The holiday season is the busiest and most lucrative time of year for the food service industry. Restaurants thrive on the influx of diners eager to celebrate, but this increased demand also comes with heightened pressure. Without proper preparation, even the most well-run establishments can face disruptions, from equipment malfunctions to health and safety concerns. The result? Lost revenue, unhappy customers, and a tarnished reputation.
The key to ensuring your restaurant is holiday-ready lies in proactive maintenance. By taking steps to inspect, clean, and upgrade your equipment and systems—especially your HVAC and kitchen hoods—you can create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment that meets the demands of the season.
In this guide, we’ll explore the challenges restaurants face during the holiday rush and provide actionable tips to help you prepare. By following this checklist, you can transform your establishment into a well-maintained, high-performing operation that delights every guest who walks through your doors.
Ensure your restaurant is fully prepared for the holiday season with expert services from APS-Hoods. From comprehensive kitchen hood cleaning to HVAC maintenance and fire protection solutions, we have everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Call us today at 800-750-7313 to get Holiday-Ready with APS-Hoods!
Energy Efficiency and Cost Management: The Hidden Advantages of Proactive Maintenance
Running a restaurant during the holidays is no small feat. The increase in customer volume and extended operating hours put immense pressure on your staff, equipment, and budget. Proactive maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s a strategic investment that pays off in countless ways, particularly in managing costs and improving energy efficiency.
Here are some of the most significant benefits a well-maintained restaurant can offer during the holiday season:
1. Avoid Costly Repairs and Downtime
Routine maintenance minimizes the likelihood of unexpected equipment failures, saving you from expensive last-minute repairs or replacements. Unscheduled downtime during the holidays can disrupt operations and cost you valuable revenue.
2. Enhance Fire Safety Standards
Neglected grease buildup in kitchen hoods and ducts is one of the leading causes of restaurant fires. By investing in regular cleaning and inspections, you ensure the safety of your staff and customers while meeting local fire safety regulations.
3. Boost Operational Efficiency
When your equipment runs efficiently, your team can prepare meals faster, serve more customers, and meet the demands of peak hours. This not only reduces stress on your staff but also creates a smoother dining experience for your patrons.
4. Protect Your Reputation
The holiday season is when customer expectations are at their highest. Operational disruptions or safety concerns can lead to negative reviews and a damaged reputation. Regular maintenance ensures that your restaurant remains a trusted and reliable choice for diners.
5. Cut Energy Costs
Inefficient equipment and HVAC systems can significantly increase energy consumption. Regular servicing and upgrades improve performance, reducing your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable operation.
6. Save Staff Time for What Matters Most
Instead of dealing with equipment malfunctions, your team can focus on delivering exceptional service. Proactive maintenance frees up their time, allowing them to concentrate on creating memorable customer experiences.
7. Extend Equipment Lifespan
Proper care and timely repairs can significantly extend the life of your kitchen appliances and HVAC systems, giving you a better return on investment and reducing long-term costs.
Learn more about holiday recommendations by the Department of Energy below:
The advantages of proactive maintenance extend far beyond financial savings. It’s about preparing your restaurant to handle the increased demands of the holiday season with confidence and ease. A well-maintained establishment is a thriving one, offering a comfortable environment for guests and a stress-free workspace for employees.
Take control of your holiday success by prioritizing maintenance. Not only will you minimize risks, but you’ll also position your restaurant as a standout destination during this festive time.
How to Prepare Your Restaurant Before the Holiday Rush
The holiday season doesn’t leave room for last-minute fixes. To ensure your restaurant operates smoothly during the busiest time of year, proactive preparation is essential. By addressing key maintenance tasks well in advance, you can avoid equipment failures, safety concerns, and operational hiccups when it matters most. Below are actionable steps to get your restaurant holiday-ready:
1. Schedule Cleaning and Maintenance for Critical Equipment
Kitchen equipment like cookers, hoods, grease traps, and HVAC systems are the backbone of your restaurant’s operations. Scheduling professional cleaning and maintenance ahead of the holiday season ensures they perform optimally under pressure.
Kitchen Hoods and Grease Traps: Prevent grease buildup, which can lead to fire hazards and poor ventilation.
HVAC Systems: Ensure proper airflow and temperature control for a comfortable dining experience.
Refrigeration Units: Check for consistent cooling to keep ingredients fresh and compliant with health standards.
Your team is the heart of your restaurant. Equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to handle the holiday rush effectively.
Emergency Protocols: Train staff on safety protocols to handle fire hazards or equipment malfunctions.
Efficient Workflow: Assign specific roles to streamline operations during peak hours.
Customer Service Excellence: Emphasize the importance of providing exceptional service, even during high-pressure situations.
Consider hosting a pre-holiday training session to address potential challenges and establish clear protocols for busy shifts.
3. Stock Up on Supplies and Equipment
Running out of essential items during peak holiday hours can disrupt service and disappoint customers. Avoid this by stocking up on:
Food Prep Essentials: Ensure you have enough ingredients to meet increased demand.
Cleaning Supplies: Maintain a consistent cleaning schedule with adequate materials on hand.
Spare Parts: Keep critical replacement parts for kitchen equipment to avoid downtime.
Pro Tip: Use inventory management software to track stock levels and automate reorders.
Why Early Preparation Matters
The holidays are a time of celebration, but they can also be chaotic for restaurant operators. Early preparation provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on delighting your guests without worrying about operational setbacks.
How to Prepare Your Restaurant During the Holiday Season Rush
Once the holiday rush begins, the real test of your restaurant’s preparation comes into play. Even with the best proactive maintenance plan, the intensity of holiday operations requires ongoing attention to ensure everything runs smoothly. To help you stay on top of your game, here are actionable steps to follow during the holiday season:
1. Schedule Daily Monitoring of Equipment
Your kitchen equipment works overtime during the holidays, and even minor issues can escalate quickly. Implement a daily monitoring routine to identify and address potential problems before they disrupt service.
Inspect Kitchen Hoods and Ducts: Check for grease accumulation to prevent fire hazards.
Monitor Refrigeration Units: Ensure they maintain consistent temperatures to preserve food quality.
Evaluate Cooking Equipment: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as uneven heating or unusual noises.
By catching issues early, you can avoid costly downtime and keep your operations running seamlessly.
2. Create a Streamlined Plan for Peak Hours
Efficiency is critical when your restaurant is packed with holiday diners. A well-organized plan can prevent bottlenecks and keep both staff and customers happy.
Optimize Workflow: Arrange your kitchen and dining areas to minimize unnecessary movement and maximize efficiency.
Set Staffing Levels: Schedule enough team members to handle the demand, but avoid overstaffing to manage costs.
Simplify the Menu: Focus on your best-selling dishes to reduce prep time and increase order accuracy.
Having a clear operational strategy ensures that your team can handle the busiest hours with confidence and ease.
3. Hire Professionals for Support
The holiday season can be overwhelming for your staff, especially if they’re handling cleaning, maintenance, and peak-hour service. Consider bringing in professionals to share the load and ensure specialized tasks are handled properly.
Professional Kitchen Cleaning: Let experts take care of deep cleaning for your hoods, ducts, and grease traps.
HVAC Maintenance Services: Ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently to provide a comfortable dining environment.
Fire Safety Inspections: Hire certified technicians to test your fire suppression systems and minimize risks.
Relying on professionals not only reduces the burden on your team but also ensures that maintenance tasks are performed to the highest standard.
(866) 425-8554
Stay Stress-Free This Holiday Season with APS-Hoods! Keep your focus on serving customers while we handle the behind-the-scenes work. Call us now at 800-750-7313 to schedule a free consultation and keep your restaurant running like clockwork throughout the holiday season!
Holiday Season Restaurant Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist
The holiday season demands peak performance from your restaurant. To keep operations smooth, customers happy, and safety concerns at bay, a thorough cleaning and maintenance checklist is essential. Use this actionable checklist as a guide to prepare your restaurant for the festive rush. Share it with your team to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
Schedule Regular Deep Cleaning: Ensure hoods, ducts, and grease traps are thoroughly cleaned to prevent grease buildup and reduce fire hazards. This also ensures compliance with health and safety codes.
Postpone Cleaning Tasks: Delaying deep cleaning allows grease and grime to accumulate, increasing the risk of fires, safety issues, and health violations.
Keep Emergency Supplies Ready: Stock up on spare parts, cleaning materials, and tools for quick fixes during peak hours.
Rely Solely on Staff for Heavy-Duty Cleaning: Your team may not have the expertise or equipment for intensive cleaning tasks, leading to incomplete maintenance.
Inspect Equipment for Wear and Tear: Check kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, and fire suppression equipment regularly to catch and fix issues before they escalate.
Ignore Small Malfunctions: Minor issues can quickly turn into major problems during the holiday rush, causing costly downtime.
Sanitize High-Touch Areas Frequently: Clean and disinfect areas like door handles, countertops, tables, and payment systems multiple times a day to ensure customer safety.
Neglect Customer-Facing Areas: Dirty dining spaces can lead to poor customer experiences and negative reviews.
Maintain HVAC Systems: Service your HVAC system regularly to ensure proper airflow, maintain air quality, and provide a comfortable environment for guests.
Ignore Equipment Malfunctions: Unaddressed issues can lead to poor ventilation, discomfort, and higher energy bills.
Create a Detailed Maintenance Schedule: Assign tasks and timelines to your staff or professionals to ensure consistent upkeep throughout the holiday season.
Depend on Last-Minute Fixes: Reacting to problems during peak hours creates unnecessary stress and disrupts your operations.
Why Follow This Checklist?
Safety First: Regular maintenance minimizes the risk of fires and health hazards.
Customer Satisfaction: Clean, well-maintained spaces and efficient service enhance the dining experience.
Cost Savings: Preventive care reduces the likelihood of expensive emergency repairs.
Reputation Protection: A clean, organized restaurant strengthens your brand image and attracts repeat business.
Frequently Asked Questions: Proactive Maintenance for Restaurants During the Holidays
1. What is proactive maintenance, and why is it important during the holiday season?
Proactive maintenance involves scheduling regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs to ensure your restaurant’s equipment operates efficiently. During the holiday season, when customer demand is high, proactive maintenance helps reduce equipment failures, enhance fire safety, improve energy efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. By planning ahead, you can deliver a seamless dining experience while minimizing stress on your staff.
2. How often should I schedule professional cleaning for my restaurant equipment?
The frequency depends on the size of your restaurant and how heavily your equipment is used. Generally, kitchen hoods and grease traps should be cleaned every 3–6 months. HVAC systems require semi-annual servicing, and fire suppression systems should be inspected annually or as required by local laws. For high-demand seasons like the holidays, additional cleaning and inspections are recommended. APS-Hoods offers tailored maintenance plans to suit your needs.
3. Which areas of my restaurant should be prioritized for maintenance before the holidays?
Focus on critical areas under the most pressure during the holiday rush. Kitchen hoods, grease traps, HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and fire suppression systems are essential to maintain. Additionally, customer-facing areas like dining tables, door handles, and high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized frequently to ensure a great dining experience.
4. What are the signs that my HVAC system needs servicing?
Look for poor ventilation, uneven airflow, unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy bills, and a decline in indoor air quality. These are clear signs your HVAC system requires servicing. Addressing these issues early ensures a comfortable dining environment during the busy holiday season.
5. Should I hire professionals for cleaning, or can my staff handle it?
While routine cleaning can be managed by your staff, hiring professionals is critical for deep cleaning and maintenance. Professionals have the expertise, tools, and resources to clean hard-to-reach areas like ducts and grease traps, saving your team time and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. APS-Hoods provides specialized cleaning and maintenance services tailored to your restaurant’s needs.
6. How can I ensure fire safety in my restaurant during the holiday rush?
Fire safety is crucial during high-demand periods. Regularly clean hoods, ducts, and grease traps to prevent grease fires, and schedule inspections for fire suppression systems to ensure they are operational. Train your staff on fire safety protocols, keep fire extinguishers easily accessible, and ensure they are fully charged. Professional services like APS-Hoods can help maintain compliance and protect your restaurant.
7. How can I prepare my staff to handle the holiday crowd effectively?
Conduct training sessions to educate staff on customer service, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Assign clear roles to streamline operations and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities. Use technology, such as point-of-sale systems, to reduce wait times and improve order accuracy. Keeping staff morale high through recognition and incentives will also help them perform well during the holiday rush.
8. How does proactive maintenance save money during the holiday season?
Proactive maintenance saves money by preventing costly emergency repairs, reducing energy consumption, extending the lifespan of equipment, and avoiding revenue loss due to downtime. It also ensures compliance with regulations, helping you avoid fines or penalties. Investing in maintenance ahead of time provides long-term savings and peace of mind during the busiest time of the year.
Maximize Your Restaurant’s Success This Holiday Season in Denver, CO
The holiday season is a golden opportunity for Denver restaurants to boost their revenue and reputation. However, without proper preparation and proactive maintenance, it can quickly become a period of stress and operational challenges. Fires, equipment malfunctions, health and safety violations, negative reviews, and unhappy staff are just some of the risks that come with neglecting essential upkeep.
By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can ensure your restaurant operates at peak efficiency during the busiest time of the year. A clean, safe, and well-maintained establishment not only prevents disruptions but also enhances the overall experience for your customers and staff.
Investing in proactive maintenance for your Denver-based restaurant pays off in several ways:
Customer Satisfaction: Deliver a seamless dining experience that turns first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Operational Efficiency: Keep your kitchen running smoothly, even during peak hours, with reliable equipment and streamlined processes.
Cost Savings: Avoid expensive repairs and downtime by addressing issues before they escalate.
Reputation Management: Establish your restaurant as one of Denver’s most trusted holiday destinations for exceptional food, safety, and service.
Proactive preparation isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about creating opportunities. With the right maintenance strategy, you can maximize profits, reduce stress, and make the holiday season a rewarding experience for your entire team.
Denver’s Trusted Partner for Restaurant Maintenance
Why take on the burden of maintenance alone when APS-Hoods is here to help? We specialize in professional kitchen hood cleaning, HVAC servicing, and fire safety solutions, tailored specifically for restaurants in Denver, CO. With our expertise, you can ensure your restaurant stays compliant, efficient, and holiday-ready.Call (800) 750-7313 today to schedule a free consultation. Make this holiday season your most successful yet with APS-Hoods. Contact us now and enjoy peace of mind during the busiest time of the year!
As a restaurant owner, you know your business’s heart is your kitchen. In a commercial kitchen environment, the hoods and ventilation systems have a direct impact on the health and quality of the service.
Given the fact that hood systems are active for long hours and are exposed to a large amount of oil and grease, regular maintenance becomes non-negotiable. In this article, we are going to go through some of the more alarming signs. These signs can adversely affect your staff’s health and impose heavy repair costs if ignored.
Ensure Your Kitchen’s Safety and Efficiency Today! Don’t wait until small issues turn into costly repairs or hazards. Don’t risk your kitchen’s safety Call APS-Hoods at 800-750-7313 to schedule your next service.
What Is a Commercial Hood System?
A commercial hood system is the unsung hero of any professional kitchen, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a safe and pleasant environment. This vital piece of equipment is a comprehensive ventilation system designed to remove airborne contaminants, grease particles, and unpleasant odors from your kitchen. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the air quality, safety, and overall ambiance of your restaurant.
By extracting smoke, heat, and grease-laden vapors, a commercial hood system prevents the buildup of harmful pollutants and minimizes fire hazards. Whether you’re running a bustling fast-food outlet or a fine dining establishment, this system is indispensable for compliance with health and safety standards.
Key Indicators Commercial Hood System
The typical commercial hood system includes several interconnected parts, each serving a crucial function:
Exhaust Hoods:
These are the primary components of a commercial hood system, designed to capture airborne particles, grease, smoke, and odors directly above cooking surfaces.
How It Works: Positioned over stoves, fryers, or grills, the exhaust hood collects rising heat, smoke, and grease vapors before they spread into the kitchen.
Importance: Prevents airborne grease and contaminants from settling on surfaces, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.
Maintenance Tips: Clean the hood surfaces daily and schedule professional deep cleaning to remove hidden grease deposits.
Grease Filters:
Grease filters are installed within the hood to trap grease particles before they enter the ductwork.
How It Works: These metal or mesh filters capture grease from the air as it passes through the hood, preventing clogging in the duct system.
Importance: Reduces fire risks and ensures smoother operation of the ventilation system.
Maintenance Tips: Clean filters weekly or replace them if they become damaged or overly clogged.
Ductwork:
The ductwork channels contaminated air from the exhaust hood to the outside of the building.
How It Works: This network of metal ducts carries smoke, heat, and airborne contaminants to an outdoor exhaust outlet, maintaining indoor air quality.
Importance: Properly installed and maintained ducts prevent grease buildup, which can lead to fire hazards.
Maintenance Tips: Schedule periodic inspections to check for grease buildup or damage inside the ducts.
Exhaust Fans:
Exhaust fans create the suction that pulls smoke, odors, and grease particles out of the kitchen through the hood and ducts.
How It Works: Located at the end of the duct system, exhaust fans use powerful motors to expel air outside the building.
Importance: Ensures efficient ventilation and prevents stale air from circulating in the kitchen.
Maintenance Tips: Check fans for unusual noises or vibrations and have them professionally cleaned and lubricated regularly.
How It Works: When a fire is detected, these systems release a chemical agent or water mist to suppress flames in the hood and cooking areas.
Importance: Essential for compliance with fire safety regulations and protecting your staff and property.
Maintenance Tips: Test fire suppression systems regularly to ensure they’re functional and refill or replace agents as needed.
Makeup Air Units:
Makeup air units supply fresh air into the kitchen to replace the air removed by the hood system.
How It Works: These units balance air pressure by introducing clean, filtered air into the kitchen.
Importance:Prevents negative air pressure, which can hinder the ventilation system’s performance and affect kitchen comfort.
Maintenance Tips:Inspect and clean air filters and check airflow balance regularly.
Why Is It Important?
Without a fully operational hood system, your kitchen can quickly become a hazard zone. Poor ventilation not only jeopardizes the health of your staff but can also tarnish your restaurant’s reputation. Customers are unlikely to return to an establishment plagued by persistent odors or poor air quality. Additionally, failure to maintain your hood system could lead to hefty fines or even closures due to non-compliance with local regulations.
Learn More About Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
For a more in-depth guide on maintaining your commercial kitchen, don’t miss our resource: Ultimate Restaurant Cleaning Checklist | Denver, CO | APS Hoods. This checklist provides actionable steps to keep your kitchen clean, compliant, and efficient.
What Are the Main Signs Your Commercial Hood System Needs Immediate Service?
Your commercial hood system works tirelessly to keep your kitchen safe and efficient. Over time, it can encounter issues due to constant exposure to heat, grease, and smoke. Recognizing the warning signs early can save you from costly repairs, fire hazards, and operational downtime. Below are five critical signs that indicate your hood system needs immediate attention:
1. Unusual Odors or Persistent Smoke in the Kitchen
Lingering smoke or foul odors in your kitchen are more than just a nuisance—they’re a clear warning sign of a malfunctioning hood system. These issues not only create an unpleasant environment for customers and staff but can also indicate clogged filters or ventilation inefficiencies that need immediate attention.
Why Does It Matter? Odors and smoke in a restaurant are a recipe for disaster. Studies show that over two-thirds of customers will not return to an establishment if they experience unpleasant smells. Beyond customer dissatisfaction, this issue poses health risks to your staff, who are exposed to poor air quality daily.
What to Do? Inspect your hood system for interruptions, excessive noise, or visible grease buildup. If the problem persists, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning service.
2. Excessive Grease Buildup on Surfaces or Filters
Heavy grease buildup on kitchen surfaces or hood filters is another sign of trouble. Grease buildup doesn’t just look bad—it’s a ticking time bomb for your kitchen!
Why Does It Matter? When grease clogs filters and accumulates in your hood system, it reduces ventilation efficiency and increases the risk of fire. Left unchecked, it can cause severe damage to your equipment.
What to Do? Regular cleaning and filter replacements are essential to maintaining your system. If grease buildup is excessive, contact a professional service to ensure a thorough cleaning.
3. Unusual Noises or Vibrations from the Exhaust Fan
Excessive noise or vibrations from your exhaust fan often indicate mechanical issues or imbalanced components in your hood system.
Why Does It Matter? These issues can stem from blockages or wear-and-tear on internal parts. If ignored, the damage can escalate, leading to expensive repairs or even system failure.
What to Do? Schedule a professional inspection to identify and address the source of the problem. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into costly breakdowns.
4. Decreased Ventilation Efficiency or Airflow
If your kitchen feels stuffy or your hood system is struggling to remove smoke and odors, reduced ventilation efficiency could be the culprit.
Why Does It Matter? Inefficient ventilation compromises air quality, increases energy consumption, and affects your staff’s productivity and well-being. It can also result in non-compliance with health and safety regulations.
