There are many common myths and misunderstandings about grease exhaust cleaning. If you don’t know the facts, it could cost you time, money, and cause endless problems.
The Myths
Myth #1: You only really need to clean the hood.
Some kitchen managers only insist on having their hood cleaned, and don’t ensure the rest of their system is taken care of.
Reality: Grease builds up throughout the entire system: including the hood, filters, ductwork, and exhaust fan. Cleaning only the hood leaves a significant fire hazard in the rest of your system. You need to know that your whole system is being cleaned the right way.
Myth #2: Your hood looks clean, so it is clean.
It’s a great idea to have your kitchen staff clean your filters and wipe down your hood every week. This will help prevent fires, and make your kitchen look nice. But it takes more than this to truly prevent a fire.
Reality: Grease accumulation is often hidden from view. A system can appear clean on the surface while having a dangerous layer of combustible grease on the inside of the ductwork and fan. Our professional cleaning service includes reaching all of the hard-to-see areas. These include the exhaust fan as well as ductwork which may be difficult to access.
Myth #3: Our kitchen is small and we don’t do much cooking, so we don’t need to worry.
Reality: The truth is, any amount of grease can be a fire hazard. Kitchen fires can happen in any size operation, and it only takes one flare-up to ignite all of the fuel sitting in the system. A fire can be just as devastating for a small kitchen as for a large one. The NFPA 96 code requires all commercial kitchens be cleaned periodically.
Myth #4: I can do it myself or have my staff do it.
The process of cleaning a grease exhaust system may seem simple and straightforward. So some kitchen managers or business owners decide that it’s fine to let their staff clean it themselves.
Reality: Commercial grease exhaust cleaning requires specialized tools, high-powered equipment, and a thorough understanding of fire safety codes. Incomplete DIY cleaning can violate these codes and leave your business at risk. Any part of the system that is inadequately cleaned will be a fire hazard. Make sure that you hire a reputable company to clean your full system.
Myth #5: All hood cleaning companies are the same.
It may seem like all companies deliver the same service at the same level of quality. If you don’t ask questions or demand results, this can certainly appear to be true.
Reality: There’s a wide range of professionalism in the industry. Some companies charge cut-rate prices for an unacceptable level of quality. They show up late to appointments, leave a mess in your kitchen, and allow dangerous fire hazards to build up in your hood. Look for a company that provides documentation, offers before-and-after photos, and is familiar with NFPA 96 guidelines and local fire codes.
Myth #6: Cleaning is just an expense.
Some businesses and facilities feel that grease exhaust cleaning is simply an item to be checked off on a list. They feel that as long as they have hired any company to do the service, then they are covered.
Reality: A professional cleaning is an not just an expense. It is an investment in your business’s safety and longevity. It can lower the risk of a devastating fire, reduce insurance premiums, and prevent costly repairs by extending the life of your exhaust system.
