Commercial Kitchen Duct Cleaning

July 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Q: Why do I need to have my kitchen and kitchen exhaust system cleaned?

A: The regular maintenance of a restaurant’s kitchen or commercial kitchen exhaust system is one of the primary defenses against FIRE hazards. By keeping these systems working at their best, you will evacuate the smoke and grease out of the building and have a cleaner, cooler kitchen to work in. this maintain a good working environment for the staff. It is important to understand that most grease fires begin at cooking equipment and then spread up into the hood system. For this reason it is necessary that cooking equipment as well as the exhaust system to be cleaned periodically. Be aware that there are never any fire sprinklers or fire sensors to warn or arrest any fire break out in the ducting of any hooded kitchen.

Q: How often should my kitchen and kitchen exhaust system be cleaned? What determines the frequency of cleaning?

A: The average commercial kitchen should be cleaned every three (3) to six (6) months. If the kitchen does a large amount of cooking or undertaking heavy activity; e.g. the tougher facilities that undertake an average of 6000 kg of meat every week or more; the clean must be done at least once every month or probably every two weeks once. However, the frequency and period of cleaning and maintenance is decided by the owners themselves.

Q: How can I be sure that the work is being done thoroughly? Why should my cleaner recommend access panels to be installed?

A: The vast majority of restaurants are not getting the complete cleaning of their entire system, or even getting the cleaning they ask for done properly. Often managers think they are getting their entire system cleaned only to find out what they have been receiving is merely a “hood washing” service. This is partly due to the fact that this is an “out of sight, out of mind’ sort of job. Additionally, checking the work is difficult, most system were not designed for maintenance and some managers may not know where their exhaust system, including fans and ductworks. The knowledge of this layout will help you to recognize hoe\w the cleaner will do the work. Always get in writing what the cleaning company is going to do and how they are going to do it.
Access within the System – Always ask about inaccessible areas and how they are to be cleaned. The general rule is if there is not sufficient access to inspect the duct then there isn’t access to clean it properly. Sending a hose down the duct will not guarantee that it is cleaned and this technique cannot be checked. Special equipment and tools with specialized food grade “grren” chemicals when used, can reach further into your system than the conventional steam or a pressure system doesn’t. When having your complete exhaust system cleaned, be sure to ask what equipment and chemicals the company will using to the work.

Q: What about the exhaust fan?

A: A large majority of kitchen exhaust fans are the round silver aluminum type located on the roof, and sit directly over the top of the duct and discharge the air straight up. This type of fan must be installed in such a manner as to be removable from the top of the duct. Many fans are installed with insufficient electrical cable to tip them or are tarred to the roof. Fans either tarred or with insufficient cable cannot be tipped for fear of damage. This will mean that the bottom of the fan and the ductwork will not be fully accessible for cleaning. If you have this type of fan, ask if it can be tipped properly and safely. Technically, fan shall be removable. If not, an electrician or roofer should be called in to rectify the situation. The cleaners should notify you if you have this problem.

Q: What else should I expect from the cleaning company?

A: Follow up – is the company giving you a report of the system’s condition after the job? They should be. They should also report any inaccessible areas, if the fan needs adjustment in order to be tipped for through cleaning. And any obvious abnormalities in your system that you may have overlooked, for instance, if the hoods are not drawing air properly. Often vent cleaners are the only ones to go on your roof or sub – ceiling and many times they may find things that you should be made aware of.

Q: $$$? What can I expect to pay for kitchen and kitchen exhaust cleaning services?

A: Price for these services obviously vary from kitchen to kitchen because of the set up of the various systems, the size, the condition (some we have seen NEVER cleaned in the history of the establishment!!!), etc. generally speaking, in this field, cheapest is rarely best. Rather that basing your choice on pricing, we suggest that the management base that choice on value, i.e. what are you getting from your money? How many hours are required to complete the cleaning and how many men will be committed to complete the work? Are you getting prompt response to any problems or questions that may arise within any one cleaning? Can the company be called 24 hours a day in case of emergency that arise? Did a knowledgeable professional representative of the company come in advance to look your system over and explain what needs to be done? Or you were just given a price over the phone? Good, professional service provided in prompt and unobtrusive manner, cost money. You may pay more for that good service, but isn’t it worth your peace of mind? Fire, health hazards, fungi and microbes shuts down kitchens. Bare metal does not burn. Are your cleaners getting your cooking surfaces and exhaust system cleaned down to the bare metal? A safe, non fire hazard and healthy kitchen is your livelihood. Why cut corners?

Q: What is a clean kitchen?

A: A clean kitchen is free from fire hazards, healthy and safe.

Q: Why ENVIROVERKS?

A: We at Enviroverks, take great pleasure in delivering the utmost services our customers require. With experience team members and state of the are equipment; we are confident in delivering the BEST care for your Commercial Kitchen Cleaning requirements.

Call ENVIROVERKS today for a FREE quote for ALL you Commecial Kitchen & HVAC Cleaning and Decontamination needs. +60322870079/78 or +60162011790

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Enviroverks provides cutting-edge patented technologies and proprietary techniques to becoming the leading specialist in the field of Environmental Bio-science; specifically specialising in Indoor Environmental Quality “IEQ”/"IAQ,HVAC Duct Remediation, Commercial Kitchen Cleaning,Engineering Solutions,Air Purifivation Systems