Running a
commercial kitchen is no small task. From cooking delicious meals to keeping
everything clean and safe, there’s a lot to think about. One of the most
important—but often overlooked—parts of a commercial kitchen is the kitchenhood system. Keeping it clean is not just about hygiene; it’s about safety,
efficiency, and following the law. In this blog, we’ll break it down into
simple terms and explain everything you need to know about commercial kitchen
hood system cleaning.
What is a Commercial Kitchen Hood System?
A commercial
kitchen hood system, also called an exhaust hood or range hood, is a
ventilation system that hangs above your cooking equipment like stoves, fryers,
and grills. Its main job is to remove heat, smoke, steam, grease particles, and
odors from the air.
It
usually includes:
- A hood (the canopy that
captures smoke and grease-laden air)
- Filters (to trap grease and
other particles)
- Ductwork (to carry the air
outside)
- Exhaust fan (to pull the air
through the system)
Over
time, grease and dirt build up inside the hood, filters, and ducts. If not
cleaned regularly, this buildup can cause serious problems.
Why is Cleaning the Hood System Important?
Cleaning
your kitchen hood system is important for several reasons:
1. Fire Safety
The
biggest reason to clean your hood system is to prevent fires. Grease is
highly flammable. When it collects in the hood, filters, and ductwork, it
becomes a fire hazard. A small flame from a stove can ignite the grease and
cause a serious fire in seconds.
2. Health and Hygiene
A dirty
hood system spreads grease and bacteria into the air and onto surfaces. This
can lead to unhealthy kitchen conditions and even cause food
contamination.
3. Better Air Quality
The hood
system keeps the air in your kitchen clean and breathable. When it’s dirty, it
can’t do its job properly, and your staff may end up working in hot, smoky, or
smelly conditions.
4. Energy Efficiency
A clean
system runs more smoothly. When filters or fans are clogged with grease, they
work harder and use more energy. Regular cleaning helps you save on energy bills.
5. Legal Requirements
In most
cities and states, health and fire departments require commercial kitchens to
clean their hood systems regularly. If you don’t, you can get fined or even
shut down.
How is a Commercial Kitchen Hood System Cleaned?
Cleaning
a commercial kitchen hood system isn’t like wiping down a countertop. It
involves deep cleaning and usually requires professional equipment and
expertise. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Preparation
The
cleaning team will cover kitchen equipment and floors with plastic to protect
them from grease and chemicals. Power to the exhaust fan may be turned off for
safety.
2. Removing Filters
The first thing they do is remove the grease filters. These filters are soaked or pressure washed to remove all the grease and grime.
3. Cleaning the Hood Interior
Using
degreasers and scrapers, the interior of the hood is cleaned to remove thick
layers of grease. Hot water pressure washing is often used to make sure every
spot is reached.
4. Cleaning the Ductwork
The
ductwork that carries air to the outside is also cleaned using long brushes,
pressure washers, or even special robotic cleaning tools. This is often the
most difficult part and should always be done by professionals.
5. Cleaning the Exhaust Fan
The fan
on the roof or in the wall is also degreased and cleaned. A dirty fan doesn’t
spin properly, which can cause ventilation problems or overheating.
6. Final Inspection and Test
Once
everything is cleaned, the team does a final check to make sure the system is
working properly. They may run the fan and check for airflow. Before leaving,
they clean up the area and remove all waste and dirty water.
Where Should Hood System Cleaning Be Done?
Hood
system cleaning is done wherever commercial cooking takes place. This
includes:
- Restaurants
- Cafeterias (in schools,
hospitals, offices)
- Hotels
- Food trucks
- Commercial catering
businesses
- Cloud kitchens
(delivery-only kitchens)
Basically,
if your business uses cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease, you need
a hood system—and that system needs cleaning.
You
should hire professional hood cleaning companies that are trained,
certified, and follow local codes and standards, such as those from NFPA 96
(National Fire Protection Association). Many of them provide a certificate
after cleaning, which you can show to health or fire inspectors.
When Should You Clean Your Kitchen Hood System?
How often
you clean your kitchen hood system depends on how much and what kind of food
you cook. Here are general guidelines:
Type of Cooking |
Cleaning Frequency |
High-volume
cooking (e.g., 24/7 diners, fried food) |
Every 1
month |
Moderate-volume
cooking (e.g., busy restaurants) |
Every 3
months |
Low-volume
cooking (e.g., churches, seasonal kitchens) |
Every 6
to 12 months |
Wood or
charcoal-burning ovens |
Monthly
or more often |
Keep in
mind that some local laws may have stricter rules. Also, if you notice grease
dripping from your hood or smoke not being cleared properly, it may be time for
a cleaning—even if it's ahead of schedule.
It’s a
good idea to set up a regular maintenance schedule with a cleaning
company. This helps you stay compliant and avoid last-minute emergencies.
Final Thoughts
A clean
kitchen hood system is more than just good practice—it’s essential for the safety,
health, and success of your food business. Whether you run a restaurant or
manage a school cafeteria, make hood cleaning a priority.