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  • M. Villarreal

How to Know If My Kitchen Exhaust System Was Properly Cleaned


Many business owners look for the least expensive way to clean their vent hood, but don't realize there is far more at stake than looking clean.


There are a lot of companies out there that are very happy to tell you they are commercial vent hood cleaning professionals, but they often only clean what you can see and not everything they should.


Hiring professionals to do a job is one thing; knowing the work was done well is another! So, the question remains: how to know if your kitchen exhaust system was properly cleaned and doesn't just LOOK clean. Well, we’ll try to answer this question thoroughly.


Visual inspection

When wondering if your kitchen exhaust system was properly cleaned in your restaurant, a thorough visual inspection of your kitchen exhaust system is essential. You can, with enough training, do this yourself. Of course, you can also hire professional inspectors to quicken the process! So, during a visual inspection, experts will carefully scrutinize the top areas to keep clean in your restaurant. In other words, they will inspect places such as the exterior of the hood for any grease buildup and streaks.

Moreover, they will also examine the cleanliness of filters, interior surfaces of the hood and canopy, and even the ductwork. A diligent assessment of these will help you determine if your kitchen exhaust system is, in fact, properly clean, thereby reducing fire hazards, enhancing air quality, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.



Cleanliness of filters

Since we mentioned filters, another thing to remember is that keeping your kitchen clean goes beyond wiping down surfaces. It extends to the vital components like filters in your kitchen exhaust system! These filters play a role in trapping grease, smoke, and odors, ensuring that the air in your kitchen remains fresh. So, maintenance and cleaning of these filters are essential to prevent grease buildup, maintain proper airflow, and reduce fire risks. During a deep cleaning service, professionals meticulously clean and inspect the filters. Thereby ensuring they are free from residue and grease that could hinder their performance. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should not inspect them yourself after the cleaning is done! In the end, prioritizing the cleanliness of filters doesn’t only enhance the efficiency of your kitchen exhaust system. It also contributes to a healthier and more pleasant cooking environment for your staff and customers!


Hood and canopy inspection

When determining if your kitchen exhaust system was properly cleaned, hood and canopy inspections are crucial. After all, commercial kitchen hood cleaning and canopy cleaning are critical aspects of kitchen maintenance, especially considering the importance of vent hood cleaning. Professional commercial hood cleaners delve into the interior surfaces of these components, scrutinizing them for any grease buildup, residue, or debris that might accumulate over time. Moreover, regular inspections and cleanings enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen and contribute to fire safety and overall hygiene. Neglecting these areas could lead to restricted airflow and potential fire hazards! Investing in the thorough hood and canopy inspection ensures that your kitchen exhaust system operates efficiently, maintaining a clean and safe cooking environment for your staff and patrons.


Ductwork examination

A professionally cleaned kitchen extends beyond the visible surfaces, encompassing crucial areas like ductwork examination. The internal sections of ducts can accumulate grease and debris, posing significant fire hazards and diminishing airflow efficiency. So, employing experts to inspect and clean the ductwork ensures the thorough removal of these hidden contaminants. Regular ductwork examination contributes to the overall cleanliness and safety of your kitchen space and effectively answers the question of whether your kitchen exhaust system was properly cleaned. So, by prioritizing this often overlooked aspect, you're investing in a safer, more hygienic kitchen environment that operates seamlessly for the well-being of your staff and the satisfaction of your customers.



Fan maintenance

Commercial exhaust fan cleaning is integral to maintaining optimal airflow in your kitchen. And fan maintenance is a vital aspect of a well-functioning kitchen exhaust system. So, paying attention to your fan is only natural if you want to know your kitchen is truly clean. After all, the fan's blades can accumulate grease and dirt over time, hindering its efficiency. And only regular cleaning and inspection by professionals ensure the fan operates optimally, reducing the risk of overheating and promoting safety. Note that neglecting fan maintenance can lead to decreased performance and even fire hazards. So, by prioritizing commercial kitchen exhaust fan cleaning, you're ensuring that your kitchen ventilation system functions smoothly, keeping your kitchen environment clean, safe, and conducive to efficient cooking.


Odor and smoke assessment

Effective odor and smoke assessment is an essential outcome of professional kitchen cleaning. So, lingering odors and smoke can indicate incomplete cleaning, potentially affecting air quality and customer experience. You mitigate these issues with a thorough cleaning, creating a fresher and more pleasant cooking environment. A well-maintained kitchen exhaust system efficiently removes odors and smoke, enhancing the overall dining experience and reflecting the commitment to cleanliness that customers appreciate! Regular odor and smoke assessments ensure that your kitchen remains inviting and free from unpleasant aromas, contributing to the success of your establishment.


Airflow evaluation

Proper ventilation is crucial for removing smoke, steam, and odors, creating a comfortable cooking environment. As mentioned already, over time, grease buildup can impede airflow, leading to poor ventilation and potential fire hazards. So, through regular airflow evaluation and professional cleaning, you can ensure that your exhaust fan operates efficiently, preventing these issues. A well-functioning exhaust not only enhances air quality but also contributes to a safer and more comfortable workspace for your kitchen staff. So, by prioritizing airflow evaluation and maintenance, you're investing in the overall functionality and safety of your kitchen while ensuring a positive experience for both your team and customers!


Fire safety compliance

Maintaining fire safety compliance is paramount for any restaurant, and a clean kitchen exhaust system is a significant aspect of it. Since grease buildup can lead to hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of fires, you need to be absolutely sure you keep it in check. Regular professional cleaning ensures that your kitchen meets industry standards and regulations, minimizing potential fire hazards. But checking over the results of the grease building cleaning yourself also ensures you don’t get any nasty surprises! Keeping your exhaust system clean demonstrates your commitment to safety and protecting your establishment, staff, and patrons. So, by investing in fire safety compliance through routine maintenance, you're safeguarding your business's reputation and reducing the likelihood of costly fire-related incidents.


Keeping your kitchen clean and safe

With what we covered on knowing if a kitchen exhaust system was properly cleaned, you should be set. Now, the only thing left is to put the knowledge to use regularly and without eventually forgetting its significance!


If you want to get it done right, call Cornerstone Commercial Services TODAY. 1-800-274-3905

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