Restaurant owners often face the challenge of dealing with dirty kitchen hoods, also known as range hoods. In cities like Calgary, Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and others across Alberta and British Columbia, there are regulations requiring regular cleaning of the canopy, fan, and filters or grills of these kitchen hoods.
If you’re a restaurant owner looking for tips on maintaining and cleaning your kitchen hood, this article is perfect for you. While it may go by various names such as range hood, kitchen exhaust vent, kitchen exhaust hood, or restaurant hood, we’re referring to the same thing – the exhaust hood positioned above the cooking stove in industrial kitchens and commercial restaurants.
1. Choose the Right Cleaning Supplies
Remember, you’re dealing with oil and grease. If your kitchen hood hasn’t been cleaned in the past three to six months, you’ll likely have stubborn grease buildup. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a potent and effective degreaser.
Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies, including a pressure washer, plastic tarpaulin, spray, mop, and more. Given the nature of the grease and chemicals involved, consider industrial-grade materials. Visit your local cleaning supplies store (such as Apple Supply) and ask for their top products for this type of cleaning.
2. Prepare the Work Area
For thorough kitchen hood cleaning, protect all kitchen utensils and equipment with plastic covers. Since you’ll be using strong chemicals for degreasing, ensure that no other parts of the kitchen are contaminated.
The same precaution applies to food items. In some restaurants, spices and ingredients are kept near the kitchen hoods. Cover them with plastic tarps or store them securely in cupboards during the cleaning process.
3. Clean the Filters or Grills
Start by soaking the kitchen hood filters. Mix your degreaser with water and immerse the filters.
After soaking, thoroughly wash the filters with water and wipe them clean with a cloth. If grease remains, repeat the process.
4. Clean the Kitchen Hood Fans
Cleaning kitchen hood fans in restaurants can be tricky, as they’re often located on the roof. Use the appropriate tools and equipment for this task while adhering to safety precautions and rules.
Neglecting fan cleaning can result in grease buildup and leaks that may damage the building’s roof.
5. Clean the Hood Interior
Now, focus on cleaning the interior of the hood. You can use a pressure washer or water sprayer for this step. After removing the major grease and oil deposits, wipe down the aluminum hood with a clean cloth to leave it sparkling and shiny.
While cleaning your restaurant’s kitchen hood can be a challenge, it’s essential for safety and compliance. Proper maintenance may require specific tools and chemicals. If your restaurant only needs cleaning every 3-6 months, consider hiring professionals.
Look for licensed and registered companies that provide stickers to satisfy city inspectors.
At Clean It All, we offer reliable kitchen hood cleaning services at competitive prices. Our professional and trained team ensures every part of your range hood is thoroughly cleaned. Contact us at 587-576-9443 or [email protected], or fill out our form for a free quote.