What to Do? Discuss any noticeable changes in airflow with your cleaning and maintenance team. Regular inspections and tune-ups are critical to keeping your hood system operating efficiently.
5. Frequent Triggering of Fire Suppression Systems
If your fire suppression system activates repeatedly without cause, it could be due to poorly maintained hoods and ventilation systems.
Why Does It Matter? False alarms disrupt kitchen operations, inconvenience customers, and may even result in unnecessary expenses for resetting or replacing fire suppression equipment.
What to Do? Ensure your hood system is cleaned and inspected regularly. Professional maintenance services can address the root cause of false alarms and prevent future disruptions.
The Advantages of Regular Commercial Hood Maintenance
Maintaining your commercial hood system isn’t just a good practice—it’s a necessity for a safe, efficient, and compliant kitchen. Regular maintenance goes beyond routine cleaning and offers a range of benefits that can directly impact your restaurant’s operations and bottom line. Here’s why you should prioritize hood maintenance:
1. Enhanced Fire Safety
One of the most critical benefits of regular hood maintenance is the reduction of fire hazards. Grease and oil buildup in hoods, filters, and ductwork are leading causes of kitchen fires.
Why It Matters: Regular cleaning minimizes the risk of grease fires, protecting your staff, patrons, and property.
How It Helps: Professional cleaning services remove flammable grease deposits that could ignite under high heat.
2. Improved Air Quality
A clean hood system ensures proper ventilation, keeping the kitchen environment comfortable and safe.
Why It Matters: Poor air quality can affect staff health and customer experience. Lingering smoke and odors can drive customers away and harm your reputation.
How It Helps: Proper airflow removes smoke, heat, and odors, creating a pleasant environment for everyone in your establishment.
3. Increased Equipment Lifespan
Investing in regular maintenance can extend the life of your hood system and its components.
Why It Matters: Replacing damaged or poorly maintained equipment is far more expensive than maintaining it.
How It Helps: Clean, well-maintained hoods, filters, and fans operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear.
4. Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained hood system uses less energy to perform its functions.
Why It Matters: Grease-clogged filters and inefficient airflow force your ventilation system to work harder, driving up utility costs.
How It Helps: Regular cleaning keeps the system running efficiently, lowering energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Health and safety codes require restaurants to maintain clean and functional hood systems. Non-compliance can lead to fines or even temporary closures.
Why It Matters: Failing inspections can disrupt operations and tarnish your reputation.
How It Helps: Routine maintenance ensures compliance with local regulations, giving you peace of mind during inspections.
6. Reduced Downtime
Neglecting hood maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, disrupting kitchen operations and service.
Why It Matters: Downtime means lost revenue and dissatisfied customers.
How It Helps: Preventative maintenance reduces the risk of equipment failure, keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
7. Cost Savings
While regular maintenance requires an upfront investment, it saves money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
Why It Matters: Emergency repairs and equipment replacements can quickly drain your budget.
How It Helps: Preventative maintenance is a cost-effective solution that minimizes expensive surprises.
Make Hood Maintenance a Priority
By scheduling regular maintenance for your commercial hood system, you can ensure a safer, healthier, and more efficient kitchen. Don’t wait for issues to arise—take a proactive approach to protect your business and staff.
1. What is a commercial hood system, and why is it important? A system that removes smoke, grease, heat, and odors to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations.
2. How often should I clean my commercial hood system? Daily for surfaces; professional cleaning every 3–6 months.
3. What are the warning signs that my hood system needs maintenance? Smoke, odors, grease buildup, unusual noises, reduced airflow, or frequent fire suppression triggers.
4. Can a clogged grease filter cause a fire? Yes, grease buildup increases fire risk, making regular cleaning essential.
5. What is the role of ductwork in a commercial hood system? It channels air outside, ensuring proper ventilation and reducing fire hazards.
6. Why is it essential to maintain the exhaust fan? A functional fan ensures proper airflow and prevents ventilation inefficiency.
7. What are makeup air units, and do I need them? They replace removed air, preventing negative pressure and improving kitchen comfort.
8. How does regular maintenance save money? It prevents costly repairs, extends equipment life, and improves energy efficiency.
9. What happens if I ignore hood system maintenance? Fire risks, poor air quality, breakdowns, and regulatory fines.
10. How can APS-Hoods help with my hood system maintenance? We provide expert cleaning and maintenance to ensure safety and compliance. Call 800-750-7313.
Schedule Professional Hood Maintenance Today!
APS-Hoods offers expert cleaning and maintenance services tailored to your restaurant’s needs. With our help, you can enjoy all the benefits of a clean and fully functional hood system. Contact us in Denver, CO to request a free estimate today!
Prioritize Your Kitchen’s Safety and Efficiency
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant issues, including fire hazards, equipment damage, and revenue loss. Stay proactive by scheduling regular inspections and cleanings with APS-Hoods.
Decreased Ventilation Efficiency or Airflow: A Red Flag for Your Commercial Hood System
When your commercial kitchen begins to feel stuffy, smoky, or unusually warm, it’s often a clear indication that your hood system’s ventilation efficiency is compromised. Over time, grease buildup, wear and tear, and clogged components can significantly reduce airflow, affecting the overall functionality of your kitchen’s ventilation system.
Why Does It Matter?
Decreased ventilation efficiency is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a critical safety and operational concern. Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore it:
Impact on Air Quality: Poor airflow reduces the removal of smoke, grease particles, and odors, leading to a hazardous environment for your staff and patrons.
Increased Energy Costs: A struggling ventilation system requires more energy to function, driving up utility bills.
Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can negatively impact the health and productivity of your kitchen staff.
Regulatory Compliance: Many health and safety codes require restaurants to maintain adequate ventilation. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines or even temporary closure.
What to Do?
Addressing ventilation inefficiency promptly can save you from escalating issues. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Schedule Routine Inspections: Regularly check your hood system for grease buildup, clogged filters, or worn-out components.
Invest in Professional Cleaning Services: Periodic deep cleaning of the hood, filters, and ductwork can restore optimal airflow and prevent further complications.
Upgrade or Replace Components if Needed: If your ventilation system is outdated or damaged, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Consult professionals to ensure compatibility and compliance.
Monitor Ventilation Performance: Keep track of airflow quality and energy usage to identify any recurring inefficiencies.
Preventative Maintenance: The Key to Efficient Ventilation
Don’t wait for airflow issues to disrupt your kitchen operations. Preventative maintenance not only ensures consistent ventilation but also extends the lifespan of your commercial hood system. APS-Hoods offers professional cleaning and maintenance services tailored to your restaurant’s unique needs.
Pro Tip: Ask your maintenance team to evaluate ventilation efficiency during each cleaning session and address any noticeable trends of declining airflow.
Cleanliness is the cornerstone of a successful food establishment. Whether it’s an upscale French bistro or a casual diner, both staff and patrons expect an environment that is pristine and inviting. After all, a restaurant is not just a place to dine; it’s a space where people gather to share experiences and create memories. A spotless ambiance reflects the care and professionalism of the business, fostering trust and loyalty among guests.
However, even when a restaurant appears clean on the surface, there may be hidden issues lurking beneath. Grease buildup, unnoticed mold, and lingering odors can accumulate over time, impacting not only the visual appeal but also the health and safety of your staff and customers. This is why deep cleaning is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
In this article, we’ll explore the most telling signs that your restaurant’s ceilings, walls, and floors need a professional deep clean. From mold growth to pest activity, identifying these issues early can save your business from potential health code violations and reputation damage. Let’s dive into why maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule is essential for every restaurant.
Don’t let grease buildup, hidden contaminants, or neglected surfaces disrupt your operations or tarnish your restaurant’s reputation. Call APS-Hoods at 800-750-7313 to schedule your next service.
The Critical Role of Ceiling, Walls, and Floors Cleanliness in Restaurant Hygiene
Maintaining spotless ceilings, walls, and floors in a restaurant isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a fundamental aspect of food safety and customer satisfaction. These surfaces often go unnoticed during routine cleaning, yet they can become hotspots for grease, bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. When left unaddressed, these hidden problems can compromise air quality, create unpleasant odors, and even pose serious health risks to your staff and patrons.
Beyond appearance, cleanliness plays a pivotal role in protecting your business’s reputation. Consider these eye-opening statistics from Jolt.com:
66% of customers will not return to a restaurant they perceive as unclean.
75% of patrons refuse to visit an establishment again unless there’s a visible change in management or practices.
Three out of four customers steer clear of restaurants with negative cleanliness reviews.
These numbers highlight the financial impact of neglecting restaurant hygiene. One poor review or a single health code violation can significantly harm your business. Ensuring clean surfaces not only keeps your customers safe but also builds trust and loyalty, contributing to long-term success.
The Connection Between Cleanliness and Customer Loyalty
Cleanliness is more than a regulatory requirement in the restaurant industry—it’s a key driver of customer loyalty. When patrons step into your establishment, the first thing they notice is the environment. Pristine ceilings, spotless floors, and fresh air convey professionalism and attention to detail, instantly building trust. On the other hand, signs of neglect, like lingering odors or visible grime, can leave a lasting negative impression.
How Cleanliness Influences Customer Behavior:
First Impressions Matter:
According to research, 66% of customers won’t return to a restaurant they perceive as unclean. A spotless space assures guests they’re dining in a hygienic, well-maintained environment.
Positive Reviews and Word-of-Mouth:
Clean restaurants are more likely to receive glowing reviews and personal recommendations. In today’s digital age, one positive review can lead to a surge in bookings.
Long-Term Loyalty:
When customers feel comfortable and safe, they’re more likely to return and become regular patrons. Cleanliness creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
Avoiding the Risk of Negative Feedback:
On the flip side, cleanliness issues are one of the most common complaints in online reviews. A single bad review about hygiene can deter potential customers and damage your reputation.
Why Walls, Ceilings, and Floors Need Special Attention
While front-of-house cleaning focuses on visible areas, back-of-house surfaces like kitchen walls, floors, and ceilings often bear the brunt of daily operations. Grease splatter, moisture buildup, and airborne particles from cooking can settle on these surfaces, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Over time, this can lead to:
Health Hazards: Mold and mildew can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, affecting both employees and guests.
Structural Damage: Grease buildup can weaken surfaces, leading to costly repairs.
Pest Infestations: Unclean environments attract pests, which can lead to health code violations and loss of business.
A proactive approach to cleaning these areas ensures not only a safer environment but also compliance with strict health and safety regulations. Regular inspections and professional cleaning services are essential for addressing these hidden risks before they escalate.
Common Signs Your Restaurant Needs a Professional Deep Cleaning
Even with a regular cleaning routine, there are times when deeper issues arise that require more than surface-level solutions. Your restaurant’s ceilings, walls, and floors endure heavy wear and tear daily, becoming prime areas for grease buildup, moisture accumulation, and other contaminants. Ignoring these problem areas can lead to health risks, unpleasant dining experiences, and costly repairs.
To help you identify when it’s time to act, here are the most common signs your restaurant is overdue for a professional deep cleaning:
1. Visible Mold and Mildew on Walls
Mold and mildew thrive in humid environments, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Even small patches can spread quickly, releasing harmful spores into the air.
Why It Matters:
Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory problems for staff and patrons.
Visible mold creates an unappealing environment, undermining your restaurant’s reputation.
Failure to address mold can lead to health code violations and potential closures.
Solution: Regular inspections and professional cleaning services can safely eliminate mold and implement preventative measures.
2. Grease Build-Up on Ceilings
Commercial kitchens naturally produce grease, which accumulates on ceilings over time. This buildup can create stains, odors, and even safety hazards.
Why It Matters:
Grease buildup reduces air quality and contributes to lingering odors.
It poses a significant fire hazard, endangering your staff and guests.
Stained ceilings diminish the overall cleanliness and appeal of your restaurant.
Solution: Periodic deep cleanings and proper ventilation maintenance ensure a safer, fresher environment.
3. Lingering Unpleasant Odors
Persistent odors in your kitchen or dining area often indicate hidden grease, mold, or food debris. These smells can linger even after regular cleaning efforts.
Why It Matters:
Unpleasant odors can deter customers and negatively impact their dining experience.
Lingering smells may signal deeper hygiene issues that could lead to pest infestations.
Odors create an impression of neglect, reducing trust in your establishment.
Solution: Identify odor sources and target them with deep cleaning that reaches hidden and hard-to-clean areas.
4. Stained or Sticky Floors and Countertops
Sticky floors and countertops are clear signs of grease and grime accumulation. High-traffic areas are particularly prone to staining, which regular cleaning may not completely remove.
Why It Matters:
Sticky floors increase the risk of slips and falls, endangering staff and customers.
Stains and grime create a negative visual impression, impacting customer perceptions of cleanliness.
Long-term neglect can lead to permanent damage, requiring expensive replacements.
Solution: Use high-quality cleaning products and professional services to restore surfaces to their original condition.
5. Increased Pest Activity
Rodents, insects, and other pests are drawn to food debris and grease left in unclean areas. Sightings of pests or their droppings are clear indicators of hygiene issues.
Why It Matters:
Pest infestations can result in health code violations, hefty fines, or forced closures.
Pests are a major turn-off for customers and can lead to damaging online reviews.
Contaminants left by pests can compromise food safety and lead to serious illnesses.
Solution: Follow EPA pest control guidelines and invest in professional deep cleaning to eliminate food sources and sanitize affected areas.
Why You Should Act Quickly
The signs above don’t just indicate cleanliness issues—they also highlight risks to your restaurant’s operations, reputation, and revenue. Acting promptly can prevent small problems from escalating into significant challenges, such as health code violations or costly repairs. Partnering with a professional cleaning service ensures your establishment remains a safe, welcoming place for employees and guests alike. Failure to address these issues can lead to health code violations, fines, and potential closures. Learn more about restaurant sanitation standards here.
Take Action Today to Safeguard Your Business! Call APS-Hoods at 800-750-7313 now to request your FREE consultation.
Tips for Effective Deep Cleaning of Restaurant Ceiling, Walls, and Floors
In this section, I’m going to share a practical guide on some of the most important considerations when it comes to a clean restaurant environment:
Focus on areas that are hard to reach – terrible things can pile up here!
Don’t attempt cleaning during peak hours – deep clean only on off days!
Wear protective gear if you’re working on it yourself –
Avoid seeking help from professionals when it comes to deep cleaning
Double-check surfaces even after deep cleaning
Don’t delay or ignore scheduled cleaning
Contact professionals for inspection and deep cleaning
Don’t let buildups happen – it’ll often be too late to clean!
Keep yourself updated with the latest guidelines by your local government.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning for Restaurants
Deep cleaning a restaurant isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for maintaining hygiene, ensuring safety, and complying with health regulations. Below, we answer some of the most common questions restaurant owners and managers have about deep cleaning ceilings, walls, and floors.
1. What Is the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?
Regular Cleaning: This typically involves routine tasks like wiping surfaces, sweeping floors, and sanitizing commonly touched areas. It’s meant to maintain a day-to-day level of cleanliness and remove visible dirt or debris.
Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning goes far beyond the surface. It targets hard-to-reach areas, removes deeply embedded grime, grease, and bacteria, and focuses on preventing long-term issues like mold and pest infestations. This level of cleaning often requires professional expertise and specialized equipment.
Pro Tip: While regular cleaning should be done daily, deep cleaning should be scheduled periodically based on your restaurant’s activity level.
2. How Often Should a Restaurant Deep Clean Its Ceilings, Walls, and Floors?
The frequency of deep cleaning depends on various factors, including:
The volume of daily operations.
The type of food preparation (greasy or high-moisture cooking requires more frequent cleaning).
Environmental conditions like humidity levels.
General Recommendations:
High-Traffic Kitchens: Every 1-3 months.
Moderate-Traffic Kitchens: Every 3-6 months.
Low-Traffic or Seasonal Kitchens: At least once a year.
If you notice signs like grease buildup, mold, or lingering odors, schedule a deep cleaning immediately, regardless of your routine schedule.
3. What Are the Best Practices for Cleaning Grease Build-Up on Ceilings?
Grease buildup on ceilings not only looks unsightly but also poses fire hazards. The key to effective grease removal is using the right cleaning techniques:
Use degreasers specifically formulated for commercial kitchen cleaning.
Avoid using abrasive tools that can damage surfaces.
Clean exhaust hoods and ventilation systems regularly to prevent grease from settling on ceilings.
4. Can Regular Cleaning Prevent Mold and Mildew on Walls?
Regular cleaning can help control mold and mildew growth, but it’s not always enough to prevent it entirely. High-humidity areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are particularly prone to mold, especially in corners and other hard-to-reach spots.
Solution: Combine regular cleaning with periodic deep cleaning and proper ventilation to minimize mold risks. Use mold-resistant paint and professional-grade cleaners to further safeguard your walls.
5. What Cleaning Products Are Effective for Deep Cleaning?
The effectiveness of cleaning products depends on the surface and type of contaminant. Here are some general recommendations:
Grease Removal: Heavy-duty degreasers approved for commercial kitchens.
Mold and Mildew: EPA-approved mold removal sprays and disinfectants.
Floors: Non-slip cleaners designed for restaurant-grade flooring.
Walls and Ceilings: Gentle yet effective all-purpose cleaners to avoid surface damage.
For best results, consult with professionals to ensure you’re using the right products for your specific needs.
6. What Are the Costs of Professional Deep Cleaning?
The cost of professional deep cleaning services for a restaurant can vary widely based on several factors, including:
Size of the Restaurant: Larger spaces require more time, resources, and labor.
Extent of Cleaning Required: Deep cleaning that includes grease removal, mold remediation, or pest control will be more comprehensive and may cost more than routine cleaning.
Frequency of Service: Scheduling regular cleanings often leads to lower per-visit costs compared to one-off emergency services.
Type of Services Needed: Specialized services like HVAC and hood cleaning, ceiling degreasing, or floor restoration can influence the price.
For an accurate quote tailored to your restaurant’s specific requirements, contact APS-Hoods at 800-750-7313. Our team provides cost-effective solutions to ensure your restaurant remains clean, safe, and compliant.
Why You Should Prioritize Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s an investment in your business’s longevity. Regularly maintaining a clean and safe environment helps:
Prevent costly repairs and replacements.
Protect your reputation and avoid negative reviews.
Enhance staff productivity by ensuring a healthy workplace.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Deep Cleaning in Restaurants
Running a successful restaurant isn’t just about crafting delicious meals and delivering exceptional service—it’s also about creating a clean and inviting environment where guests feel comfortable and safe. Hygiene plays a pivotal role in shaping customer perceptions, maintaining health standards, and ensuring the longevity of your business.
From ceilings stained with grease to floors that accumulate grime in hard-to-reach areas, neglecting deep cleaning can lead to costly repairs, health code violations, and even reputational damage. Regular deep cleaning of your restaurant’s ceilings, walls, and floors is not just a best practice—it’s a non-negotiable aspect of operating a compliant and customer-friendly establishment.
The Benefits of Regular Deep Cleaning
Protects Health and Safety Deep cleaning removes harmful contaminants, bacteria, mold, and grease, ensuring your staff and patrons are in a safe and healthy environment. Cleaner air, slip-free floors, and hygienic surfaces contribute to a better dining experience.
Maintains Compliance with Health Regulations Health inspections can be stringent, and failing to meet cleanliness standards could lead to hefty fines, temporary closures, or worse—a tarnished reputation. Regular deep cleaning ensures your restaurant remains compliant and inspection-ready.
Extends the Life of Equipment and Surfaces Grease, grime, and debris can wear down floors, ceilings, and equipment over time. Routine deep cleaning protects these investments, reducing the need for costly replacements and repairs.
Enhances Customer Experience and Loyalty A clean environment speaks volumes about your commitment to quality and professionalism. Customers are more likely to return and recommend your restaurant if they feel confident in its cleanliness.
The APS-Hoods Advantages
At APS-Hoods, we understand the unique challenges restaurant owners face when it comes to maintaining cleanliness and safety in Denver, CO. Our professional deep cleaning services are designed to address every aspect of your commercial kitchen and dining space, from removing grease buildup on ceilings to sanitizing high-traffic floors. With our expertise, you can focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Protect Your Restaurant with APS-Hoods in Denver, CO
Take the guesswork out of deep cleaning and leave it to the professionals. APS-Hoods offers comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to your restaurant’s needs, ensuring your business stays compliant, your staff stays safe, and your customers stay happy.
A clean restaurant isn’t just good for business—it’s a reflection of your values. Partner with APS-Hoods to ensure every corner of your establishment is spotless and welcoming.
The environmental impact of professional kitchen cleaning services has become a hot topic in today’s world where sustainability is at the forefront of global conversations.
Commercial kitchens, with their fast-paced operations and strict cleanliness rules, often use a variety of cleaning products and methods that can affect the environment. Traditional cleaning practices can add to pollution and drain our resources from chemical runoff to excessive water usage.
