If you are in the food service industry, you know how important it is to have your kitchen hood cleaned. An unclean hood can cause health code violations and foul odors. It can also contribute to fires. To prevent these hazards, it is best to hire a professional cleaning company. A reputable hood cleaning service will clean your hood and exhaust fans, ensuring that they are free of grease build-up.
Hood cleaning services use hot water power washing to remove excess grease build-up. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the amount of time between cleanings, you may have to pay extra for a full scrub or scraping of your system instead of a full wash.
Some companies offer discounts to active customers. You should only work with a company you can trust, however, because untrained individuals can end up with physical injuries from harsh chemicals. Also, be sure that any contracts you sign are in writing and that you are satisfied with their past work. Keeping a contract can save you money in the long run, especially if your restaurant has multiple locations.
Many professional hood cleaning services have certification stickers posted on their hoods to ensure they are in compliance with local laws. The NFPA 96 Fire Codes outline the Hood Cleaning Service proper procedures for commercial cleaners to follow, including codes for the use of caustic chemicals. These cleaning methods have been established to clean away flammable residues from interior surfaces.
Typically, a hood cleaning service will have a minimum charge, which can fluctuate between $50 and $250. This includes the following: showing up at the location, removing access panels, blasting fan(s), and duct work.
During the process, a plastic cover will be installed to protect the vent hood roof. The hood will then be polished to ensure the interior is smooth and clean. Once the hood has been cleaned, a towel will be used to dry the interior.
Before the cleaning process begins, a crew will inspect the fans for noise. They will also check for any vibrations. After the cleaning is complete, the service will review the results. Afterwards, a report will be presented to the restaurant manager or owner.
Depending on your location and the number of hoods and fans, the duration of the cleaning process will vary. A standard hood cleaning will take about three to four hours. However, a larger crew and longer duct runs may increase the cost.
Some companies provide certification stickers that are placed on their hoods and in plain view of the fire marshal. These stickers are required by local health departments to ensure that the cleaning is in compliance with state and local laws.
When looking for a hood cleaning service, be sure to research prices and choose one that you can afford. While there are a few low-priced services, you might be sacrificing quality. These companies might not have insurance liability coverage and may use inferior materials. In addition, they might cut corners, leaving you with a poor quality hood that won’t last long.
