Commercial Hood Vent Cleaning: Why It Matters and How Often You Need It
Every commercial kitchen creates grease. Each time you fry, grill or sauté, grease-filled vapour rises into your hood and gets pulled through your filters, ductwork and exhaust fan. Over time, that grease builds up into a sticky layer inside the whole system, and it's highly flammable.
Regular hood vent cleaning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your kitchen, your staff and your business.
WHY HOOD VENT CLEANING MATTERS
1. Fire prevention
Grease buildup is a leading cause of restaurant fires. According to the NFPA, U.S. restaurants and bars averaged about 7,410 fires a year from 2010 to 2014, causing $165 million in property damage. "Failure to clean" was a contributing factor in 22% of them. Once grease inside the ductwork catches, fire can travel through the whole exhaust system, all the way to the roof.
2. Fire code and insurance compliance
The Ontario Fire Code requires commercial cooking exhaust systems to be maintained and cleaned to NFPA 96 standards. Fire inspectors and insurance providers may ask for proof that your system is cleaned on schedule.
3. Better airflow and a more comfortable kitchen
A clogged system can't pull smoke, heat and odours out properly. A clean system keeps air moving, so your kitchen stays cooler and more comfortable for your staff.
4. A cleaner, healthier kitchen
Built-up grease can drip, cause odours and attract pests. A clean hood is part of a clean kitchen.
5. Less wear on your equipment
When the system is clean, your exhaust fan doesn't have to work as hard. Regular service also catches small problems, like a worn or squeaky belt, before they turn into costly repairs.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOUR HOOD BE CLEANED?
NFPA 96 bases cleaning frequency on how much you cook:
* Monthly: wood or charcoal (solid fuel) cooking
* Every 3 months: high-volume kitchens such as 24-hour restaurants, charbroiling or wok cooking
* Every 6 months: moderate-volume kitchens
* Once a year: low-volume kitchens such as churches, day camps, seasonal businesses and senior centres
Not sure where your kitchen fits? We'll inspect your system and recommend the right schedule.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR HOOD VENT CLEANING
* Full system inspection
* Hood and filter cleaning to remove grease and buildup
* Deep cleaning of the ductwork
* Exhaust fan service: we inspect the belt and motor and clean the grease off the fan blades
* Kitchen protection: we cover your appliances and work area before we start
* Fully mobile, so we clean food trucks too!
SIGNS YOUR HOOD NEEDS CLEANING
* Visible grease on the hood or filters, or grease dripping
* Smoke isn't clearing like it used to
* Your kitchen feels hotter than normal
* A noisy or squeaky exhaust fan
* Cooking odours that hang around
* You can't remember the last time it was professionally cleaned
WHY CHOOSE LALONDE PRESSURE WASHING?
* NFPA 96 certified
* Fully licensed and insured
* A local, husband & wife owned business
* One-time cleanings or ongoing maintenance schedules
* Free quotes
We proudly serve restaurants, food trucks and commercial kitchens in St. Thomas, London, Elgin County and surrouding Southwestern Ontario.
Ready to book your hood vent cleaning, or not sure when you're due? Call us at 226-929-4671 or request your free quote at lalondewashing.com/hoodventcleaning.
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), "Structure Fires in Eating and Drinking Establishments," U.S. data, 2010–2014 annual averages.
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