However, as awareness grows, many cleaning services are now switching things up with eco-friendly methods and products, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while keeping hygiene standards.
In this article, we will dive into how these kitchen cleaning services affect the environment and check out some cool, innovative approaches that balance cleanliness with caring for our planet.
At APS-Hoods, we offer you professional kitchen cleaning services. Don’t hesitate to call 800-750-7313 for more information.
Understanding the Environmental Footprint of Commercial Kitchens
Commercial kitchens are the backbone of the food service world, but they can also leave quite a mark on the environment. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors helping to this impact:
1. Water Usage
These kitchens use tons of water for cooking, cleaning, and preparing food.
Besides, if things aren’t run efficiently, you can end up wasting a lot, especially when washing dishes or cleaning equipment.
2. Energy Consumption
Ovens, stoves, fridges, and dishwashers use large amounts of energy. Also, many kitchens operate during peak hours, leading to increased energy demand, which isn’t good for local power supplies.
3. Waste Generation
A lot of food is discarded because of over-preparation or spoilage. Moreover, non-recyclable packaging adds to the trash problem.
4. Chemical Use
Cleaning Products: Many kitchens rely on strong chemicals to keep things clean, which can lead to pollution. If not handled right, these chemicals can be risky for both workers and customers.
5. Carbon Emissions
Getting ingredients delivered adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Also, some cooking styles (like grilling or frying) can produce more emissions than others.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Vinegar
It is great for disinfecting, deodorizing, and cutting grease. Vinegar is non-toxic, biodegradable, and effective against bacteria.
Baking Soda
Excellent for scrubbing surfaces, deodorizing, and unclogging drains. This gentle abrasive is safe for most surfaces, and it neutralizes odors.
Castile Soap
This all-purpose soap is used for washing dishes, and floors, and even as a body wash. It is made from vegetable oils. It is free from synthetic ingredients and biodegradable.
Lemon Juice
A kind of natural bleach, deodorizer, and stain remover. It has antimicrobial properties and a fresh scent.
Essential Oils
You can add them to homemade cleaners for fragrance and antibacterial properties (e.g., tea tree oil, and lavender oil). They have natural scents and potential antibacterial effects.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It is used for disinfecting surfaces and whitening laundry. Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, making it eco-friendly.
Cornstarch
This can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, and as a carpet cleaner. Cornstarch is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Olive Oil
This oil is great for polishing wood and furniture. It is natural and adds shine without harmful chemicals.
Commercial Eco-Friendly Brands
Look for brands that offer products made from plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals.
Tips for Using Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Many natural cleaners can be diluted with water to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Store homemade cleaners in labeled glass or recycled containers to avoid chemical reactions.
Always test a small area first to ensure compatibility with the surface you’re cleaning.
By choosing eco-friendly cleaning products and using them efficiently, we can keep a clean environment while reducing our impact on the planet!
Water Usage
Did you know farming uses about 70% of all our freshwater? Finding smarter ways to water crops can save a ton of water.
Factories need water for all sorts of stuff like making products, cooling things down, and cleaning up. Using less water can cut costs and help the planet.
We use water at home for cooking, cleaning, showering, and watering plants. Being aware of how much we use can help save it.
When we waste water, we hurt ecosystems since taking too much water can mess with habitats and wildlife.
Many places are running low on water because of overuse and climate change, which affects lots of people.
Moreover, treating and moving water takes energy, so using less can lower energy consumption too.
Ultimately, to save some water, fix those leaks first. A dripping faucet or a leaky toilet can waste gallons of water every day; so, get those fixed!
Secondly, you can swap out your showerheads and faucets for low-flow versions. They work great and save water.
Thirdly, go for water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines that use less water per load.
Fifthly, pick plants that don’t need a lot of water.
Sixthly, cut down your shower time. This can save a bunch of water.
Seventhly, instead of letting the water run while washing dishes, fill up the sink or use the dishwasher when it is full.
Eighthly, you can also set up some rain barrels to catch rainwater for your plants.
Waste Management Practices in Kitchen Cleaning: Reducing, Reusing, Recycling
1. Reducing Waste
Before going to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week. This helps avoid buying too much and reduces food waste.
Purchasing items in larger quantities can minimize packaging waste. Just make sure you can use them before they go bad!
Instead of paper towels, use reusable cloth towels for cleaning. They are more durable and cut down on paper waste.
Finally, use cleaning products that come in minimal or recyclable packaging.
2. Reusing Items
Use glass jars or old containers to store leftovers or organize pantry items. They are perfect for reducing single-use plastics.
If you have vegetable peels or coffee grounds, consider composting them instead of throwing them away. Such a great way to enrich your garden soil!
Also, instead of buying disposable cleaning pads, use old t-shirts or towels as rags for dusting and scrubbing.
3. Recycling Properly
Get to know what can be recycled in your area. This can include cardboard, certain plastics, and glass.
Rinse out containers to avoid contamination, which can make recycling more effective.
Many food packages can be recycled, like cereal boxes and some plastic containers. Just check the recycling symbols!
4. Bonus Tips
Make your cleaning solutions using lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda. It’s cost-effective and reduces the need for chemical cleaners.
Moreover, share what you know about reducing, reusing, and recycling with family and friends. The more people who get on board, the bigger the impact!
The Role of Energy Efficiency in Professional Kitchen Cleaning Services
1. Saving Money
Using energy-efficient cleaning tools means you will spend less on electricity and water, which is always a win. Besides, these tools usually wear out less quickly, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
2. Helping the Planet
When you use less energy, you are cutting down on carbon emissions, which is great for the environment. Moreover, efficient cleaning methods often use way less water, which is very important in places where water is scarce.
3. Better Cleaning Results
Energy-efficient equipment often has the latest technology, so it cleans better while using less power. Many of these machines dry surfaces faster, so kitchens can get back to business sooner.
4. Staying Compliant
Lots of places have energy use regulations. Going for energy-efficient practices helps you stay in the clear.
Besides, if you focus on being energy-efficient, you might qualify for some eco-friendly certifications that make you look good to clients.
5. Happy Employees
Energy-efficient tools are usually quieter and cooler, making it a nicer place for your cleaning crew to work. Also, many modern energy-efficient machines come with better safety features, which means fewer accidents on the job.
6. Attracting and Keeping Clients
Many businesses care about sustainability. Offering energy-efficient cleaning can help you stand out and attract clients. Moreover, clients love working with companies that care about the planet, so they are more likely to stick around.
The Impact of Chemical Cleaners on Air Quality and Health
A lot of cleaning products let off VOCs which can float around in the air. These include stuff like formaldehyde and benzene. The VOCs can mess with your lungs, especially if you have asthma or allergies. You might find yourself coughing or feeling short of breath. Also, some VOCs are neurotoxic and can cause headaches or dizziness.
Moreover, when you spray cleaners, tiny particles can get released into the air. The particles can hang around and cause breathing problems.
Mixing different cleaners can create some dangerous stuff (think bleach and ammonia creating chlorine gas). This can make the air even worse and be super risky.
A lot of these cleaners can irritate your skin or eyes if you’re not careful. Prolonged use could lead to rashes or allergic reactions.
Also, some chemicals can throw off your hormones, which isn’t good for anyone.
Finally, chronic exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to serious health problems, such as cancer.
To stay safe, try using eco-friendly cleaners that skip the harmful chemicals. You can even whip up your cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils!
Moreover, ensure to open windows or turn on fans when you are cleaning. Fresh air helps clear out the bad stuff.
Wear gloves, masks, and goggles when using harsh cleaners. Better safe than sorry!
You can talk to friends and family about the risks of chemical cleaners. Encourage them to check labels and know what they are using.
At last, get behind rules that limit harmful chemicals in cleaning products and push for clearer labels so everyone knows what they are buying.
Frequently Asked Questions on Professional Kitchen Cleaning Services
1. What Does Professional Kitchen Cleaning Services Include?
A professional kitchen cleaning service typically includes deep cleaning of all surfaces, equipment, and appliances. This may involve cleaning ovens, grills, fryers, hoods, countertops, floors, and walls. They may also sanitize utensils and dishware.
2. How Often Should I Use Professional Kitchen Cleaning Services?
The frequency of professional cleanings depends on usage. For commercial kitchens, it is often recommended to have a deep clean every 3-6 months. Residential kitchens may need less frequent cleaning, perhaps once or twice a year, depending on cooking habits.
3. Are the Cleaning Products Used Safe for Food Preparation Areas?
Reputable and professional kitchen cleaning services use food-safe and non-toxic cleaning products. Always ask about the products used to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
4. Will the Cleaning Service Move My Appliances?
Most professional services will move appliances as needed to clean behind and underneath them. However, it is best to confirm this with the service provider beforehand.
5. Do I Need to Be Present During the Cleaning?
You don’t need to be present during the cleaning, but you should ensure that the cleaners have access to the kitchen. Some clients prefer to be there for any specific instructions or concerns.
Do you have issues with cleaning operations?
We are here in Denver, CO.
Dial 800-750-7313 and let us help.
Enjoy APS-Hoods’ Professional Kitchen Cleaning Services in Denver, CO.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of professional kitchen cleaning services is something we should think about. While these services are important for keeping things clean and safe, they can also have some downsides, like using harsh chemicals, wasting water, and consuming a lot of energy.
The good news is that many cleaning companies are starting to go green by using biodegradable products, saving water, and being more energy-efficient. By focusing on eco-friendly practices, they can clean effectively without hurting the planet as much.
So, when you are looking for professional kitchen cleaning services, it is a smart move to pick APS-Hoods which cares about the environment. It is a win-win for both your kitchen and the planet!
When it comes to managing a restaurant or commercial kitchen, keeping up with regular maintenance of your commercial hood is crucial for long-term success. However, amid the daily hustle of running a busy kitchen, it’s easy for this essential task to fall through the cracks. While your kitchen hood might not be the most attention-grabbing piece of equipment, neglecting its upkeep can lead to some costly consequences that could strain your finances.
From fire risks to expensive repairs, let’s explore why proper hood maintenance is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for anyone in the food service industry.
Wonder how to maintain your commercial kitchen?
If you are a resident of Denver, CO., call 800-750-7313 for a free quote.
Understanding the Risks of Ignoring Commercial Hood Maintenance
1. Fire Hazards: Grease Buildup is a Disaster Waiting to Happen
A greasy hood is a serious fire risk. Over time, grease accumulates and can become highly flammable. If it catches fire, your kitchen could quickly turn into a dangerous situation. According to the NFPA, over 61% of restaurant fires start in the cooking area, with grease buildup in kitchen hoods as a primary cause. Regular cleaning can cut your fire risk significantly, helping protect your investment and your staff. Routine cleaning isn’t just a good practice—it’s essential for safety.
2. Costly Repairs: Skipping Maintenance Can Break the Bank
Think avoiding maintenance saves you money? Think again. The average cost of a fire in a commercial kitchen can exceed $23,000, not including the revenue lost during downtime. When your hood becomes clogged or starts to malfunction, repairs can be pricey, and severe incidents can cost over $100,000 (Insurance Information Institute – Fire Loss Statistics). Scheduling routine cleanings is far more affordable than dealing with emergency repairs.
3. Health Code Violations: Avoid Unwanted Surprises
A surprise inspection can be stressful, especially if your hood isn’t up to code. A buildup of grease can result in violations, fines, or even temporary closures. Keeping your hood clean ensures smooth inspections and avoids penalties.
4. Energy Efficiency: A Cleaner Hood Saves Money
A dirty hood doesn’t just pose safety risks—it also consumes more energy. When it’s not functioning properly, it strains your system and drives up energy costs. Regular maintenance keeps your hood efficient, saving you money on utility bills.
5. Insurance Complications: Coverage May Be at Risk
Relying on insurance in case of an incident? Be careful. If an insurer finds that your hood maintenance was neglected, they might deny your claim. Stay proactive to maintain coverage and avoid unexpected expenses.
6. Shortened Equipment Lifespan: Protect Your Investment
Neglecting your hood affects more than just the ventilation—it can impact the longevity of your other kitchen equipment. A well-maintained hood helps your appliances run smoothly, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
7. Operational Downtime: Keep Your Kitchen Running
A malfunctioning hood can lead to downtime, forcing you to temporarily close your kitchen. This means lost revenue and frustrated customers. Prevent unexpected shutdowns with consistent maintenance.
8. Reputation Damage: Don’t Let Cleanliness Become a Concern
In the restaurant industry, your reputation is everything. A poorly maintained kitchen can drive away customers and damage your standing. A clean hood reflects your commitment to safety and quality, keeping patrons coming back.
9. Preventative Maintenance: A Smart Investment
Think of regular hood maintenance as an investment rather than a chore. It helps you avoid bigger problems down the line, saving you time, money, and stress. Stay ahead of potential issues with routine cleanings.
10. Expert Advice: Trust the Professionals
Not convinced yet? Industry experts stress the importance of regular maintenance. They know that a little upkeep goes a long way in keeping kitchens safe and operational. Listen to the pros—they’re right!
What Industry Professionals Say About Hood Care
1. Safety Comes First
Industry experts emphasize that a clean hood is your best defense against kitchen fires. Allowing grease to accumulate is like inviting danger into your kitchen.
2. A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Skipping maintenance to save money might seem smart at first, but it often results in costly repairs later. Routine cleanings pay off in the long run by preventing expensive breakdowns.
3. Health Inspectors Don’t Mess Around
A visit from a health inspector can be nerve-wracking, especially if your hood is dirty. Avoid fines and closures by maintaining a clean, code-compliant kitchen.
4. Cut Down on Energy Costs
A dirty hood has to work harder, which means higher energy bills for you. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment running efficiently, saving you money on utilities.
5. Extend the Life of Your Equipment
Your kitchen gear isn’t cheap, so why shorten its lifespan? Keeping your hood in good condition helps other appliances function better, reducing the need for replacements.
6. Avoid Costly Downtime
A broken hood can bring your entire kitchen to a halt, leading to lost revenue. Regular maintenance means fewer surprises and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.
7. Your Reputation is on the Line
In the restaurant business, your reputation is everything. A well-maintained kitchen shows customers you care about cleanliness and safety, building trust and loyalty.
8. Trust the Experts
It’s always smart to hire professionals who know the ins and outs of hood maintenance. They can spot potential problems before they become costly repairs, ensuring your kitchen stays compliant.
Why Regular Hood Maintenance is a Wise Investment for Your Business
Avoid Costly Repairs Investing in regular hood maintenance may seem like an added expense, but it prevents unexpected emergencies. By addressing issues early, you can avoid expensive repairs and disruptions to your operations.
Improve Energy Efficiency A clean hood allows your ventilation system to work more efficiently, reducing energy consumption. This means lower utility bills and less strain on your equipment.
Extend Equipment Lifespan Routine maintenance helps your kitchen appliances last longer. A well-maintained hood minimizes wear and tear on other equipment, saving you money on replacements.
Enhance Customer Confidence Consistent maintenance shows your commitment to cleanliness and safety. This can be a valuable selling point, helping you build trust and attract repeat customers.
Protect Your Reputation A clean, well-maintained kitchen reflects positively on your business. It can make the difference between earning great reviews or dealing with negative feedback.
Safeguard Against Fire Risks Regular maintenance helps prevent dangerous grease buildup that can lead to kitchen fires. It’s a small investment that greatly reduces the risk of costly fire damage.
Save Money in the Long Run While routine cleanings have an upfront cost, they prevent larger financial losses down the line. It’s a proactive way to ensure smooth operations and protect your bottom line.
Maintain Compliance Keeping your hood clean ensures you meet health and safety regulations. This helps you avoid fines and penalties from inspections, protecting your business from unexpected costs.
Each of these points highlights why regular hood maintenance is not just about keeping things clean, but about making a smart investment in the future of your business.
How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Hood Maintenance Needs
– Look for Industry Experience
When selecting a professional for your hood maintenance, experience matters. Look for a service provider with a proven track record in maintaining commercial kitchen hoods. Their expertise ensures they can handle your specific needs and spot potential issues before they become serious problems.
– Check for Certifications and Compliance
Make sure the company you hire is fully certified and follows all local regulations for hood maintenance. This ensures that they adhere to industry standards and will keep your kitchen up to code. Proper certification also means that the technicians are trained to perform the job safely and effectively.
– Read Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of service you can expect. Look for feedback on the company’s reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail. Positive testimonials from other restaurant owners can give you confidence in your choice.
– Inquire About the Services Offered
Different companies may offer varying levels of service. Make sure the professional you choose provides comprehensive maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and repairs if needed. Ask about their cleaning techniques and the tools they use to ensure a thorough job.
– Ask About Response Time
In the food service industry, time is money. Ask potential service providers about their response time, especially for emergency situations. A company that can respond quickly when you need them most is a valuable partner in keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
– Compare Pricing but Don’t Sacrifice Quality
While it’s important to consider costs, don’t make your decision based solely on price. Sometimes, the cheapest option could mean lower-quality service. Balance the pricing with the company’s reputation and the value of their services to ensure you’re getting the best deal without sacrificing quality.
– Look for Preventative Maintenance Plans
A good service provider should offer preventative maintenance plans tailored to your needs. These plans ensure that your kitchen hood receives regular attention, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns. Such packages can also be more cost-effective than paying for one-off services.
– Ensure They Use Safe, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Ask about the cleaning products the company uses, especially if you want to maintain an eco-friendly kitchen. Some companies use harsh chemicals that could affect air quality. Choosing a provider that uses safe, environmentally-friendly products can align with your commitment to sustainability.
Taking the time to choose the right professional for your hood maintenance ensures you receive high-quality service, keeping your kitchen safe, compliant, and efficient. It’s an important decision that can save you money and stress in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions on Risks of Ignoring Commercial Hood Maintenance
Can I Clean It Myself?
You can, but professionals have the tools and expertise to ensure a thorough job. DIY cleaning might leave behind grease that increases fire risks.
How Often Should I Schedule Maintenance?
Most kitchens benefit from professional cleaning every 3 to 6 months. High-volume kitchens may need it more often, such as every 3 months.
What Are Signs My Hood Needs Attention?
Look for grease buildup, unusual odors, or poor ventilation. These signs indicate it’s time for a professional inspection.
How Much Does Maintenance Cost?
Costs range from $100 to $500, depending on your kitchen size and location. It’s a small price compared to potential fire damage or repair costs.
What Happens if I Don’t Maintain My Hood?
Neglect leads to fire hazards, equipment damage, and possible health code violations. It can also result in costly repairs or temporary closures.
Is Maintenance Required by Law?
Yes, regular maintenance is often required by fire and health codes. Non-compliance can result in fines or a temporary business shutdown.
Can a Clean Hood Improve Air Quality?
Yes, a clean hood vents smoke and grease properly, creating a healthier environment for staff and customers.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional?
Professionals provide thorough cleaning, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. They also spot issues early, saving you money in the long run.
Avoid the Risks of Ignoring Hood Care with the Help of APS-Hoods in Denver, CO
Neglecting regular commercial hood maintenance might seem like an easy way to cut costs, but it often leads to much larger expenses in the long run. The NFPA reports that failure to clean is a factor in 21% of kitchen fires, which can result in damages exceeding $23,000 per incident. From fire hazards and steep repair bills to potential fines and damage to your reputation, the hidden costs of ignoring hood care can be significant.
Investing in routine cleanings not only makes your kitchen safer and more efficient but also protects your bottom line. Proper maintenance helps you avoid unexpected shutdowns, keep energy bills in check, and create a healthier work environment for your team.
Don’t wait until a minor issue turns into a major problem. Trust the experts at APS-Hoods in Denver, CO, to keep your kitchen clean, compliant, and safe. Our team has the knowledge and experience to ensure your hood remains in top shape, allowing you to focus on what you do best—serving your customers.
Take action now—schedule your maintenance with APS-Hoods today and secure the future of your business. Your kitchen, your staff, and your bottom line will thank you!
In the crazy hustle and bustle of a commercial kitchen, where everything needs to run like a well-oiled machine, it’s easy for even the most experienced chefs and staff to make some common kitchen maintenance errors.
While big issues like broken equipment or safety hazards get all the attention, a bunch of smaller maintenance mistakes can quietly mess things up. Ignoring the ventilation system or not following proper cleaning routines might seem minor, but they can lead to expensive repairs, slow down productivity, and even create health risks.
In this article, we’ll dive into these sneaky pitfalls, highlight why keeping up with kitchen maintenance is super important, and share some handy tips to help you keep your kitchen safe and running smoothly.
Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors: Skipping Preventive Maintenance
The first is ignoring equipment check-ups. Not checking on your kitchen gear can lead to serious issues such as a breakdown during the dinner rush. So, set up regular check-ups and keep a log to track how each piece of equipment is doing.
