Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Last Updated: November 24, 2024Categories: Cleaning tips3.8 min read

Keeping your commercial kitchen exhaust system clean and in good repair is a vital part of your restaurant’s overall health and safety. The grease from cooking can build up over time in your exhaust ductwork, hood filters, ventilators, fans, vents, grease accumulators, and oil collectors if they aren’t cleaned regularly. This accumulation can lead to serious problems like carbon monoxide poisoning (from combustible fumes building up in the ducts) as well as unsanitary conditions like rat infestations (from dead rodents).

kitchen exhaust

It’s important to remember that while cleaning procedures may vary slightly between different types of kitchen systems, all require regular maintenance at least once every six months or so to keep them operating properly.

Kitchen Exhaust System Maintenance

Keeping a commercial kitchen exhaust system running at peak performance is essential for any business. Regular maintenance and cleaning are key to ensuring that the system operates efficiently and safely. A commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning service can provide regular maintenance, as well as deep cleaning when needed, to keep your kitchen exhaust system in top condition. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your kitchen is free of grease buildup, smoke, odors, and other safety hazards. It will also help reduce energy costs by keeping the system operating at peak efficiency. With regular maintenance from a commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning service, you can be sure that your kitchen is running smoothly and safely for years to come.

Kitchen Exhaust Hood Filter Cleaning

  • Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt from the filter.
  • Use a soft bristle brush to remove any caked-on dirt.
  • If you have an exhaust hood, use a shop vac to remove dust from the filter. You can also clean it regularly with soap and water, but I find that this will not get everything out of it and could even lead to mold growth if left untreated for too long (which is bad).

Kitchen Exhaust Hood & Fan Motor Cleaning

  • Clean the hood and fan motor with a vacuum. Use a brush to remove any debris from the fan motor, and then use compressed air to clean it.
  • Remove grease from the fan motor with an oil spray. Oil sprays work well for removing grease and grime from hard-to-reach places on your kitchen exhaust hood’s components.

vent hood

Exhaust Ductwork & Fan Maintenance

Your exhaust ductwork should be cleaned regularly. The best way to do this is by dampening a cloth with vinegar and wiping down the ductwork. Then, use a vacuum to remove dust and debris. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, use a leaf blower to blow out any loose dust and debris from the entire system (including the fan). Finally, clean your fan with a vacuum if there are any visible blemishes on it.

Grease Accumulator & Oil Collection Unit Maintenance

It is recommended that you check the grease accumulator regularly. If it is full, you will need to empty it. If you can’t empty it, then you will need to replace it. This is true even if there are only a few grease pieces in your system that have accumulated over time—the accumulation of these few pieces may lead to problems in your system if they aren’t removed regularly. The oil collection unit should also be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear or maintenance needs (i.e., leaks).

Keeping your commercial kitchen exhaust system clean and in good repair is a vital part of your restaurant’s overall health and safety.

Keeping your commercial kitchen exhaust system clean and in good repair is a vital part of your restaurant’s overall health and safety. Not only is it important to avoid fires and other safety hazards, but the right maintenance can help keep your kitchen running smoothly by reducing odors, minimizing grease buildup, increasing airflow through the ducts, and more. Many states require that commercial kitchens have their exhaust systems inspected at least once per year. If you’re not sure how often this should be done in your location or if you are unsure about what kind of maintenance needs to be performed on your specific system, check with local health officials for guidance on local laws regarding inspections or maintenance requirements for restaurants with industrial-sized cooking equipment like yours.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped to give you a better understanding of how to maintain your kitchen exhaust system!



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