be overlooked, and the frequency of the cleaning process should align with the type of cooking and volume of food produced. It’s also essential to select the right commercial hood cleaning company to ensure that the cleaning process is done right and to prevent unnecessary risks and hazards. Regular cleaning of the hood system ensures a long-life span for your kitchen equipment and a clean environment for your staff to work in.