The second is neglecting ventilation systems. Forgetting to clean your ventilation hoods and filters can lead to bad air quality and fire risks. A clogged system means more heat and smoke, plus a chance of grease fires. Thus, create a cleaning schedule for your ventilation systems and replace filters when needed.
The third is skipping deep cleaning. Not doing a thorough cleaning of your kitchen can let grime and bacteria build-up. This can lead to health risks, bad food quality, and even health code violations. So, make a detailed cleaning checklist with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, and assign them to staff members.
The fourth is overlooking plumbing Issues. Ignoring small leaks or slow drains can cause bigger plumbing headaches. Water damage can hit hard, leading to costly repairs and service interruptions. So, keep an eye out for leaks and check drain performance regularly.
The fifth is not calibrating your kitchen equipment. If you forget to calibrate cooking gear, it can cause uneven cooking. This can mess with food safety and quality. Thus, regularly check and calibrate all your cooking equipment according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The sixth is not training staff on proper maintenance practices. If you don’t teach your staff properly, you will face equipment misuse and missed tasks. This can also wear out your gear faster. So, hold regular training sessions on maintenance practices.
The seventh is ignoring manufacturer guidelines. Not following these guidelines can void warranties and shorten your equipment’s lifespan.
Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors: Disregarding Food Safety Standards
Not keeping food at the right temperature or forgetting to label and date stuff can spoil or make people sick. Besides, if you don’t label things, you might accidentally use something that has expired. So, make it a rule to label and date everything. Check your fridge and freezer temps regularly to keep things safe.
If you don’t clean surfaces, utensils, and equipment often enough, it can let bacteria thrive, which can lead to cross-contamination and sickness. So, set up a cleaning schedule for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Teach your staff the right way to clean and sanitize.
Besides, forgetting to calibrate thermometers and cooking gear may cause undercooked meals or overcooked disasters. Thus, regularly check and calibrate all your temperature-sensitive equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t have a plan for dealing with pests, then they will surely get into big trouble with health codes. So, team up with a pest control service to create a solid pest management plan.
Skipping out on training staff about food safety practices will lead to contamination and health risks. You’d better hold regular training sessions on food safety rules. Cover everything from handling to cooking and storage.
Moreover, remember to check the temperatures of stored and cooked foods regularly. If food is kept at unsafe temps, it can promote bacterial growth. So, use digital thermometers to check food temps during storage and cooking. Don’t forget to keep logs so that everyone stays accountable.
Finally, if you don’t dispose of food waste properly or let it pile up in preparation areas, it may attract pests and create a messy, unsanitary kitchen. Thus, create a waste management plan with regular disposal schedules and designated areas for trash away from food preparation zones.
Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors: Inadequate Waste Management
Bad waste management is basically not handling, storing, or getting rid of kitchen trash properly. This includes food scraps, packaging, and all that other junk.
Piles of waste can attract pests like rats and bugs, which can mess with food safety and get you in trouble with health inspectors. Also, leaving organic waste lying around can lead to bacteria growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Stinky waste can fill up the kitchen and dining area with awful smells, making it uncomfortable for everyone. Besides, a cluttered workspace because of unmanageable trash can slow down your team and lead to mistakes in food prep.
Poor waste management can also mean bigger disposal fees, especially if you’re not sorting things out for recycling or composting. Moreover, not following local health rules about waste disposal can result in fines or even shutdowns.
So, to avoid inadequate waste management, put together a plan that clearly outlines how to handle different types of waste (like organic, recyclable, and general trash). Make sure you have bins for each one.
Teach your staff about proper waste disposal and why cleanliness matters. Regular training is the key.
Regularly check the waste disposal areas to make sure everything is running smoothly. Tackle any issues ASAP.
Create a schedule for when waste should be taken out based on how busy the kitchen gets. Also, set up separate bins for recyclables and compostable stuff and train your team properly.
Keep an eye on how much waste you’re generating. This information can help you find ways to improve and reduce overall waste.
Lastly, make sure all areas where you handle waste are clean and sanitized. Regularly clean the bins and surrounding spots to avoid odors and pest issues.
Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors: Postponing Repairs
Putting off repairs is all about delaying fixes on your kitchen gear. Whatever the issue is, you should never ignore repairs for some good reason.
Firstly, if something breaks down, you could end up with unexpected downtime. That means lost sales during busy hours.
Secondly, small problems can snowball into major issues if you don’t deal with them. What could’ve been a quick fix might turn into a pricey repair or even a full replacement.
Thirdly, broken equipment can be dangerous. A faulty stove could spark a fire, and a broken fridge can spoil food, which is a health hazard.
Fourthly, if your gear isn’t working right, it can mess with food storage and preparation, putting your customers at risk for foodborne illnesses.
Fifthly, when equipment isn’t running smoothly, everything takes longer. This can hurt your staff’s productivity and leave customers unhappy.
Sixthly, a kitchen that’s falling apart can frustrate your team, leading to low morale and higher turnover rates.
To fix the issue of putting off repairs, create a regular maintenance plan to check and service all your kitchen equipment.
Also, make sure your staff knows to report any weird sounds or malfunctions ASAP. You can implement a system to track reported issues and ensure they get fixed on time.
Moreover, set aside some cash each month for repairs and maintenance. Also, don’t forget to schedule regular checks of all your equipment and facilities. This helps you spot potential problems early on and address them quickly. Remember to document all the repairs and maintenance you do too.
Finally, build a good relationship with your maintenance techs or service providers. Clear communication ensures that repairs are prioritized and handled efficiently.
Don’t you know how to maintain your food establishment?No need to worry. Leave it to us. Our number is 800-750-7313.
Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors: Overcomplicating Maintenance Schedules
Overcomplicating maintenance schedules means creating plans that are just too detailed or tricky to follow. This could be anything from excessive paperwork to having too many different frequencies for tasks or tracking systems that just overwhelm the staff instead of helping them.
If your schedule is too complex, team members might not know what they’re supposed to do or when leading to missed maintenance. It can also add unnecessary stress to an already busy environment.
Moreover, time spent figuring out a complicated schedule is time taken away from actual kitchen work, slowing things down and affecting service quality. With too many steps or unclear instructions, mistakes are more likely to happen resulting in skipped maintenance tasks and equipment failures.
If responsibilities aren’t laid out, it’s tough to hold staff accountable for their maintenance tasks. Besides, a complicated system makes it hard to see what’s been done and what still needs attention, leading to gaps in maintenance.
To simplify maintenance schedules, you’d better prioritize your key tasks. Figure out which maintenance tasks are the most critical for safety and efficiency and focus on those first.
You can also create easy-to-follow checklists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. So, staff can quickly see what needs to be done without getting overwhelmed.
Establish straightforward frequencies for maintenance tasks (like daily cleaning or weekly inspections) without making it too complicated. Stick to a routine that works.
Moreover, you can use simple digital tools or apps that help with tracking without being overwhelming. Look for options that send reminders and make reporting easy.
Train your staff effectively and make sure everyone knows their role. Moreover, periodically check in on your maintenance schedule and adjust it based on staff feedback. Keep it flexible but effective.
Frequently Asked Questions on Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors
1. How Can I Prevent Grease Buildup in My Kitchen?
Regularly clean surfaces with degreasing cleaners, especially around the stove and range hood. Use splatter screens when frying and ensure proper ventilation while cooking.
2. Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Kitchen Surfaces?
While bleach can disinfect surfaces, it’s not always recommended for all kitchen materials (like wood or certain countertops). It’s best to use a cleaner that is suitable for the specific surface you are cleaning.
3. How Can I Keep My Kitchen Organized to Avoid Messes?
Implement a regular decluttering routine, use storage solutions like bins and shelves, and ensure that everything has a designated place. This will help you to prevent messes from accumulating.
4. What Are Some Tips for Maintaining Kitchen Countertops?
Clean spills promptly, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers and use cutting boards to prevent scratches. For stone countertops, consider resealing them periodically based on manufacturer recommendations.
We are first to protect your business.Call 800-750-7313 for a free quote.
Avoid Common Kitchen Maintenance Errors with the Help of APS-Hoods
To wrap it up, keeping a commercial kitchen in good shape is very important for safety and smooth operations. But there are some common mistakes like skipping preventive maintenance, ignoring food safety standards, making maintenance schedules too complicated, skipping routine checks, and not properly training the staff, that can mess things up.
By spotting these issues and sticking to simple, effective maintenance routines, kitchen managers can create a vibe where everyone cares about taking care of the equipment and keeping things clean. So, not only your kitchen gear will last longer, but also you will make the kitchen a safer and more productive place for everyone, so they can keep serving up great food!
If you have any maintenance issues, APS-Hoods assures you that the quality of our work exceeds our competitors. Just get in touch with us to get a free consultation with one of our experts.
Avoiding common kitchen maintenance mistakes is something that takes work. It is a complicated and hard task that requires attention to detail, safety standards, and equipment care.
Common kitchen maintenance mistakes can sometimes have far-reaching effects. However, food service operators may sometimes overlook crucial maintenance practices that can lead to safety violations, costly repairs, and also health risks.
In this article, we will explore the most common errors in commercial kitchen maintenance and offer you practical tips on how to avoid them ensuring an efficient, safe, and compliant kitchen.
Give us a chance to pave your way for a better and safer commercial kitchen. Dial 800-750-7313 for a free consultation.
Neglecting Regular Inspections
One of the most common kitchen maintenance mistakes is neglecting regular inspections. The hidden costs of this oversight can extend beyond immediate repairs and maintenance.
Small issues such as a leaking faucet or a malfunctioning oven can worsen over time if not addressed quickly. So, this can result in more extensive damage and costly repairs. Moreover, a lack of regular inspections often leads to unexpected equipment failures.
Serious equipment failures can lead to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. Besides, with unreliable equipment, the staff loses focus on food preparation and service and has to waste time troubleshooting different issues instead.
Inefficient equipment uses more energy and increases energy bills. For example, dirty filters in HVAC systems or ovens can lead to higher energy consumption. So, regular inspection will help you with timely repairs or replacements.
Regular inspections can help to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and also reduce the risk of penalties, fines, reputation damage, or even temporary closure of your kitchen.
Faulty equipment can lead to foodborne illnesses and pose serious health risks to customers. For example, improper refrigeration systems can cause food spoilage, wasted inventory, and finally increased food costs.
Moreover, conducting regular inspections will help to lower insurance costs. If an incident related to neglected maintenance happens, insurers may deny coverage, leaving you responsible for all the costs.
Finally, damaged and improper kitchen stuff will affect the staff negatively. Low job satisfaction will lead to high turnover rates and then additional hiring and training costs, resources, and time.
Ignoring Equipment Manuals
Ignoring manuals have different consequences that may lead to increased costs, operational inefficiencies, and safety hazards.
Overlooking the guidelines can lead to misuse which may cause early wear and tear or complete equipment breakdowns.
Manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance are very important and ignoring them will lead to more frequent and severe repairs. Thus, operational costs will increase significantly.
Improperly maintained equipment will not operate efficiently resulting in slower service, reduced productivity, and also higher energy bills.
Neglecting safety guidelines included in manuals can increase the risk of accidents and injuries in the kitchen and this may lead to worker’s compensation claims or legal liabilities.
The manuals also contain cleaning and maintenance protocols. Ignoring these protocols may pose health risks to customers.
Ultimately, failing to adhere to specific maintenance schedules and procedures outlined in manuals can result in insurance complications, decreased staff motivation, and also regulatory compliance issues
Overlooking Cleaning Protocols
Another one of the most common kitchen maintenance mistakes is not paying enough attention to cleaning protocols.
Poor cleaning practices can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and so pose serious health risks and contaminate food supplies. This may occur through dirty surfaces, utensils, or equipment that comes into contact with raw and cooked foods.
There are strict regulations for cleanliness in food establishments and overlooking them may lead to fines, penalties, legal actions, or even temporary closure during inspections.
Clean the commercial kitchen equipment regularly. If you don’t do that, you will have a buildup of grease, grime, and food particles which will cause more frequent breakdowns or replacements. Thus, the lifespan of your equipment will become shorter and also maintenance costs will increase.
Moreover, when the staff struggles to find clean tools or ingredients, kitchen operations will slow down, service tasks will be delayed, and also customer satisfaction will decrease.
Remember! Much more time will be needed for deep cleaning of a dirty kitchen.
Ignoring cleaning protocols will create a chaotic and dirty working environment. This will affect the performance, well-being, and job satisfaction of your staff. So, turnover rates will increase and you may have difficulty attracting new staff.
Above all, customers expect to find cleanliness in different parts of your food establishment from your cooking and serving equipment to floors, walls, and ceilings. If you fail to meet their standards, you will get poor reviews and that will damage your restaurant’s reputation.
No need to hesitate. APS-Hoods is here to provide you with ideal Solutions.
Failing to Train Staff
There are many common kitchen maintenance mistakes. Another one of them is not training your kitchen crew on how to keep things running smoothly which can lead to
1. Equipment Breakdowns
If your staff doesn’t know how to operate or maintain kitchen equipment correctly, it is bound to break down more often. So, you will face unexpected repair bills and downtime when you really don’t want it.
2. Safety Risks
A poorly maintained kitchen can turn into an accident waiting to happen. If the staff doesn’t know how to use equipment safely, someone could get hurt.
With untrained staff who can’t complete tasks quickly or can’t perform them correctly, you will face decreased productivity and longer customer wait times.
5. Higher Costs
Constant repairs, wasted energy, and potential fines can really add up. You don’t want your kitchen budget going down the train because of avoidable issues.
6. Negative Impact on Food Quality
Improperly maintained kitchen equipment can affect cooking temperatures and food storage. So, the quality and safety of the food will be reduced.
7. Staff Frustration
Your staff might feel overwhelmed if they don’t have the right skills for the job. Thus, it will lead to low morale and high turnover which isn’t good for any business owner.
8. Legal Trouble
Not keeping your kitchen up to code can lead to some serious legal issues such as lawsuits if someone gets hurt or sick.
9. Bad Reputation
If your kitchen is known for being dirty or having broken equipment, you may start seeing negative reviews and ultimately a damaged reputation. Therefore, customer loyalty and business profitability will decrease.
10. Inconsistent Training and Knowledge Gaps
Without proper training, some staff will be professionals while others are clueless. So, this inconsistency will lead to confusion and mistakes.
Using Improper Cleaning Supplies
Using the wrong cleaning supplies is one of those common kitchen maintenance mistakes that can really mess things up.
Firstly, if you are not using the right stuff, you might not kill off all those germs and bacteria. Thus, foodborne illnesses won’t be out of expectation.
Secondly, mixing cleaning products can create some pretty scary reactions; so, you could end up with toxic fumes or even a mini-explosion.
Thirdly, some cleaners are too harsh for certain surfaces or tools. Using them can ruin your expensive equipment or leave surfaces looking all scratched up or discolored.
Fourthly, proper kitchen equipment cleaning matters a lot because the wrong cleaning products can leave behind residues that may mess with food flavors or even make people sick.
Moreover, many places have strict rules about what cleaning supplies you can use in the kitchens. If you are not compliant, you could face fines or even get shut down.
If your cleaners aren’t doing their job, grease and grime will stick around, making your kitchen look dirty, attracting pests, and creating a negative dining environment.
When you use improper cleaning supplies, it can lead to damage or ineffective cleaning. So, you may spend more on repairs, replacements, or other additional cleaning products to make up for the shortcomings.
Using the wrong chemicals can be harmful to your staff, leading to skin irritations or breathing issues. Keeping your team safe should always be a priority.
Besides, if customers notice your kitchen is dirty or smells bad because of poor cleaning protocols they will be quick to leave negative reviews.
Finally, let’s not forget about training challenges. If you are using a bunch of different cleaners, it can confuse your staff about what to use and when. So, this inconsistency can lead to mistakes and a messy kitchen.
Underestimating Ventilation Needs
Here are some key results:
– Poor Air Quality
If there isn’t enough airflow, you will have a kitchen full of smoke, grease, and bad smells. So, the staff and customers may feel uncomfortable and it may also lead to respiratory issues over time.
– Increased Heat and Humidity
Without efficient ventilation, the kitchen gets hot and humid, creating a bad working environment. Nobody wants to deal with heat stress while trying to prepare meals.
– Fire Hazards
Grease buildup is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Without proper ventilation, you are increasing the chances of a kitchen fire, which is the last thing anyone wants.
– Equipment Damage
Too much heat and moisture can damage your kitchen gear. As an example, refrigeration units, ovens, and fryers might have to work harder to keep their optimal temperatures. Thus, you will have increased wear and tear and higher maintenance costs.
– Compliance Issues
Most places have health codes that require certain ventilation standards. If you don’t meet them, you may face fines or even get shutdowns.
– Increased Energy Bills
An inefficient ventilation system can increase your energy costs. If it is not doing its job right, you will be paying more for less.
– Negative Customer Experience
If the air smells bad or feels uncomfortable, customers won’t want to return to your establishment. A bad experience can hurt your reputation and drive people away.
– Unhappy Staff
A stuffy uncomfortable kitchen can kill morale. There will be no motivation for working in such an environment. So, the staff won’t stick around for long, leading to high turnover rates.
– Food Safety Risks
Poor ventilation can affect food safety. If it gets too hot or humid in the kitchen, it may spoil food or lead to contamination.
– Cleaning Nightmares
Without good airflow, grease and grime will build up fast. You will end up spending more time and energy cleaning, which takes away from actual cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions on Common Kitchen Maintenance Mistakes
1. What Are the Most Common Kitchen Maintenance Mistakes?
Neglecting the sink, ignoring appliance maintenance, not checking for leaks, overlooking the range hood, using the wrong cleaning products
2. How Often Should I Clean My Kitchen Appliances?
– Daily: Wipe down surfaces, including countertops, the stove, and the microwave.
– Weekly: Clean the refrigerator interior, the oven exterior, and any small appliances like toasters or coffee makers.
– Monthly: Deep clean the dishwasher filter, range hood, and behind and under appliances.
– Annually: Check and clean behind large appliances and perform maintenance checks on all major appliances.
3. What Is the Best Way to Clean My Kitchen Sink?
Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to scrub the sink. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. For stainless steel sinks, a gentle abrasive cleaner can help remove tough stains without scratching.
4. Is It Necessary to Clean the Dishwasher?
Yes, it is essential to clean your dishwasher regularly. Remove food debris from the filter, run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner, and wipe down the door seals.
Let us help you maintain your food establishment professionally.Call 800-750-7313 for more information.
Professional Commercial Kitchen Maintenance Services in Denver, CO.
In a nutshell, keeping a commercial kitchen running smoothly is very important for both safety and efficiency, but a lot of places end up making some pretty common kitchen maintenance mistakes.
Skipping out on regular cleaning of appliances, ignoring plumbing issues, and not sticking to proper food safety practices can really mess things up, leading to equipment breakdowns, long-time services, and customer dissatisfaction.
By choosing our expert team to help you well-maintain your commercial kitchen, you will be able to boost your staff performance and also lifespan of your equipment. We guarantee to provide you with a safer and more efficient space for everyone.
At APS-Hoods, we have highly qualified and dependable staff. We take pride in offering our clients quality guarantees and providing superior services.
Nowadays, commercial kitchen cleaning technologies have been getting a major upgrade. These cutting-edge solutions range from automated cleaning systems to advanced chemical formulations that aim at special types of dirt and grime.
These new commercial kitchen cleaning technologies are making it easier than ever to keep a clean and sanitary kitchen. They not only help improve cleanliness and hygiene, but they also save time and money. Moreover, they are more eco-friendly which is always a win-win.
In this blog, we will go through the details to understand these smart commercial kitchen cleaning technologies. Doing this will help you ensure food safety and sanitation standards at your food service establishment.
The Impact of Advanced Cleaning Solutions in Commercial Kitchens
Do you know those fancy high-tech cleaning gadgets you see in commercial kitchens these days? Well, they are not just for show. They are actually making a big difference in how restaurants and food service businesses operate. Here are some key impacts of these advanced technologies:
1. Keeping Food Safe:
With all the germs and bacteria lurking around in a busy kitchen, it is vital to keep things clean. These advanced commercial kitchen cleaning technologies are very effective at getting rid of all those contaminants. Thus, you can make sure your food is safe to eat and also safeguard the health of your customers.
2. Getting the Job Done Faster:
No one has time to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans. These automated cleaning systems and other advanced technologies make the whole process a breeze. Therefore, your kitchen staff can focus on cooking up delicious dishes instead of getting stuck with a sponge in hand.
3. Saving Money:
Investing in new commercial kitchen cleaning technologies might seem like a splurge at first. However, it will save you money in the long run. You will cut down on pricey cleaning chemicals, use less water, and even reduce labor costs. Then, it will be a win-win for your bottom line.
