FAQ

The frequency of cleaning your commercial vent hood depends on several factors, including the type of food you prepare, the volume of cooking, and local regulations. Generally, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the following:

• High-volume kitchens (e.g., restaurants, fast food): Clean every 1-3 months.
• Moderate-volume kitchens (e.g., cafes, smaller restaurants): Clean every 3-6 months.
• Low-volume kitchens (e.g., offices, schools): Clean every 6-12 months.

The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Association, is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to reducing the risk of fire and related hazards through codes and standards, research, training, and education.

NFPA 96 is a specific standard developed by the NFPA that provides guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and inspection of commercial kitchen ventilation systems. Its primary focus is on fire safety, specifically to reduce the risk of grease fires and ensure the proper operation of ventilation systems. The standard covers aspects such as:

• Hood and duct construction: Requirements for materials and design to withstand high temperatures and minimize fire risk.
• Grease removal: Specifications for cleaning and maintenance to prevent grease buildup.
• Fire protection: Guidelines for installing and maintaining fire suppression systems within the kitchen hood.

Compliance with NFPA 96 helps ensure a safer cooking environment and adherence to fire safety regulations.

The time required for a commercial vent hood cleaning depends on several factors, including the size of the kitchen, the extent of grease buildup, and the complexity of the ventilation system. On average:

• Small to Medium Kitchens: Cleaning typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.
• Large Kitchens: It can take 4 to 8 hours or more, especially if the system is extensive or heavily soiled.

For thorough cleaning, including hoods, ducts, fans, and other components, professional cleaning services may need additional time for inspection and any necessary repairs. Scheduling regular maintenance can help ensure the process remains efficient and minimizes downtime for your business.

The cost of cleaning a commercial vent hood can vary based on several factors:

• Size of the Kitchen: Larger systems with more extensive ductwork will generally cost more to clean.
• Level of Grease Buildup: Heavily soiled systems require more labor and time, increasing the cost.
• Location: Prices can vary based on regional labor rates and local market conditions.
• Frequency of Cleaning: Regularly maintained systems may cost less to clean compared to those that are cleaned infrequently.

On average, you might expect to pay:

• Small to Medium Kitchens: $300 to $700 per cleaning.
• Large Kitchens: $700 to $1,500 or more per cleaning.

For a precise estimate, give us a call or request a quote today!

A commercial vent hood cleaning involves a comprehensive process to ensure that the entire ventilation system is thoroughly cleaned and maintained. Here’s what the process typically includes:

1. Preparation:

• Inspection: The technician inspects the system to assess the extent of grease buildup and identify any potential issues.
• Safety Measures: The area is prepared for cleaning, including turning off and disconnecting electrical and gas systems as necessary. Protective coverings are used to protect kitchen surfaces.

2. Hood Cleaning:

• Removal of Grease Filters: Grease filters or baffle filters are removed and cleaned separately.
• Hood Surface Cleaning: The hood’s interior and exterior surfaces are cleaned to remove grease and grime.

3. Duct Cleaning:

• Access Panels: Access panels are opened to allow entry into the ductwork.
• Interior Cleaning: The ducts are cleaned using specialized equipment to remove grease and debris.
• Inspection: Technicians check for any damage or blockages within the ducts.

4. Fan Cleaning:

• Removal of the Fan Unit: If necessary, the exhaust fan is removed or partially disassembled. The NFPA requires all exhaust fans to be hinged for opening and cleaning.
• Cleaning the Fan: The fan blades, motor, and other components are cleaned to remove grease and buildup.

5. Roof & Parking Lot Cleaning:

• Check and Clean: We will clean up any grease and grime that occurs as a result of the cleaning service. This includes capturing all grease runoff, and thoroughly cleaning the area where the fan drains on the rooftop and in the parking lot (if applicable). If unmanageable grease build-up occurs between cleanings, we will recommend grease containment solutions and/or increased cleaning frequencies.

6. Final Inspection and Reassembly:

• Inspection: A final inspection is performed to ensure that all components are clean and in good working order.
• Reassembly: All parts, including filters, access panels, and the fan unit, are reassembled and properly secured.

7. Documentation:

• Reporting: The technician provides a detailed report or certificate of completion, including before-and-after photos, a description of the work performed, and any issues found.

8. Cleanup:

• Post-Cleaning: The work area is cleaned up, and any debris or waste is properly disposed of.

To effectively clean a commercial hood system, technicians need access to several key areas:

1. Hood and Grease Filters: The hood itself, including the grease filters or baffle filters, must be accessible for cleaning. All kitchens or areas with kitchen exhaust hoods need to be accessible at the time of cleaning.

2. Ductwork: Access to the ducts that connect the hood to the exhaust fan is essential. Technicians need to clean the interior of the ducts, which might require access panels or special tools to reach. We will determine the location of any special access required and request that access remain open during the time of cleaning.

3. Exhaust Fan: The fan unit, typically located on the roof or an external wall, needs to be accessible for cleaning and inspection. This involves allowing and obtaining access to the roof or area where the exhaust fan is located.

4. Access Panels and Doors: Any access panels, doors, or hatches in the ductwork or hood need to be opened for cleaning. These panels should be easily accessible and not obstructed. If your system has or needs special access panels, we will determine the location and make the proper recommendations for access during cleaning.

5. Roof or External Areas: If the exhaust fan is on the roof or an external wall, technicians need safe access to these areas, which may require internal or external fixed ladders or scaffolding. Our technicians carry extension ladders and multi-position ladders for buildings that do not have established roof access.

6. Electrical Components: For safety and efficiency, access to any electrical components of the fan and system controls should be available, though these are typically not cleaned but inspected and turned off during cleaning.

7. Water Source: Using on-site water reduces the need for transporting water, which can be more environmentally friendly and reduces the carbon footprint of the cleaning service. Water usage can be substantial during a thorough cleaning, and providing your own water saves the cleaning service from incurring additional costs required to transport hundreds of gallons of water to and from each service, and maintenance for the equipment needed. An outside or inside faucet or sink needs to be available for use during the time of a cleaning.

Verifying that your vent hood system was cleaned properly can be challenging. What you can see with the naked eye will often be shiny and grease-free. It is the area behind the filters, up the ductwork, and on the roof that is most often overlooked and can poses the most threat of catching fire.

At GRIME-X, we provide the following to ensure your system is always in compliance and your mind is always at ease:

• Before-and-After Photos
• Inspection Report
• Cleaning Checklist
• Certification Documentation

We keep a log of all cleaning services performed, including dates and details of each service. Regular documentation can help track the effectiveness and consistency of the cleaning over time. We encourage you to visually inspect your system before and after cleaning. Give us a call or request a quote today to see the GRIME-X difference.