Your kitchen hood is an important tool for food safety. These appliances remove fumes and smoke to keep the air fresh while protecting you against fire hazards. So, it’s imperative to do regular hood cleaning to keep it working properly.

Why You Need to Clean Your Kitchen Hood

Your hood will develop grease residue after a while, depending on what kind of food your restaurant serves. Different types of foods use varying types and amounts of oils, which determine the rate and thickness of your grease buildup. If you don’t get regular hood cleaning, this buildup can cause your exhaust system to work poorly, and the dirty air may not be filtered outside. This affects the quality of your workplace as well as that of the food you serve. 

Keeping Your Restaurant Up to Code

Because kitchen hoods and exhaust systems are worked so hard, especially in a restaurant, there are laws that regulate how often they should be cleaned. So if you have a restaurant or commercial kitchen, there are actually strict codes you have to follow to remain compliant. Insurance companies, fire marshals, and health inspectors all require regular kitchen hood cleanings. Not only will you stay up to code, but regular cleaning may also qualify your business for insurance rate reductions. Failure to comply could leave your livelihood at risk should a fire occur.

How Often You Need to Clean Your Kitchen Hood 

The general rule of thumb for kitchen hood cleaning is every three months. But again, it depends. Some commercial/restaurant exhaust systems that are over wood- or charcoal-burning stoves need to be cleaned at least every month. The National Fire Protection Association suggests the following cleaning frequencies:

• Hamburger and fast food restaurants, wood-burning or charcoal-burning stoves, and 24-hour restaurants: every 30 days

• Regular restaurants, cafeterias, and hotel or hospital kitchens: every 90 days

• Pizza restaurants and oven hoods: every 180 days

• Hoods over non-grease-creating appliances, such as steam kettles, dishwashers, or soup vats: yearly

The best way to make sure you are in compliance is to check with your local city laws and fire department requirements. If you need to schedule a kitchen hood cleaning in the Bangor, Wisconsin, area, seek professional assistance from Fire Protection Specialists. Their certified technicians are familiar with NFPA code requirements and will get the job done right. Visit their website for more information about their services, or call them today at (800) 658-9463.