4. Going Green:
Everyone is talking about being more eco-friendly these days and these advanced cleaning tools are on board. They use methods such as electrolyzed water, steam cleaning, and enzyme-based products that minimize the use of harsh chemicals and reduce environmental impact.
This is great news for the planet and your customers who care about sustainability.
5. To stay on the Right Side of the Law:
Health and safety regulations can be a headache for restaurant owners. However, with new cleaning technologies, you will have no problem meeting all the requirements. This reduces the risk of regulatory violations, fines, and reputational damage while ensuring a clean kitchen that is up to code.
6. Happy Staff, Happy Kitchen:
A clean and organized kitchen is a happy Kitchen. By using these modern commercial kitchen cleaning technologies, you are not only keeping your space spotless but also creating a healthier and more pleasant work environment for your hard-working staff.
So, next time you see these fancy cleaning machines in action, remember they are not just there to look cool. They are indeed revolutionizing the way commercial kitchens operate making things cleaner, safer, and more efficient for everyone involved.
Emerging Trends and Technologies in Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
Robots and Automation:
Yeah, you heard it right! Robots are starting to take over the cleaning scene in commercial kitchens. They can scrub floors, wash dishes, and even help with food preparation. Moreover, this improves efficiency and reduces the need for manual labor. In general, it is like having your own little cleaning army.
UV-C Disinfection:
Ultraviolet-C light technology is getting popular in commercial kitchens as a powerful disinfection method. UV-C light can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of nasties on surfaces, equipment, and even in the air. Thus, it provides an additional protection layer against foodborne illnesses.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning:
More commercial kitchens are turning to green cleaning solutions with a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. They are using stuff made from natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment while still giving effective cleaning results.
Smart Cleaning Systems:
Kitchens are getting smarter with their cleaning. These cleaning systems use sensors, data analytics, and connected devices. To optimize cleaning processes and reduce waste, the systems can keep track of cleaning schedules and supplies. Besides, they can provide real-time insights.
Touchless Technology:
Commercial kitchens are getting touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and trash cans to keep things hygienic. It is all about minimizing germ-spreading contact and improving overall hygiene in the kitchen environment.
Electrolyzed Water Systems:
These systems produce powerful yet safe cleaning and sanitizing solutions. They pass an electric current through water and salt solution. This electrolyzed water effectively cleans and disinfects kitchen surfaces and equipment without using harsh chemicals.
Steam Cleaning Technology:
This eco-friendly method is very effective for deep cleaning grills, ovens, and other cooking equipment. Steam cleaning technology uses high-temperature steam to remove grease, grime, and food residues from kitchen surfaces.
Enzyme-Based Cleaning Products:
These products use naturally occurring enzymes to break down grease, fats, and food residues. Such cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly effective in removing tough kitchen stains and odors.
Training and Certifications:
There is a big push for training kitchen staff on the best cleaning practices. It is all about making sure everyone knows how to keep things clean and safe.
All in all, these emerging trends and innovative technologies in commercial kitchen cleaning are helping businesses enhance cleanliness, efficiency, and safety in their operations. As a result, restaurants can create a healthier and more hygienic environment for both their staff and customers.
APS-Hoods is the ideal choice for your cleaning needs. Trust us! We won’t disappoint you. Fill out the contact form or call 800-750-7313 for a free quote.
High-Tech Kitchen Cleaning Tools
Steam cleaners are like the superheroes of deep cleaning kitchen gear. They use high-temp steam to sanitize and clean surfaces and also remove grease, grime, and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
The other tool is ultrasonic cleansers. They use sound waves to create tiny bubbles going boom on your utensils, small equipment parts, and filters, getting rid of all that gunk in hard-to-reach spots.
Automated dishwashers equipped with advanced technology can efficiently clean and sanitize loads of dishes, utensils, and cookware in no time. Besides, some of these commercial dishwashers have smart sensors and programmable settings for optimal cleaning.
The next is robo-floor scrubbers which are the future. These machines can zip around your kitchen floor, getting into all those nooks and crannies to keep things spotless without breaking a sweat.
UV-C. Light helps provide an additional layer of sanitation in kitchens by killing bacteria, viruses, and all those germs. These quick, effective, and super cool gadgets disinfect surfaces. This UV-C light technology is being integrated into cleaning tools such as handheld wands or sanitation devices.
The next high-tech tool is small cleaning robots. They are equipped with sensors and AI technology to sweep, mop, and sanitize kitchen floors without human intervention. These smart robots can map out your kitchen, dodge obstacles, and optimize cleaning routes for efficient operation.
Last but not least, are air purifiers. We all know how essential is clean air for keeping a healthy kitchen environment. These high-tech gadgets with HEPA filters and UV-C light can help keep kitchen air fresh and clean by capturing airborne particles, odors, and contaminants in commercial kitchens.
Thus, embrace the tech and let these gadgets do the heavy lifting. Be sure! Your kitchen will thank you.
Future Prospects and Challenges in Adopting Advanced Cleaning Solutions
The future is looking pretty sweet with technology continuing to evolve and improve. Here are some key future prospects and challenges in adopting advanced cleaning solutions in commercial kitchens:
Prospects:
1. Efficiency:
These new cleaning solutions are designed to make life easier. Moreover, they can help us save time and labor costs in commercial kitchens.
2. Hygiene:
With advanced commercial kitchen cleaning technologies like UV-C disinfection systems, and steam cleaners we are talking about some serious germ-killing power. Say goodbye to foodborne illnesses.
3. Sustainability:
A lot of these new cleaning gadgets are eco-friendly using less water, energy, and chemicals. That is a win for the planet and your bottom line.
4. Data-Driven Cleaning:
LoT-enabled cleaning devices can track cleaning performance, usage patterns, and maintenance needs. So, you will be able to make more informed decisions.
5. Remote Monitoring:
Imagine being able to keep an eye on cleaning activities from anywhere. Consequently, smart robots and automated systems make it possible for you to have better management by providing real-time insights and alerts.
Challenges:
1. Cost:
The initial investment in advanced commercial kitchen cleaning technologies can be high upfront. It might be a tough sell for smaller businesses with tight budgets.
2. Training:
Training is key to success in the proper and efficient use of advanced cleaning tools. So, you have to make sure your staff knows how to use these fancy gadgets effectively.
3. Integration:
It can be a challenge to integrate these new commercial kitchen cleaning technologies with existing equipment and workflows. Compatibility issues and the need for additional infrastructure can cause a bit of a headache.
4. Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring optimal performance. This includes cleaning, servicing, and replacing parts as needed. So, that means extra time and money for upkeep.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
Meeting all the rules and regulations for cleanliness in the kitchen is non-negotiable. It can be a challenge to ensure that these advanced cleaning solutions meet the requirements or not.
However, despite all these challenges the benefits of bringing advanced cleaning solutions into your kitchen are totally worth it. As technology keeps getting better and more accessible, the future looks bright for high-tech cleaning in commercial kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Technologies
1. What Are the Benefits of Using Advanced Cleaning Technologies in Commercial Kitchens?
Advanced cleaning technologies in commercial kitchens offer benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced hygiene, reduced environmental impact, data-driven cleaning insights, and remote monitoring capabilities.
2. Are Advanced Cleaning Technologies Cost-Effective for Commercial Kitchens?
While there may be an initial investment required for advanced cleaning technologies, the long-term cost savings from improved efficiency, reduced water and chemical usage, and minimized labor costs can make them cost-effective in the long run.
3. Do Advanced Cleaning Technologies Require Specialized Training for Kitchen Staff?
Yes, it is important to provide proper training to kitchen staff on how to use and maintain advanced cleaning technologies to ensure optimal performance and safety.
4. How Can I Integrate Advanced Cleaning Technologies into My Existing Kitchen Setup?
It is important to work with suppliers or manufacturers who can guide integrating advanced cleaning technologies into your specific kitchen layout and workflow. Proper planning and consultation are key to successful integration.
5. Are Government Incentives or Rebates Available for Implementing Advanced Cleaning Technologies in Commercial Kitchens?
Depending on your location and industry, there may be government incentives, grants, or rebates available for adopting sustainable practices, including the use of advanced cleaning technologies. It is advisable to research local programs and initiatives that may offer financial support.
Leave all your kitchen cleaning needs to us. Our number is 800-750-7313
Ensure the Cleanliness of Your Commercial Kitchen in Denver, CO.
So, to wrap things up, using cool new kitchen cleaning gadgets and high-tech tools can make a big change in restaurants and food service spots.
These innovative technologies can make cleaning easier, more hygienic, and cost-effective. By investing in these advanced cleaning solutions and giving your staff the right training, you can boost efficiency, save money, and keep your kitchen clean.
It is all about embracing the future of cleaning with these awesome commercial kitchen cleaning technologies to make your business run smoother and safer.
APS-Hoods is here to guarantee your satisfaction and also the health inspector’s happiness. The only thing you need is to trust our years of experience and our dedicated team of experts.
Regular hood cleaning is crucial for fire safety in commercial kitchens. Grease is highly flammable and can easily ignite if not probably maintained; so, grease buildup in kitchen hoods must be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
By ensuring clean hoods, businesses can not only minimize fire risks but can also protect both their employees and property. Moreover, it is not just about safety. It is also about legal requirements to comply with fire safety regulations.
Here in this blog, we will shed light on the key role of professional hood cleaning services. This can provide peace of mind and help maintain a clean and safe working environment for all.
Trust us to help you keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely. Just give us a phone call at 800-750-7313 or fill in the contact form for a free quote.
Understanding the Risks of Grease Buildup in Commercial Kitchens
When grease builds up in commercial kitchen hoods, it is like playing with fire. Here are a few reasons why it is a big deal:
1. Fire Hazard:
Grease is very flammable, and if it builds up in the hood and ductwork, it is just waiting for a spark to set it off. A fire in the kitchen hood can spread quickly throughout the kitchen and the whole building. This can cause extensive damage, injuries, and even deaths.
2. Poor Air Quality:
When grease clogs up the hood, it obstructs airflow and ventilation. Thus, the air quality in the kitchen decreases. This leads to unpleasant odors, smoke, and fumes which can be harmful to employees and customers.
Besides, poor air quality can also affect the taste of food and the overall dining experience.
3. Health Risks:
Grease buildup can be a breeding ground for all sorts of contaminants like bacteria and mold. These can contaminate food and pose health risks to both customers and employees.
Furthermore, poor ventilation due to grease buildup can cause health issues and make existing health conditions worse.
4. Compliance Issues:
If you fail to keep your kitchen hoods clean and comply with fire safety regulations, you will face fines, penalties, and even closure of the establishment.
As a result, regular hood cleaning is not just for safety but a legal requirement to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
In a nutshell, regular hood cleaning is not just about making things look nice. It is actually essential for everyone’s safety and well-being. So, regular professional cleaning is key to keeping things running smoothly and safely.
The Role of Hood Cleaning in Preventing Kitchen Fires
Firstly, grease buildup in the hood and ducts is a major fire hazard. Regular hood cleaning removes this highly flammable stuff, lowering the chance of a fire breaking out.
Secondly, when grease clogs up the hood and ducts, it can block airflow and ventilation. This can make things hotter and smokier than they should be. As a result, regular hood cleaning ensures proper airflow and reduces the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Thirdly, during a fire a properly cleaned hood and duct system lets fire suppression systems such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers work effectively. These systems can work better if there is no grease buildup getting in the way.
Fourthly, lots of places have specific rules and codes about regular hood cleaning in order to prevent fire hazards in commercial kitchens. Ignoring these rules and failure to comply with them can lead to fines, penalties, or even getting shut down.
Fifthly, professional hood cleaning services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to thoroughly clean and maintain kitchen hoods and ducts. They can spot potential fire risks, get rid of grease effectively, and ensure that the kitchen meets safety standards.
Any questions or concerns about your commercial kitchen fire safety? So, contact us at 800-750-7313 for further information.
Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations: Why Regular Hood Cleaning Is Essential
Many specific regulations order regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen hoods and exhaust systems. If you do not follow these rules, you may face fines, penalties, or even shutdown.
Fire codes often require regular cleaning of kitchen hoods and exhaust systems. This is essential to prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable substances. It is necessary to comply with these codes to ensure the safety of your staff and prevent potential fire hazards.
The other aspect is insurance requirements. Your insurance providers might need proof of regular hood cleaning as a condition for coverage. If you fail to have a well-maintained kitchen hood system, they could deny your insurance claims in the event of a fire or other related accidents.
Health and safety inspections often check for compliance with hood cleaning and maintenance standards. So, not meeting those standards could lead to fines or other penalties.
Regular cleaning reduces the risk of kitchen fires which can cause a lot of property damage, injury, or loss of life. By staying on top of maintenance, you are showing that you take safety seriously and lowering your liability.
All in all, make sure to schedule regular hood cleanings so as to stay compliant with fire safety regulations. This is crucial to meet legal requirements, adhere to fire codes, satisfy insurance conditions, pass safety inspections, and manage liability and risk effectively.
Benefits of Professional Hood Cleaning Services for Businesses
1. Following the Rules:
Professional hood cleaning services know all the regulations and standards. This helps you avoid fines, penalties, and potential shutdowns.
2. Fire Safety:
Grease buildup is a big fire risk. Professional cleaning services can effectively remove grease and other flammable stuff. Thus, the risk of kitchen fires is reduced and a safer working environment is ensured.
3. Improved Air Quality:
Clean kitchen hoods and exhaust systems mean better air quality. That means less smoke and fewer smells and pollutants. This can create a more comfortable and healthier environment for employees and customers.
4. Extended Equipment Lifespan:
To extend the lifespan of your kitchen gear such as hoods, exhaust fans, and ductwork, regular professional hood cleaning is crucial. Moreover, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements by preventing grease buildup and corrosion.
5. Better Performance:
Your kitchen hoods and exhaust systems will operate more efficiently when they are clean. They will also allow better ventilation and airflow in your kitchen. Therefore, you will have energy savings, reduced cooking odors, and improved overall kitchen performance.
6. Peace of Mind:
With professional hood cleaning services on the job, you can chill knowing that your kitchen is clean, safe, and up to code. No need to stress about potential hazards or problems caused by dirty hoods.
Long story short, hiring the experts for hood cleaning can help keep your kitchen in tip-top shape, compliant with rules, and running like a well-oiled machine.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Safe Kitchen Environment
Having a clean and safe commercial kitchen environment is crucial for the health and well-being of your staff, customers, and business. Here are some tips to help you:
Make a list of what needs to be cleaned daily, weekly, and monthly. Assign tasks to specific staff members to ensure nothing gets missed.
Teach your staff about food safety, hygiene, and the best ways to keep things clean. Make sure your team understands the importance of maintaining a clean kitchen.
Invest in good quality cleaning products that are safe for your kitchen. Remember to follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines when using chemicals.
In order to prevent the buildup of dirt, grease, and bacteria encourage your staff to clean up spills, wipe down surfaces, and wash dishes as they work.
Keep an eye on high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and equipment knobs. If you forget to clean these areas regularly, germs and bacteria will harbor everywhere.
Ensure your kitchen has good ventilation to keep things smoke-free and smelling good. Don’t forget to clean and inspect exhaust hoods and filters regularly to prevent buildup.
Inspect your kitchen gear regularly for signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunction. Fix or replace faulty equipment to prevent accidents or contamination.
Keep an eye on expiration dates, rotate your stock, and store everything at the right temperature to prevent spoilage or contamination.
Set up a plan to keep pests away. Seal up any cracks, keep things tidy, and take out the trash regularly.
In addition to regular cleaning by your staff, schedule a professional deep cleaning of your kitchen equipment, exhaust systems, and hard-to-reach areas on a regular basis.
By sticking to these tips and keeping a consistent cleaning routine, you will have a clean, safe, and ready commercial kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Regular Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning
1. How Often Should I Have My Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaned?
It is recommended to have your kitchen hood cleaned at least every 3 months, but the frequency may vary based on the volume of cooking and the type of food being prepared. Some kitchens may require more frequent cleanings.
2. Do I Need to Hire a Professional for Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning?
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a professional cleaning service that specializes in commercial kitchen hood cleaning. They have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean the hood, ductwork, and exhaust fan to ensure compliance with fire safety and health regulations.
3. What Does the Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning Process Involve?
The process typically includes degreasing and cleaning the hood, ductwork, exhaust fan, and filters. The cleaning service will use specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove grease and grime from all components of the ventilation system.
4. How Long Does Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning Take?
The duration of the cleaning process can vary based on the size of the kitchen, the extent of grease buildup, and the complexity of the ventilation system.
A professional cleaning service can provide an estimate based on an assessment of your specific kitchen setup.
5. Can I Schedule Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning During Off-Peak Hours?
Yes. This is not really a big deal. Many professional cleaning services offer flexible scheduling options, including off-peak hours, to minimize disruption to your kitchen operations. Discuss your preferred timing with the cleaning service to find a suitable arrangement.
What are you waiting for? Leave everything to us and then sit back and relax! Our dedicated expert team will get your job done as best and fast as possible. Call Now
Professional Hood Cleaning Services in Denver, CO.
So, to wrap things up, keeping your commercial kitchen hood clean is essential for preventing fires and keeping everything and everyone Safe. By getting rid of grease buildup regularly, you can reduce the risk of a dangerous fire breaking out in your kitchen.
Following industry standards and local regulations for hood cleaning not only keeps your employees and customers safe but also saves you from extensive property damage.
As a result, investing in professional hood cleaning services on a regular basis is a smart move that can really make a difference in protecting your business and the people in it.
If you are looking for a highly trusted and experienced company that provides high-quality cleaning services, APS-Hoods is the ideal choice. You can reach out to us via a quick phone call at 800-750-7313
Have you ever pondered the transformation of a chaotic construction site into a pristine showcase ready for its unveiling? Post-construction cleaning techniques play a pivotal role in this transformation. Indeed, it’s not merely about removing the remnants of construction; it’s a detailed process that’s essential for both safety and visual appeal. This cleanup is more than a simple task; it’s the final flourish that transitions a building from a work-in-progress to a paragon of functionality and charm.
In this indispensable guide, we’ll explore the construction cleanup checklist through the three primary stages of post-construction cleaning. These stages are rough cleaning, light cleaning, and final cleaning. Each stage encompasses a unique array of tasks and varying levels of detail. Initially, we tackle the removal of substantial debris. Subsequently, we focus on intricate commercial kitchen cleaning, ensuring every surface shines. We’ll guide you through the industry’s best practices, guaranteeing a comprehensive and effective cleanup. With insights from APS-Hoods, in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area, you’ll discover how to prepare for an impeccable transition, rendering your space immaculately clean and inviting for its new inhabitants.
Don’t let grease and grime overshadow your grand opening! Let APS Hoods take care of your commercial kitchen cleaning needs with their expert services. Brush off the old, bring in the clean! Call APS-Hoods at (800) 750-7313 now and let your space gleam!
The Importance Of Post-Construction Cleaning
Post-construction cleaning is not merely the final touch; it’s a fundamental aspect of construction site cleanup. This process ensures that your new space is safe, functional, and visually stunning. Let’s break down its significance:
• Safety First:
A thorough clean-up goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a critical component of construction cleaning services. Removing hazardous debris like nails and screws is essential for safeguarding everyone from potential harm.
• Health & Wellbeing:
Deep cleaning is about more than just making things sparkle; it’s about promoting health. By adhering to construction cleaning guidelines, eliminating construction dust reduces the risk of allergies and respiratory issues, fostering a healthier environment for all.
• Preserving Your Investment:
Dust and grime are not only unsightly; they can also cause damage. A meticulous cleaning, following construction cleaning procedures, extends the life of your building’s materials, thereby protecting your investment.
• Aesthetic Appeal:
A clutter-free construction site undergoes a transformation into a space of beauty, ready to be adorned and decorated.
• Functionality:
Cleaning allows for a detailed inspection of the new construction. This ensures that everything is in top-notch condition for handover.
• Flawless First Impression:
A space that shines from the start makes a lasting impression. It reflects the professionalism and attention to detail that went into its creation.
• Client Satisfaction:
A spotless clean-up leads to higher client satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth. This sets the stage for future success.
A Structured Approach To The 3-Phase Post-Construction Cleaning Process
The 3-Phase Post-Construction Cleaning Process is a meticulous and structured approach, ensuring that every construction site is transformed into a clean, safe, and welcoming space. Here’s an enhanced overview with the requested keywords and structural changes:
• Phase 1 – Rough Cleaning:
The journey begins with the removal of large debris and excess materials. This initial step is crucial for construction site sanitation, setting the stage for more detailed work.
• Phase 2 – Light Cleaning:
Subsequently, attention shifts to dust and minor imperfections. During this phase, construction cleaning tips such as using microfiber cloths and HEPA vacuums come into play, addressing every nook and cranny with precision.
• Phase 3 – Final Cleaning:
Finally, the process culminates in a deep sanitization and polishing. This last step ensures the space is not just clean but hygienic and ready for its new occupants, following the best practices for post-construction cleaning.
This systematic roadmap, complete with a construction cleanup checklist, guarantees a flawless finish. Each phase builds upon the last to create a polished and pristine environment. It’s a comprehensive approach that goes beyond regular commercial cleaning, tailored to meet the unique demands of post-construction care and preparation. We will explore each phase in greater detail, equipping you with a clear understanding and actionable insights. Stay tuned.
Phase 1: Rough Cleaning – Setting the Stage
Rough cleaning is the pivotal first step, laying the groundwork for a seamless construction cleaning process. It’s the stage where the construction cleanup crew begins their work, focusing on clearing out larger items that are unsuitable for vacuuming or mopping. This initial sweep is crucial for establishing a clean foundation for the detailed cleaning phases that follow.
The primary objective of this phase is thorough construction debris removal. The key tasks include:
Kickstart your post-construction perfection with APS-Hoods! Sweep away the chaos and pave the way for a pristine finish. Click now and let the experts elevate your space!
• Sorting recyclable materials for proper disposal.
• Safely disposing of general waste.
• Ensuring the site is free from large obstructions that could hinder further work.
Effective dust control is vital, particularly in areas with drywall or sanding work. Here are some strategies:
• Utilizing air scrubbers to capture airborne dust particles.
• Sealing off construction zones to prevent dust from spreading to other areas.
• Employing wet cleaning techniques to trap fine dust particles.
Proper cleaning techniques are crucial for both horizontal and vertical surfaces:
Cleaning Horizontal Surfaces:
• Begin by removing large debris and tools.
• Use a broom to sweep away loose particles from countertops, window sills, and floors.
• Follow up with a shop vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture finer dust.
Cleaning Vertical Surfaces:
• Walls and other vertical structures tend to accumulate dust and debris. Use an extendable duster or a dry microfiber cloth to reach high areas and gently wipe down surfaces.
• For stubborn spots, a damp cloth might be effective. However, exercise caution with freshly painted or treated walls.
• Follow a top-down cleaning sequence, addressing uppermost horizontal surfaces first (shelves, cabinets) before moving downward to prevent recontamination of cleaned areas.
Remember, rough cleaning is about preparing the space for more detailed cleaning. It’s not about achieving a spotless finish just yet. The goal is to remove anything that could impede the meticulous cleaning efforts to come.
Phase 2: Light Cleaning – Refining the Space
Light cleaning is the transformative phase that takes a space from simply clearing debris to meticulously detailing. It’s a crucial step in the post-renovation cleaning process, ensuring every surface is attended to with care. Here’s an enhanced breakdown of this phase:
Understanding the Role of Light Cleaning
Light cleaning is essential for transitioning from “construction-free” to “move-in ready.” It addresses the lingering dust and grime that rough cleaning may leave behind. Moreover, it’s a phase where construction dust removal is performed with precision, ensuring a flawless finish and enhancing the space’s visual appeal.
Precision and Detailed Cleaning
This stage is akin to precision fabrication in construction, where every detail counts. Light cleaning involves:
• Cleaning windows (interior and exterior)
• Removing scuffs and marks from surfaces
• Cleaning light fixtures and diffusers
• Vacuuming carpets and upholstery
• Polishing faucets and doorknobs
• Detailed Tasks and Techniques for a Polished Look
Employing specific techniques for different surfaces is key:
• Dusting: Use microfiber cloths or dusters to capture dust from furniture, shelves, window sills, and baseboards. Start high and work your way down.
• Spot Cleaning: Address minor surface stains and marks with appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Polishing: Restore shine to surfaces like stainless steel appliances and doorknobs with specialized polishes.
Best Practices for Success
To ensure a successful light cleaning phase, consider the following construction cleaning procedures:
• Utilize the right tools, like microfiber cloths, for dust-attracting surfaces.
• Work systematically, following a top-down approach to dusting.
• Test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first.
• Prioritize ventilation to promote airflow and prevent the spread of dust and cleaning fumes.
Phase 3: Final Cleaning – The Culmination of Perfection
The final cleaning after the construction phase is the grand finale of the post-construction cleaning process. It’s where meticulous attention to detail transforms a cleaned space into a flawless masterpiece, ready for presentation and handover. This stage goes beyond mere cleaning; it’s about ensuring an immaculate environment that surpasses client expectations.
The Critical Role of Final Cleaning
Final cleaning isn’t just a final sweep. It serves several important purposes:
• Client Satisfaction: A sparkling clean space creates a positive first impression, fostering trust and exceeding client expectations.
• Quality Assurance: This meticulous cleaning acts as a quality control measure, identifying and rectifying any minor cleaning imperfections missed during previous phases.
• Flawless Handover: A meticulously cleaned space ensures a smooth handover process, allowing the client to move in or occupy the space with complete confidence.
Comprehensive Tasks for a Spotless Presentation
Post-construction deep cleaning goes beyond light cleaning, requiring a detailed and comprehensive approach:
• Deep Carpet Cleaning:
Shampooing or steam cleaning removes lingering dust, debris, and stains, leaving carpets fresh and revitalized.
• Detailed Fixture Cleaning:
Fixtures like sinks, toilets, and light fixtures are polished and sanitized to ensure a hygienic and gleaming finish.
• Window Washing:
Achieve crystal-clear windows with streak-free shine by cleaning both the interior and exterior surfaces.
• Floor Finishing:
Depending on the flooring material, buffing or polishing enhances its luster and visual appeal, potentially involving the application of sealants or waxes.
• Touch-Up Painting:
Address any minor scuffs, paint marks, or drywall imperfections that might have appeared during cleaning.
• Final Inspection:
Conduct a rigorous walkthrough to identify and rectify any missed spots or areas requiring further attention before handover.
Ensuring Quality and Client Satisfaction:
The final cleaning phase is your chance to showcase exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail:
Ensuring Quality and Client Satisfaction:
Maintain open communication with the client, addressing any specific cleaning requests or concerns they might have.
• High-Quality Cleaning Products:
Invest in professional-grade cleaning products formulated for specific surfaces to achieve optimal results.
• Experienced Cleaning Crew:
A skilled team with a keen eye for detail will ensure a flawless finish that exceeds expectations.
• Final Walkthrough with Client:
Conduct a final walkthrough with the client, addressing any final questions or concerns before project completion.
FAQs: Best Practices for Effective Post-Construction Cleaning
Q: How Can I Guarantee A Spotless Clean After Construction Is Finished?
A: Hiring a professional construction cleaning company is your best bet. These companies have the experience to tackle the specific challenges of post-construction cleaning. They’ll have the necessary equipment, techniques, and manpower to deliver a sparkling clean space, saving you time and effort. This can significantly reduce the overall post-construction cleaning cost and allow you to move in or occupy the space sooner.
Q: Are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Safe And Effective For Post-Construction Cleaning?
A: Absolutely! Many eco-friendly cleaning products are formulated to be just as effective as traditional cleaners but without the harsh chemicals. These eco-friendly options are not only safer for cleaning staff and future occupants but also contribute to a positive economic and environmental impact. By choosing a cleaning company that prioritizes sustainable practices, you can help minimize the environmental impact of the cleaning process.
Q: What Regulations Do I Need To Worry About Regarding Post-Construction Cleaning?
A: Local regulations might dictate how construction debris and cleaning materials need to be disposed of. While you can inquire with your chosen cleaning company to ensure they are familiar with and adhere to local regulations, some companies may even go the extra mile and help you navigate these regulations.
Q: How Many Cleaners Will I Need For My Post-Construction Project?
A: The size of your cleaning crew depends on the complexity and size of your project. Don’t underestimate the amount of work involved! A reputable construction cleaning company will assess your project and ensure they allocate sufficient manpower for a timely and thorough cleaning. By having the right number of cleaners on the job, you can ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning process.
Unveiling the Brilliance: A Multi-Movement Symphony of Post-Construction Cleaning
On a final note, post-construction cleaning is an intricate dance of precision and care, transforming construction sites into polished gems. It’s a three-phase symphony where each movement—rough, light, and final cleaning—plays a critical role in crafting spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also safe and welcoming. This meticulous process is the silent guardian that ensures every corner gleams, every surface sparkles, and the final presentation is nothing short of perfection.The journey from debris-laden floors to spotless rooms is a testament to the expertise of professional cleaning crews. With a steadfast commitment to eco-friendly products and strict adherence to local regulations, we ensure your project reflects the highest standards of environmental stewardship and client satisfaction. Ready to experience the APS-Hoods difference? Visit us at APS-Hoods in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area, or call us at (800) 750-7313. Let us leave a lasting impression of quality and care in your space, making it shine for all who enter. Your spotless future awaits!
Effective kitchen gadget maintenance is vital for a restaurant’s operation, ensuring cleanliness, longevity of equipment, and food safety. A consistent cleaning regimen not only upholds health standards and customer satisfaction but also safeguards against malfunctions, ultimately contributing to cost savings.
This article provides a thorough overview of the best practices for cleaning kitchen utensils and kitchen appliances, emphasizing the importance of regular kitchen tool maintenance. It offers practical cleaning tips for kitchen tools and underscores the significance of a clean and well-maintained kitchen for the safety and success of a restaurant. For those seeking professional assistance, APS-Hoods in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area, offers comprehensive commercial kitchen cleaning services, ensuring that every aspect of kitchen maintenance is handled with expertise.
Embrace the APS-Hoods advantage and serve each dish with pride, knowing your kitchen meets the highest standards of cleanliness and efficiency. Call now to schedule your professional kitchen cleaning today!
The Fundamentals Of Kitchen Gadget Maintenance
Proper care for kitchen gadgets is vital for their longevity, safety, hygiene, and business success. It ensures appliances run smoothly, prevents costly repairs, and mitigates hazards. Key points include:
Maximizing Performance: Routine tasks like cleaning hacks for kitchen tools, checking connections, and lubrication optimize appliance efficiency and functionality.
Preventing Repairs: Regular inspections and minor fixes can prevent significant malfunctions and extend equipment lifespan.
Food Safety: Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen appliances’ surfaces and accurate temperature control are crucial for hygiene and preventing contamination.
User Safety: Maintenance identifies safety hazards, preventing accidents and injuries in the kitchen.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to safety and performance standards is mandatory for commercial kitchens to avoid penalties.
Lifespan Prolonging: Maintaining kitchen utensils and proper care and maintenance routines protect the investment in kitchen equipment, ensuring it functions optimally for longer.
Therefore, gadget maintenance is not just a task—it’s an investment in the quality and safety of your kitchen operations.
Crafting An Efficient Cleaning Timetable For Kitchen Gadget Maintenance
Experts recommend embracing daily cleaning practices, understanding the benefits of regular maintenance, setting up a monthly deep cleaning routine, and streamlining cleaning processes for optimal kitchen gadget care. Therefore, a well-structured cleaning schedule is key to maintaining kitchen gadgets and ensuring operational efficiency:
1. Daily Practices:
Routine maintenance extends equipment lifespan, reduces unexpected breakdowns, and saves costs. It ensures efficiency, compliance with health regulations, and a positive reputation by preventing contamination and maintaining food safety. So, it’s good to assign specific cleaning tasks to each shift to maintain a consistent level of cleanliness. Here’s an optimized performance schedule tailored for each shift:
Morning Shift:
Inspect and clean all appliances and surfaces.
Sanitize high-touch areas like door handles and switches.
Ensure dishwashers and sinks are clean and ready for use.
Afternoon Shift:
Clean cooking equipment after lunch service.
Wipe down preparation areas and cutting boards.
Check and clean storage areas.
Evening Shift:
Deep clean grills, stovetops, and ovens after dinner service.
Sanitize all surfaces and floors.
Prepare the kitchen for the next day’s service.
2. Monthly Deep Cleaning
Schedule deep cleaning sessions to address areas not covered in daily routines, Like:
• Ovens and Ranges: Conduct a thorough cleaning of both the interior and exterior to ensure they are free of grease and food residue. Also, include the degreasing of exhaust hoods and the detailed cleaning of hard-to-reach areas
• Freezers: Defrost and meticulously clean both the inside and outside, removing any built-up ice and debris.
• Storage Racks and Shelving: Empty the racks and shelves, clean each one thoroughly, and then reorganize the items neatly.
Simplified Daily Cleaning Techniques For Kitchen Gadgets Maintenance
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, which are Easy ways to clean kitchen gadgets, you can maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen, ensuring that your gadgets serve you well for years to come:
Use Mild Detergents: Choose gentle, non-abrasive, and safe cleaning products for kitchen gadgets and detergents to clean the kitchen tools without harming their surfaces.
Soft Cloths and Sponges: Utilize soft materials for wiping down equipment to prevent scratches and surface damage.
Thorough Rinsing: Always rinse gadgets thoroughly to eliminate any detergent residue that might compromise food safety or flavor.
Complete Drying: Ensure all items are fully dried to inhibit bacterial growth and protect the equipment’s integrity.
Regular Inspection: Check for signs of wear and tear or malfunction during cleaning to address issues promptly.
Disinfection: Use appropriate sanitizers, especially on food contact surfaces, to eliminate pathogens.
Non-Toxic Cleaners: Whenever possible, use eco-friendly and food-safe cleaners to maintain a healthy kitchen environment.
Investing in Quality: Choose high-quality stainless-steel equipment for ease of cleaning and durability, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Effective Strategies For Eliminating Kitchen Gadget Stains
Maintaining a spotless commercial kitchen is crucial, and employing effective strategies is key to removing stains from kitchen gadgets and appliances that can compromise both the appearance and hygiene of kitchen gadgets. Discover below the tactical approaches for tackling persistent stains:
• Immediate Action: Swiftly addressing spills and stains is paramount. The longer a substance sits, the more it penetrates the surface, making it harder to remove.
• Appropriate Cleaning Agents: Select cleaning agents that are compatible with your gadgets’ materials. For stainless steel, avoid chlorine-based cleaners; for plastics, steer clear of solvents.
• Soaking Technique: For tough stains, soaking the gadget in a solution of warm water and a suitable detergent can loosen the grime, making it easier to clean.
• Heat Application: Applying gentle heat can help dissolve oily residues. Be cautious to not damage the gadget with excessive heat.
• Regular Deep Cleaning: Incorporate deep cleaning into your maintenance schedule to address areas that regular cleaning might miss, preventing grime build-up.
Tools Recommended For Persistent Residues
• Specialized Scrapers: Utilize scrapers designed for kitchen use to gently lift off hardened substances without scratching surfaces.
• Quality Brushes: Invest in brushes with bristles that are tough on stains but gentle on surfaces, such as nylon for delicate areas and brass for more resilient materials.
• Microfiber Cloths: These cloths can be effective for polishing and removing streaks after the primary cleaning has been done.
• Non-Abrasive Pads: For surfaces that scratch easily, non-abrasive pads can scrub away residue without leaving marks.
For a spotless kitchen that meets the highest standards, don’t hesitate to call APS-Hoods at 800-750-7313. Our professional team is ready to tackle even the toughest stains and ensure your kitchen shines!
Upholding Cleanliness Standards In Kitchen Gadgets
Maintaining high cleanliness standards for kitchen gadgets is not only about aesthetics but also about ensuring food safety and kitchen efficiency. Here’s an expanded approach to managing stubborn stains and maintaining hygiene:
• Sanitization:
Implement a routine sanitization process using approved food-safe chemicals or heat treatments to eradicate bacteria and other pathogens. This step is crucial after cleaning to ensure that all surfaces that come into contact with food are safe for use.
• Inspection:
Regularly inspect kitchen gadgets for any signs of food residue, discoloration, or damage that could become a breeding ground for bacteria. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas where grime and germs are likely to accumulate.
• Staff Training:
Educate your kitchen staff on the importance of maintaining cleanliness standards. Provide them with detailed instructions on the correct usage of cleaning agents, the importance of wearing protective gear, and the procedures for sanitizing different types of kitchen gadgets.
• Record Keeping:
Keep records of cleaning and maintenance activities. This not only helps in tracking the cleanliness of gadgets over time but also proves compliance with health regulations.
Industry Kitchens’ Selection for Daily-Use Gadgets
Here are the recommended selections for robust, premium kitchen tools along with their optimal maintenance practices:
• Essential Knives
For precision cutting, a set of sharp, high-quality knives is indispensable. Maintain the sharpness and prevent rust on kitchen utensils by gently washing them with warm soapy water and promptly drying them.
• Measuring Tools:
Digital scales and measuring spoons are vital for accuracy in recipes. Preserve their precision by cleaning with a damp cloth or a gentle wash, followed by a complete dry.
• Cutting Boards:
Plastic and wooden cutting boards serve different purposes and add functionality to the kitchen. Enhance their longevity and ensure hygiene by treating plastic boards with a bleach solution and wooden ones with vinegar.
• Mixing and Prep Bowls:
A variety of bowls are necessary for preparation tasks. Keep them in pristine condition by cleaning with gentle detergents and soft sponges, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.
• Quality Cookware:
Durable pots and pans are the backbone of cooking operations. Ensure consistent cooking results by pre-soaking in warm, soapy water and softly brushing away any food residue.
• Handy Gadgets:
Immersion blenders and similar gadgets save time and effort. Like immersion blenders, maintain their functionality by carefully cleaning with a mild detergent and drying all components after disassembly.
• Dough Scrapers:
Use these to remove dough and other residues from surfaces without causing damage.
• Scouring Pads:
Choose non-metallic scouring pads for tough grime, ensuring they are suitable for the equipment being cleaned.
• Gentle Commercial Cleaning Products:
Select products specifically designed for commercial kitchen equipment.
Understanding Your Kitchen Gadgets
Understanding and caring for your kitchen gadgets not only enhances their performance but also extends their lifespan. Here’s a deeper dive into the essentials of kitchen gadget maintenance:
Familiarization
Know Your Tools and spend time learning about each gadget’s unique functions and components. This insight is invaluable when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Manual Mastery
Keep the user manuals handy. They are your go-to resource for understanding specific maintenance needs and operational guidelines.
Consistent Care
Establish a daily or post-use cleaning regimen to prevent the buildup of food particles and grease, which can lead to bacterial growth and equipment malfunction.
Gentle Approach
Use soft cloths and sponges with mild detergents to cleanse without scratching or damaging your gadgets. Harsh chemicals and abrasive pads can degrade surfaces and intricate parts.
Technical Care
Troubleshooting is an essential skill in the kitchen, as gadgets can often present various challenges. Understanding these issues and knowing how to resolve them can save time and prevent frustration. Moreover, be mindful of each gadget’s electrical or battery requirements. Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards.
Manufacturer’s Advice:
Adhere strictly to the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer. This ensures that you’re not inadvertently causing damage that could void warranties or reduce efficiency.
Specialized Care:
Some gadgets may require special attention during certain seasons, such as additional lubrication or protection from humidity.
FAQs About Kitchen Gadget Maintenance:
Q: How Can I Avoid Common Kitchen Cleaning Pitfalls?
A: To prevent common kitchen cleaning pitfalls, start by cleaning from the top and work your way down to avoid soiling cleaned areas. Use separate towels for different tasks to prevent cross-contamination. Lastly, don’t forget regular deep cleaning of the sink to prevent mold growth and odors. Following these steps will help maintain a hygienic kitchen environment.
Q: What Are The Best Practices For Gadget Organization And Storage In A Commercial Kitchen?
A: The best practices for kitchen gadget maintenance and organization include:
• Labeling and categorizing equipment for easy identification.
• Utilizing vertical storage to maximize space.
• Implementing ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO) to maintain freshness.
• Ensuring gadgets are cleaned and sanitized before storage.
• Designating specific areas for different types of gadgets to avoid cross-contamination.
• Using clear storage containers for visibility and non-slip mats to secure items in place.
(For more information and a visual guide on the best practices for gadget organization and storage in a commercial kitchen, watch this informative video.)
Ensuring Culinary Excellence Through Kitchen Gadget Maintenance
Achieving culinary success starts with the diligent upkeep of your kitchen equipment. Regular cleaning and proactive maintenance are essential to ensure appliance longevity and optimal performance. This guide provides the essential practices for kitchen sanitation, crucial for maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in food service.
Partnering with APS-Hoods’ professional services further enhances kitchen operations, ensuring compliance and culinary distinction in the Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and Coloradoareas. Their expertise guarantees that every meal reflects a commitment to quality and excellence.
Keeping your restaurant spotless is the secret sauce to a bustling business. Crumbs, grease, and grime are the enemies of any dining establishment, and the health inspector is the judge, jury, and potential executioner of your business’s reputation. Let cleanliness slide, and watch your customers vanish into thin air! So, a perfect restaurant cleaning checklist is your essential guide for preserving a welcoming atmosphere in the dining space, attracting more patrons, and fostering a thriving enterprise.
This article delves into the nitty-gritty of restaurant cleanliness, from front-of-house aesthetics to back-of-house hygiene, ensuring every corner meets health standards and customer expectations. With APS-Hoods, in Denver, CO, you can rest assured that every aspect of your establishment will meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
Ready to ensure your restaurant’s cleanliness is second to none? APS-Hoods is here to help! With our professional cleaning services, you can focus on what you do best—creating unforgettable dining experiences. Dial 800-750-7313 to secure our services and make cleanliness your restaurant’s signature feature.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the checklist that will transform your restaurant into a paragon of cleanliness and compliance.
Front-of-House Cleaning: A Key Component of Your Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Master the art of first impressions by welcoming your guests into a realm of cleanliness where every surface shines and each detail is meticulously cared for. Our Front-of-House Cleaning ensures the initial encounter is always immaculate and inviting, a crucial part of your restaurant cleaning checklist. Here’s how we make it happen:
Tables, Chairs, and Surfaces: Each piece of furniture is meticulously prepped and sanitized, awaiting the pleasure of your guests.
Menus and Condiments: Every item that passes through hands is diligently cleaned, offering reassurance with every interaction.
Floors: We banish the day’s footprints and bring a lustrous sheen, crafting a welcoming stage for your patrons’ comfort.
Windows and Glass: Transparency reigns supreme, with sparkling windows mirroring your establishment’s meticulousness.
Trash Bins: Quietly cleared and sanitized, our bins are an understated yet vital component of the guest experience.
Back-of-House Hygiene: A Crucial Part of Your Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
In the hustle and bustle behind the scenes, a spick-and-span kitchen is key to your restaurant cleaning checklist. Our guide to Back-of-House Hygiene whips your food prep and kitchen areas into tip-top shape, ensuring they’re as spot-on as the dishes you serve. Here’s the drill:
Prep Surface Overhaul: We’re scrubbing down countertops and cutting boards, ensuring every inch is primed for culinary creation.
Utensil Revamp: Kitchen gadgets get a thorough wash, poised and prepped for the next gastronomic venture.
Sink & Drain Detox: Dive deep into the plumbing with a comprehensive cleanse, warding off any potential germ invasions.
Appliance Rejuvenation: Degrease and buff up ovens, grills, and fryers to keep them humming at peak performance.
Grease Trap Renewal: Clear out and spruce up those grease traps, fortifying your kitchen’s defenses.
Floor Revitalization: Banish the day’s debris with a sweep and mop, laying down a gleaming foundation.
Cooling Unit Purification: Sanitize those walk-ins, ensuring a sterile haven for your ingredients.
Waste Management Reform: Trash bins are purged and purified, leaving nothing but freshness behind.
Restroom Sanitation: Maintaining Customer Comfort and Safety
Elevate the cleanliness of your restrooms to a level that matches the excellence of your dining space. We meticulously design the restroom cleaning routine to ensure that every aspect shines, offering your guests a reassuringly hygienic experience. Here’s how we achieve this:
Purify and Polish: Lavatories, washbasins, and urinals receive a comprehensive scrub-down and purification, ensuring a hygienic sheen.
Supply Refresh: Hand cleanser units, drying cloths, and restroom tissues are topped up to maintain their perpetual presence.
Reflective Luster: Reflective surfaces and attachments are cleaned to gleaming perfection, showcasing our commitment to precision.
Radiant Floors: The ground is diligently swept and washed, resulting in a pristine and hazard-free surface.
Garbage Can Cleanliness: Refuse bins are evacuated and sanitized, contributing to an ever-clean and inviting space.
General Cleaning: Ensuring a Spotless Environment Throughout
Within the culinary arts, General Cleaning transcends mere routine; it embodies a commitment to superior standards and well-being. This essential part of our Ultimate Restaurant Cleaning Checklist is the guarantee that every nook shines with purity, protecting the well-being of guests and the establishment’s reputation. Here’s how we maintain that standard:
Surface Detailing: Scour every crevice, buffing and cleansing all surfaces across the board, including walls, ceilings, and lighting fixtures.
Touchpoint Disinfection: Scrub and sanitize all high-traffic touchpoints, such as door handles and handrails, with thorough attention.
Area Maintenance: Deep-clean and polish the communal spaces to ensure they’re spotless and safe for all.
Staff Area Upkeep: Sanitize and maintain the staff break zones to ensure they remain hygienic and uncontaminated
Waste Management: regularly expel and decontaminate the waste receptacles to maintain an aroma of cleanliness and visual appeal.
Child-Friendly Cleanliness: Disinfect and tidy up all the children’s dining gear, such as high chairs and booster seats, to ensure they are spotless and sanitary.
Parking Lot and Exterior: Essential Elements of a Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Outdoor Seating (Patio area):
With the arrival of spring and its milder temperatures, it’s essential to prepare your establishment’s outdoor seating areas for patrons who will undoubtedly be drawn to these inviting spaces. By following these steps, you can create an inviting outdoor space that complements the dining experience:
Uncover Furniture: Begin by removing winter covers from furniture and thoroughly cleaning off any dust that has settled during the off-season.
Refresh Seating Areas: Ensure all chairs, tables, and other furnishings are wiped down and free of debris.
Clean the Grounds: Depending on the material, give the patio floor a good power wash or mop to remove any dirt or stains.
Tend to Comfort Fixtures: Take the time to dust and clean any patio fans or heaters, so they’re ready to create a comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
Parking lot in the restaurant cleaning checklist:
The parking lot serves as both the welcoming mat and the final snapshot of your restaurant for patrons. So, to ensure it reflects the orderliness and appeal you strive for, consider the following integrated approach:
Debris Disposal: Tidy up the parking lot by removing trash, and extinguishing cigarettes, and miscellaneous litter.
Sanitation Station: Attend to the areas surrounding your dumpster corral and outdoor grease container, ensuring they are spotless.
Sidewalk Revival: Employ a power washer to cleanse the sidewalks, restoring their pristine condition.
Window and Door Detailing: Make certain that all external doors and windows are sparkling clean, enhancing the establishment’s overall allure.
Mastering the Art of Deep Cleaning (Periodic or as needed):
Diving into the depths of cleanliness, Deep Cleaning is an intensive care regimen that ensures every aspect of your kitchen meets the pinnacle of hygiene. This section of our restaurant cleaning checklist targets the heart of health compliance, leaving no appliance or corner untouched for absolute excellence. This is our method for ensuring excellence:
Exhaust Hood Maintenance:
Scrub and descale the coffee machines and other drink dispensers to ensure they’re spotless and functioning smoothly.
Beverage Equipment Care:
Elevate the cleaning routine by meticulously polishing the coffee machines and beverage dispensers. Consequently, this ensures their pristine condition and guarantees optimal performance.
Ice Machine Upkeep:
To maintain a hygienic ice machine, remove parts for cleaning with a solution, then sanitize, reassemble, and restart. This process ensures all components are scrubbed, rinsed, and free of contaminants for safe ice production.
Ventilation Cleaning:
Gather your cleaning tools, shut off the HVAC system, and meticulously clean the ducts and vents to remove all particles. Regular maintenance guarantees the best airflow and system efficiency.
Linen Management:
Effective linen management in a commercial kitchen includes conducting regular inventory audits to balance linen supply, ensuring linens are consistently cleaned and sanitized for health compliance, properly storing linens to prevent contamination, and maintaining easy access to linens during busy periods for operational efficiency.
Storage Area Sanitation:
Sanitizing a storage area in a commercial kitchen involves comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces. Regular sweeping, mopping, and laundering of kitchen textiles, along with the upkeep of refrigerators and dry storage, are crucial to prevent contamination. Efficient waste management and cleanliness of disposal areas are also essential for maintaining food safety and operational efficiency.
Maintaining Restaurant Cleanliness
A comprehensive weeklyormonthly cleaning regimen is essential for maintaining high standards of hygiene and functionality. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide your team through the necessary cleaning tasks to keep your kitchen spotless and in top condition.
Weekly Restaurant Cleaning Checklist:
Kitchen and Equipment Deep-Clean:
Conduct a thorough cleaning of all kitchen areas, focusing on equipment, surfaces, and hard-to-reach spots to remove grease and grime. Also, address minor repairs and ensure all appliances are in proper working order.
Walk-In Sanitization:
Train staff to keep walk-in cooler and freezer doors closed; never prop open or block the doors. In addition, clean condenser coils and fans weekly; scrub walls, doors, and floors with soap and water to prevent mold and pests.
Sink De-Liming and Oven Cleaning:
Perform a deep clean of sinks to remove limescale with non-abrasive cleaners. Moreover, sweep out food particles from ovens, wash racks separately, and use a scouring pad for stubborn debris. Wipe down oven interiors with warm water or oven cleaner.
Floor Drain Maintenance:
Instruct staff to filter out solids before disposing of mop water to prevent clogs. Also, flush drains with hot water weekly, using baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup.
+ Additional Weekly Tasks:
Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning ovens. Also, empty, clean, and sanitize the walk-in cooler. And don’t forget to clean coffee machines and wash walls to maintain a pristine environment.
Don’t let the daunting task of restaurant cleaning overwhelm you. Start implementing these practices today and make cleanliness a hallmark of your restaurant. Call us now!
Monthly Restaurant Cleaning Checklist:
A monthly deep-cleaning routine helps maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, providing customers with the best dining experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key tasks that should be included in your monthly cleaning schedule:
Facility Review and Equipment Maintenance:
Inspect furniture and decor to ensure they remain fresh and appealing. Also, check all lighting and fixtures for proper operation. Don’t forget to reassess the layout for optimal flow and customer experience.
Coffee Machine and Ice Maker Care:
Descale coffee machines with vinegar and water solution to prevent buildup and ensure the best coffee flavor. Then, clean and sanitize ice machines thoroughly to prevent bacterial contamination.
Grease Management:
Empty and clean grease traps to prevent contamination and fines. Besides this, wash behind cooking equipment with a degreasing agent and polish stainless-steel surfaces.
Ventilation and Hood Cleaning:
To minimize the risk of fire, firstly, ensure that ventilation hoods are cleaned and any grease buildup is removed. Subsequently, it’s advisable to hire professionals who can provide thorough cleaning and HVAC services.
Comprehensive Cleaning Tasks:
Wash and sanitize walk-in freezers and refrigerators. Regularly clean ceiling tiles and check for signs of pests or rodents. Also, ensure all kitchen tools, like knives and thermometers, are sharp and properly calibrated.
Q: What Should Be Included in A Restaurant Cleaning Checklist For Handling Emergency Clean-Up Situations?
A: A kitchen emergency clean-up checklist should cover quick equipment shutdown, spill containment and removal, area sanitization, and incident logging to swiftly tackle unexpected messes with minimal impact while upholding health standards.
Q: What Proactive Measures and Practices Can Ensure A Kitchen Is Ready For A Health Inspection?
A: For health inspection readiness, keep a consistent cleaning routine, educate staff on hygiene, update records, and use a restaurant cleaning checklist for self-audits to proactively manage compliance and handle unexpected inspections.
Q: How Can Eco-Friendly Restaurant Cleaning Practices Be Integrated into Kitchen Operations?
A: To adopt sustainable operations, kitchens can switch to green cleaning products, implement waste reduction strategies, and train staff on environmentally friendly practices. These green choices help reduce the ecological footprint while maintaining high cleanliness standards. For more information on using eco-friendly cleaning products, visit this website.
The Pinnacle of Restaurant Cleanliness with Restaurant Cleaning Checklist At APS-Hoods
In Denver’s dynamic food scene, running a top-tier restaurant means your kitchen’s cleanliness is always in the spotlight. The pressure to maintain a spotless environment can be intense, but it’s not something you have to handle alone. Moreover, it’s not just about avoiding fines or closures; it’s about ensuring that every dish served is a testament to the cleanliness and quality of your restaurant.
With a comprehensive restaurant cleaning checklist and expert cleaners taking charge, you can set a standard of excellence that shines through every service aspect.
So, focus on creating culinary wonders and let the professionals handle the scrubbing. This way, every dish you serve is a culinary triumph, and passing health inspections becomes just another part of your daily success. Go ahead and conjure up that kitchen magic, leaving the meticulous cleaning to us: APS-hoods in Denver—your secret ingredient for a seamless operation.
“The proof is in the pudding,” and in any bustling commercial food service, the kitchen is where the magic of mass culinary production happens. The setup, build, and upkeep of commercial kitchen ventilation systems are critical, as they deftly handle grease vapors, smells, airborne particles, moisture, and dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide. Therefore, ensuring these systems are in top condition is the secret ingredient to a successful and safe culinary operation.
In this article, we’ll uncover the secret ingredient to a successful and safe culinary operation: commercial kitchen ventilation. We’ll break down how APS-Hoods in Denver ensures kitchens are safe, efficient, and up to code. Then, we’ll cover the benefits, address the challenges, and outline the crucial standards, all while showcasing APS-Hoods’ commitment to top-tier, comfortable cooking spaces.
Whether you’re launching a new kitchen venture or optimizing an existing operation, APS-hoods in Denver, CO is designed to facilitate a well-ventilated space that meets health standards and provides a delightful environment for staff and patrons alike.
Why Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Is Essential?
Ventilation System is asilent hero that’s always working hard to keep your kitchen running smoothly. Here’s why a top-notch ventilation system is key:
• Guardians of The Kitchen:
These systems are your culinary shields. They boot out nasty fumes and keep those fire hazards in check with commercial kitchen range hoods and commercial vent hoods.
• Comfort for Staff:
They’re cranking out the chill vibes, regulating temps, and knocking out odors. So your team can cook without breaking a sweat. All thanks to commercial range hood fans and restaurant vent hoods.
• Compliance and Efficiency:
They’re your ticket to playing by the rules and saving some green, slashing energy bills with commercial ventilation hoods and restaurant exhaust fans.
• Strategic Investment:
Dropping some dough on a top-notch commercial kitchen fume hood or commercial exhaust vent hood is a power move that pays off in staff mojo and customer raves.
• Necessity for Success
In the competitive food industry, a well-ventilated kitchen is essential. Hence, utilizing restaurant ventilation systems and commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning not only ensures a pleasant cooking environment but also paves the way for your restaurant’s success.
Challenges of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation System
While kitchen ventilation systems offer numerous advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges, as outlined below:
• Cost
Shelling out for commercial range hoods for a home or a restaurant exhaust hood can hit the wallet hard. In other words, The installation and ongoing maintenance of these high-quality systems don’t come cheap.
• Complexity
Firstly, tailoring the design to your kitchen’s needs involves a comprehensive approach. This encompasses the vent layout and the cooking methods. Secondly, it’s not merely about installing a commercial extractor hood. Ultimately, it’s about constructing a system that perfectly suits you.
• Maintenance
Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance is key to a well-oiled machine. Whether it’s a kitchen hood vent for restaurants or a commercial vent hood, staying on top of upkeep is a must to ensure efficiency and safety. And don’t forget about the restaurant roof exhaust fan—it needs love too, along with regular restaurant ventilation cleaning to keep everything in tip-top shape
The Regulations and Standards of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation
When it comes to commercial kitchen ventilation, navigating the maze of regulations and standards is as crucial as the culinary artistry itself. Here’s a breakdown:
• Health Codes:
These local safety recipes are crucial. They ensure that commercial kitchen extractor fans and restaurant ventilation systems effectively remove hazards. Consequently, this keeps the public safe from any harmful byproducts of culinary processes
• Building Codes:
These codes act as blueprints. They set the framework for your commercial kitchen hood ventilation system. Importantly, they ensure that safety and design specifications are consistently met.
• Industry Standards:
Indeed, these guidelines, often regarded as trade secrets, play a crucial role in ensuring that vent hoods and ventilation systems operate at their best. It is through strict adherence to these standards that restaurants can attain the highest levels of efficiency and safety, thereby meeting all regulatory demands and performance benchmarks.
Together, these regulations and standards form the backbone of a well-ventilated commercial kitchen, ensuring that every dish served is matched by an environment that’s safe, compliant, and primed for success.
Maintaining Your Commercial Kitchen Ventilation
Maintaining your commercial kitchen vent hood and exhaust fan is essential for safety, efficiency, and meeting health standards. Here’s how to keep your commercial kitchen range hood and ventilation system in top condition:
Cleaning Your Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood and Ventilation System:
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. They prevent grease buildup in your commercial range and vent hoods. Consequently, this ensures that both your restaurant exhaust and vent hoods function effectively. To ensure your commercial range and vent hoods remain grease-free and operate efficiently, follow these essential maintenance steps
• Take off any parts that come off, like grease traps, filters, and fans, for a separate clean.
• Whip up a mix of warm water and degreaser to cut through the grease and dirt.
• Get scrubbing with non-abrasive pads on the inside and outside, then wash off any leftovers.
Remember, it’s not only about cleanliness. Firstly, commercial kitchen exhaust and hood cleaning ensure a safe, welcoming space for staff and guests. Additionally, compliance with standards like NFPA 96 is crucial to prevent fines or shutdowns. Therefore, regular cleaning of commercial exhaust hoods is a vital maintenance duty.
The Frequency of Cleaning Your Commercial Kitchen Ventilation The cleaning schedule for your commercial kitchen range hood and ventilation system should be based on cooking volume: high-volume kitchens require monthly cleaning, while moderate and low-volume kitchens need semi-annual and annual cleanings, respectively.
To ensure the best performance and safety in your commercial kitchen, it’s essential to have professional cleaning services regularly to maintain your commercial range hood fan and commercial kitchen fume hood. Consistent upkeep of your commercial range vent hood is key to the smooth operation of your restaurant exhaust hood. Maintaining these systems, including your restaurant ventilation hood is crucial for enhancing the functionality of your commercial Kitchen ventilation.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Cleaning Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems
To avoid common pitfalls in kitchen maintenance, it’s essential to:
Hire certified professionals for commercial vent hood cleaning to ensure safety and compliance. Although some tasks can be handled internally, specialized services such as commercial range hood cleaning and restaurant kitchen exhaust hood cleaning demand expert care to adhere to industry standards. DIY or improper cleaning methods may not fully remove grease from your restaurant ventilation system, leading to potential fire hazards and compliance failures.
Infrequent cleaningnot only increases the risk of a kitchen fire but also compromises the overall efficiency of your ventilation system. A grease-laden hood can obstruct airflow, diminish the effectiveness of your restaurant’s ventilation, and create an environment that falls short of health and safety standards.
Ready to elevate your kitchen’s vibe? Let APS-hoods commercial kitchen cleaning service work its magic! We’ll bring back your kitchen’s groove with a top-notch ventilation setup that sings harmony. Your culinary haven will be the buzz of the town. Just give us a call now!
Saving Energy and Money with Efficient Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems
Revamping your kitchen with an efficient restaurant hood vent system can slash energy bills and keep your costs down. Imagine dialing down the power without compromising on performance, as exhaust hood systems designed for restaurants kick into gear, pulling out heat and fumes with ease.
The Energy and Cost Savings: The Technologies and Innovations
Efficient restaurant hood vent systems can carve out significant energy and cost savings. For example, energy-savvy commercial cooking ventilation systems can trim energy expenses by up to 30% on average.
In the realm of commercial kitchen ventilation, the restaurant hood vent system stands out as a beacon of innovation, with DCKV (Demand-Controlled Kitchen Ventilation) leading the charge. This savvy system tunes the exhaust hood system restaurant operations to the rhythm of kitchen activity, easing up on energy use when the heat is turned down.
The Strategies and Recommendations
Strategizing for an efficient restaurant hood ventilation system involves more than just installing equipment; it’s about crafting a symphony of airflow. Here’s how you can orchestrate the perfect setup:
Hood Sizing and Placement:
Tailor your restaurant hood vent system to fit the unique rhythm of your kitchen. It’s not just about size; it’s about positioning your exhaust hood system restaurant gear to capture every note of smoke and steam.
Ductwork Design:
Like the veins of your kitchen, the ductwork should be laid out to ensure a smooth, unobstructed flow, allowing your commercial cooking ventilation systems to breathe life into your culinary space.
Fan Selection:
Choose fans that can keep up with the tempo of your busy kitchen. Whether it’s a small commercial exhaust hood or a larger setup, the right fan turns a good system into a great one.
Airflow Balancing:
It’s all about harmony. Balance the inflow and outflow to prevent the backdrafts and inefficiencies that can occur in commercial hood exhaust systems.
Optimizing Makeup Air:
Introduce just the right amount of fresh air to replace what’s been extracted. This ensures your commercial kitchen hood exhaust systems aren’t working overtime, saving energy and costs.
By tuning into these strategies and recommendations, your commercial kitchen can perform at its peak, hitting all the right notes of sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Top 3 Strategies for Optimal Kitchen Ventilation Systems
Necessary Ventilation
A robust Kitchen Ventilation System is the cornerstone of a well-functioning commercial kitchen, efficiently ejecting heat, smoke, and pollutants. The system’s efficacy hinges on the strategic use of exhaust hoods and the integration of makeup air, which replenishes 80% of the air expelled to maintain indoor air quality and prevent negative consequences like energy loss or unsafe gas levels. Safety and efficiency are paramount, with wall-mounted hoods preferred for their effectiveness and security.
General Ventilation
General ventilation, while secondary to exhaust hoods, plays a crucial role in maintaining a cool kitchen. It involves a blend of makeup air from diverse sources like rooftop units and screened apertures, complemented by strategic fan use. Effective shading and timing of window openings are key practices, alongside regular maintenance of fan systems for optimal air circulation. ️
HVAC
Integrating an HVAC system with your kitchen’s ventilation is crucial for maintaining consistent air quality across your establishment. Opting for a central air conditioning system is the most effective strategy, as it circumvents the limitations associated with smaller cooling units that might interfere with the hood vent system. It’s essential to keep air diffusers at a safe distance from the hood to prevent any airflow disruption. For the installation process, it is advisable to enlist the services of a certified professional to ensure a seamless integration, resulting in a pleasant and cool atmosphere for your patrons.
What Are The Essential Components Of A Commercial Kitchen Ventilation System?
The key components of a commercial kitchen ventilation system include exhaust fans, range hoods, hood filters, make-up air systems, and ductwork. It’s important to have these components designed and assembled by experienced professionals for optimal performance.
How Do I Choose The Right Ventilation System For My Kitchen?
Selecting the ideal kitchen ventilation system requires professional guidance to match your specific needs. Factors like design, features, quality, and fire suppression capabilities must be considered. Consult with a specialist to ensure a well-suited and correctly installed system.
What Are The Main Styles Of Commercial Vent Hood Designs?
Commercial vent hoods come in six main styles: Single Island Canopy, Double Island Canopy, Wall Mounted Canopy, Back Shelf Hood, Eyebrow Style Hood, and Pass-Over Style Hood. Each design caters to different kitchen layouts and equipment configurations.
APS-Hoods: Your Guardian of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation and Air Quality
“Clear the air,” they say, and in commercial kitchens, it’s not just about settling disputes but ensuring a clean, safe environment. A high-quality HVAC system is the guardian of your gastronomic temple, keeping the air pure and the ambiance pleasant. In Denver, CO, APS-hoods is your ally, offering comprehensive ventilation solutions from installation to maintenance. Elevate your kitchen’s atmosphere with APS-hoods—where fresh air meets culinary flair. Get in touch for expert ventilation care! ️
Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial for any commercial kitchen. Not only does it ensure the health and safety of your employees and customers, but it also helps you comply with regulations and maintain the longevity of your kitchen equipment. When it comes to cleaning, finding the right balance between daily cleaning and deep cleaning is essential. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of both approaches and provide practical tips to strike the right balance in your commercial kitchen.
The Significance of Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of dirt, grease, and bacteria in your commercial kitchen. Here are some key reasons why daily cleaning should be a priority:
1. Food Safety
Regularly cleaning countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and other food preparation surfaces helps eliminate cross-contamination and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
2. Employee Safety
A clean and organized kitchen reduces the chances of slips, trips, and falls. Removing spills, debris, and obstacles promptly ensures a safe working environment for your staff.
3. Equipment Maintenance
Daily cleaning promotes the longevity and efficiency of your kitchen equipment. Wiping down appliances, removing grease from grills, and cleaning filters prevent the accumulation of dirt and grease, which can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
4. Pest Prevention
Proper sanitation practices discourage pests from infesting your commercial kitchen. Regularly cleaning surfaces, removing food debris, and sealing entry points can help keep pests at bay.
To effectively implement daily cleaning practices, create a checklist of tasks that need to be performed regularly, assign responsibilities to your staff, and ensure they have access to appropriate cleaning supplies and equipment.
Challenges of Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
1. High Volume of Operations:
Commercial kitchens are typically busy environments with a high volume of food preparation, cooking, and cleaning activities. The constant flow of ingredients, utensils, and dishes can make it challenging to keep up with cleaning tasks.
2. Grease Buildup:
Grease is a common challenge in commercial kitchens, especially in areas such as exhaust hoods, ductwork, and cooking equipment. Grease buildup not only poses a fire hazard but can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
3. Hard-to-Reach Areas:
Commercial kitchens have various nooks, crannies, and hard-to-reach areas that are often overlooked during regular cleaning. These areas, including spaces behind equipment, underneath appliances, and ventilation systems, require extra attention to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria.
4. Time Constraints:
The fast-paced nature of commercial kitchens can make it difficult to allocate sufficient time for thorough cleaning. With tight schedules and demanding workloads, finding time for deep cleaning and comprehensive maintenance can be a challenge.
5. Staff Training and Accountability:
Ensuring that all staff members are properly trained in cleaning procedures and understand their responsibilities can be a challenge. Lack of training or inconsistent adherence to cleaning protocols can compromise hygiene standards.
6. Compliance with Regulations:
Commercial kitchens must comply with health and safety regulations, which often have specific requirements for cleanliness and sanitation. Keeping up with these regulations and ensuring ongoing compliance can be a challenge, particularly for businesses with limited resources.
7. Proper Waste Management:
Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and preventing odors and pests. However, managing food waste, recyclables, and other types of waste in a busy kitchen environment can be challenging without proper systems in place.
8. Equipment Maintenance:
Regular maintenance of kitchen equipment, such as ovens, grills, fryers, and refrigeration units, is essential for cleanliness and functionality. However, finding the time and resources to perform preventive maintenance and address equipment issues can be a challenge.
9. Staff Turnover:
High turnover rates in the food service industry can disrupt cleaning routines and lead to inconsistent cleanliness standards. Training new staff members on cleaning procedures and instilling a culture of cleanliness becomes an ongoing challenge.
10. Budget Constraints:
Allocating sufficient resources for cleaning supplies, equipment, and professional cleaning services can be a challenge for businesses operating on tight budgets. However, investing in proper cleaning and maintenance pays off in the long run by reducing equipment breakdowns, improving efficiency, and maintaining a positive reputation.
Addressing these challenges requires proactive planning, effective training, clear communication, and a commitment to prioritizing cleanliness and sanitation in the commercial kitchen. Regular assessments, feedback loops, and adapting cleaning procedures based on specific needs can help overcome these challenges and maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
Waste Management
Managing waste effectively is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing environmental impact in a busy commercial kitchen. Here are some strategies for managing waste in a busy kitchen environment:
1. Implement a Waste Management Plan:
Develop a comprehensive waste management plan that outlines procedures for handling different types of waste, such as food waste, recyclables, and non-recyclable waste. Include guidelines on proper segregation, storage, and disposal methods.
2. Train Staff on Proper Waste Handling:
Provide training to all staff members on waste management practices. Educate them on the importance of proper waste segregation, recycling, and disposal methods. Clearly communicate the procedures and expectations for waste management to ensure consistency.
3. Set up Recycling Stations:
Install clearly labeled recycling stations in convenient locations throughout the kitchen. Provide separate bins for different types of recyclables, such as plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper. Ensure that staff members are aware of the recycling stations and actively use them.
4. Compost Organic Waste:
Implement a composting system for organic food waste. Set up designated bins for collecting food scraps, vegetable peelings, and other organic materials. Partner with local composting facilities or explore on-site composting options to divert organic waste from landfills.
5. Optimize Portion Control and Food Preparation:
Minimize food waste by optimizing portion control and careful food preparation. Train staff to accurately measure ingredients and follow portion guidelines. Implement inventory management systems to track and reduce food waste.
6. Use Sustainable Packaging:
Choose eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials for takeout orders and food deliveries. Opt for biodegradable or compostable containers, utensils, and packaging whenever possible. Encourage customers to dispose of packaging responsibly.
7. Monitor and Adjust Inventory:
Regularly monitor inventory levels to avoid overstocking perishable items. Proper inventory management prevents food waste due to spoilage or expiration. Use a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system to ensure older ingredients are used before newer ones.
8. Minimize Single-Use Items:
Reduce the use of single-use items, such as plastic straws, stirrers, and disposable cutlery. Encourage the use of reusable alternatives or provide biodegradable options. Implement refillable condiment stations instead of single-serve packets.
9. Partner with Waste Management Services:
Collaborate with waste management services that specialize in commercial kitchen waste. These services can provide guidance, pickup schedules, and proper disposal methods for different types of waste generated in your kitchen.
10. Regularly Audit and Evaluate:
Conduct regular waste audits to assess the effectiveness of your waste management practices. Analyze waste data, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to your waste management plan.
By implementing these strategies, you can minimize waste, promote recycling, and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation in your busy commercial kitchen. Remember to involve and educate your staff, track progress, and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.
The Importance of Deep Cleaning
While daily cleaning addresses immediate hygiene concerns, deep cleaning takes it a step further by tackling hard-to-reach areas and stubborn buildup. Here’s why deep cleaning should be incorporated into your maintenance routine:
a) Eliminating Hidden Dirt and Bacteria:
Over time, dirt, grease, and bacteria can accumulate in places that are not easily accessible during daily cleaning. Deep cleaning reaches these hidden areas, such as behind equipment, inside vents, and under appliances, ensuring a thorough and hygienic environment.
b) Enhancing Air Quality:
Neglected ventilation systems and exhaust hoods can become breeding grounds for grease buildup and airborne contaminants. Deep cleaning these systems improves air quality, reduces fire hazards, and maintains the efficiency of your kitchen’s ventilation.
c) Extending Equipment Lifespan:
Deep cleaning helps remove stubborn grease and grime that can deteriorate the performance and lifespan of your kitchen equipment. By investing in regular deep cleaning, you can avoid costly repairs or premature replacements.
d) Compliance with Regulations:
Health and safety regulations often require periodic deep cleaning to maintain a clean and safe commercial kitchen. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even closure of your establishment.
Consider scheduling deep cleaning sessions during slow periods or when your kitchen is closed to minimize disruptions to your daily operations. Hiring professional cleaning services specializing in commercial kitchens, like APS Hoods, ensures a thorough and efficient deep cleaning process.
Finding the right balance between daily cleaning and deep cleaning is crucial for the overall cleanliness and functionality of your commercial kitchen. Here are some practical tips to help you strike that balance:
Establish Clear Cleaning Procedures:
Develop comprehensive cleaning procedures that outline daily cleaning tasks and the frequency of deep cleaning activities. Ensure that your staff is well-trained in these procedures and understands the importance of following them consistently.
Delegate Responsibilities:
Assign specific cleaning tasks to different team members to ensure accountability and efficiency. Rotate responsibilities regularly to prevent monotony and maintain a fresh perspective on cleaning duties.
Invest in Training:
Provide your staff with adequate training on proper cleaning techniques, including the use of cleaning agents, equipment, and safety protocols. Regular training sessions help reinforce the importance of cleanliness and keep your team up-to-date with industry best practices.
Implement Cleaning Schedules:
Create a cleaning schedule that includes both daily cleaning tasks and periodic deep cleaning activities. Clearly define the frequency and scope of each task, ensuring that all areas and equipment are covered adequately.
Partner with Professional Cleaning Services:
Engaging professional cleaning services, such as APS Hoods, can alleviate the burden of deep cleaning and ensure a thorough and compliant cleaning process. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to tackle even the most challenging cleaning tasks.
Schedule a Commercial Kitchen Deep Cleaning with APS Hoods in Denver, CO
Maintaining a clean and hygienic commercial kitchen requires a balanced approach that combines daily cleaning practices with periodic deep cleaning sessions. By prioritizing both aspects, you can ensure the health and safety of your staff, comply with regulations, and prolong the lifespan of your kitchen equipment. Strive for consistency, train your team effectively, and consider partnering with professional cleaning services to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness in your commercial kitchen. Remember, a clean kitchen is not just a reflection of your professionalism; it is also a fundamental requirement for the success and reputation of your establishment.
Contact APS Hoods today to schedule a commercial kitchen cleaning. Send us an email or call (800) 750-7313 for a free quote.
Do you want to avoid FOGgy problems in your restaurant or industrial kitchen? FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Greases, and they are inevitable by-products of cooking and preparing food. However, they can also wreak havoc on your plumbing system, the environment, and public health if they are not handled properly or recycled. That’s why you need APS hoods, the experts in FOG Disposal and commercial kitchen cleaning.
In this article you will learn where FOG comes from, why it poses problems for your plumbing system, the environment, and public health, how you can prevent and handle FOG issues in your restaurant or industrial kitchen, and who you can contact for professional FOG management and commercial kitchen cleaning services.
FOG is bad news for your kitchen and the planet. But APS hoods can handle your FOG disposal with ease in Denver, CO. You’ll save time, money, and hassle, and enjoy a spotless, secure, and smooth-running kitchen. Don’t miss out on a free quote from APS hoods.
What is FOG?
FOG stands for fats, oils, and greases, which are inevitable by-products of food preparation and cooking in restaurants and industrial kitchens. It can build up in grease traps, which require regular cleaning and pumping to avoid blocking the plumbing system and contaminating the sewer system. FOG disposal can also involve converting it into valuable products, such as biodiesel, by collaborating with an environmental services company.
Common Sources of FOG in Your Kitchen
Most restaurants have a lot of fats, oils, and greases in their kitchens — from the cooking oil that drips on the floor to the sauces that remain on the dishes, and even the burger grease that flies up to the vent hood. Some common sources of FOG in your kitchen are:
• Cooking oil, lard, shortening, butter, margarine, and other fats used for frying, baking, or sautéing
• Dairy products, such as milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream
• Meat fats, such as bacon grease, chicken fat, beef fat, and pork fat
• Sauces, dressings, gravy, mayonnaise, and other condiments that contain oil or fat
• Food scraps, especially from greasy or oily foods, such as fried chicken, pizza, burgers, fries, etc.
The Environmental and Financial Risks of Improper FOG Disposal
FOGs, or fats, oils, and greases, are a major threat to your wastewater system if they are disposed of improperly. Because it can harden and accumulate in the sewer pipes, obstructing the water flow and leading to blockages. This can cause sanitaryseweroverflows (SSOs), which are incidents of sewage spilling over your premises, the streets, or the storm drains. SSOs can damage the environment, produce unpleasant smells, and endanger public health by polluting water sources and transmitting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Moreover, it can also be expensive to remediate, and you may incur fines or business closures if you are liable for them.
How to Manage FOG in Your Restaurant
To prevent the mentioned problems, you should follow some best practices for FOG management, such as:
• Wiping off dishes, pots, pans, and utensils with a paper towel before washing them
• Collecting waste cooking oil in a container and disposing of it in the trash or recycling it at a designated facility
• Installing a grease trap or interceptor to capture FOG before it reaches the sewer line
• Cleaning and maintaining your grease trap or interceptor regularly
• Hiring a professional collection service to remove and dispose of your FOG waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner
By following these best practices, you can protect your pipes and the environment, save money, and avoid fines or business closures.
The Benefits of Proper FOG Disposal
Proper FOG disposal can benefit your restaurant and the community in many ways. By preventing blockages in sewer lines, you can avoid backups, overflows, and costly repairs that can damage your property and the environment. By avoiding FOG contamination of storm drains or waterways, you can protect aquatic life and water quality. In addition to this, by avoiding foul odors, pest infestation, and health hazards caused by FOG accumulation in your kitchen or sewer system, you can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, by complying with local ordinances and regulations on FOG management, you can save money and avoid fines or business closures that can harm your reputation and profitability. And also by recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel or other products, you can generate revenue and support sustainability.
How to Reduce FOG Generation in Your Kitchen
To reduce the amount of FOG, or fats, oils, and grease, you can follow some simple steps:
Step 1
Use less oil or fat when cooking, and choose oils with high smoke points, such as canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, and grapeseed oil. So it will be easier to clean up the FOG that is left behind.
Step 2
Use a strainer or a skimmer to remove excess oil or fat from food before serving or storing it. This will prevent FOG from entering your dishes, pots, pans, and utensils, and reduce the amount of FOG that goes down the drain.
Step 3
Use a spatula or a scraper to remove oil or fat from cookware and utensils before washing them. It will reduce the amount of FOG that is washed into the sink or the dishwasher, and make it easier to wipe off the remaining FOG with a paper towel.
Step 4
Use cold water to rinse dishes, pots, pans, and utensils before putting them in the dishwasher or the sink. Since cold water prevents FOG from melting and sticking to the surfaces.
Step 5
Use a grease trap or interceptor to capture FOG before it reaches the sewer line, and clean and maintain it regularly. Because it prevents FOG from clogging your pipes and causing sewer problems and also helps you comply with local ordinances and regulations on FOG management.
Step 6
Hood and vent systems reduce grease levels in your kitchen by removing airborne grease and pollutants from cooking. Also, regular cleaning and inspection of hood and vent systems can ensure compliance with fire and health codes and efficiency, which prevents fire risks, improves air quality, and lowers FOG (fats, oils, and grease) in sewer pipes.
Step 7
Collect waste cooking oil in a container and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it at a designated facility. This will prevent FOG from entering your sewer system and also help you generate revenue and support sustainability by recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel or other products.
FOG Disposal: How Thick Layers of Restaurant Grease Are Cleaned
Cleaning services such as APS-hoods take several steps for FOG disposal and grease management:
Step 1: Fan Inspection And Cleaning
We remove the cover and check the blades, the motor, and the belt of the fan on the roof. Then, we scrape off any grease on the fan and dispose of it properly.
Step 2: Duct Cleaning
We use a scraper to remove the solidified grease from the walls of the duct. Then, we collect the grease in a bucket and dispose of it properly. After that, we use a power washer to spray hot water and degreaser on the duct. The pressure and the temperature will be adjusted depending on the amount of grease. Then we use a vacuum to suck up the excess water and grease from the duct and we repeat the process until the duct is shiny and clean.
Step 3: Grease Filter Cleaning
We remove the filters and place them in a soaking tank filled with hot water and degreaser. Then, we let the filters soak for about 15 minutes, and after that rinse them with the power washer.
Step 4: Oven Hood Cleaning
We spray the hood with a degreaser and wipe it with a cloth. Then the lights, the switches, and the pipes are also cleaned.
Step 5: System Testing
Finally, we put everything back in place and then we will test the fan to make sure it’s working properly.
APS-hoods follows the local regulations and guidelines for FOG disposal and help you prevent fires and protect lives. Call us now for a free quote and a consultation.
For more information, watch the procedures of FOG disposal here.
The Inspection and Enforcement Procedures for FOG Disposal
To ensure FSEs (Food Service Establishment) follow the FOG control rules, local authorities or sewer operators inspect and enforce FOG disposal in commercial kitchens. These procedures may differ by FSEs’ location and jurisdiction, but they usually include:
Inspection:
They check FSEs’ FOG equipment, practices, records, and reports regularly. The inspection details depend on FSEs’ risk, violation, and resource factors. They use tools to record their findings and suggestions.
Enforcement:
They take action against FSEs who break the FOG control rules. The actions’ kinds and levels depend on the violation’s type and size, the sewer and environmental harm, and the non-compliance record. The actions may include notices, fines, penalties, orders, injunctions, or permit cancellation.
Regulations and Compliance for FOG Disposal
FOG management is vital for reducing the environmental and public health hazards of FOG discharges into sewers. And it is governed by various laws and standards, depending on the FSEs’ jurisdiction and location. Hence, FSEs should check with their local authorities before disposing of their FOG waste. Some of the common regulations and compliance for FOG disposal are:
Environmental Protection Act
General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with FSE
FOG Legislation
FOG Best Management Practices Manual
The Common Violations and Penalties for FOG Disposal
Common FOG disposal violations and penalties are:
• Discharging FOG that harms the sewer or POTW (Publicly Owned Treatment Works)
• Failing to use or keep grease control devices as per local rules
• Failing to keep FOG records, such as cleaning, invoices, manifests, and reports
• Lying or hiding FOG information
The consequences of these violations can range from notices, fines, penalties, orders, injunctions, or permit loss to criminal charges under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).
FAQs About FOG Disposal
How Can I Collect and Store FOG Safely and Efficiently in FOG Disposal?
To collect and store FOG safely and efficiently, use a labeled container with a lid, store it in a cool, dry, and secure place, then contact a licensed FOG hauler or recycler regularly, and do not pour FOG down the drain.
How Can I Dispose Of Grease And Meat Grease From Dishes And Utensils?
You can dispose of grease and meat grease from dishes and utensils by scraping or wiping them off with a paper towel or a balm cleansing product before washing them. Also, you can use a sink strainer to catch any food scraps or solids that may contain grease and throw them in the trash or compost bin.
How Can I Get Rid of Bacon Grease or Cooking Oil in My Kitchen?
Don’t drain FOG. Instead, cool and solidify it. Then scrape or wipe it off with a paper towel or a balm cleanser. After that use a sealable container and trash to collect it or recycle it. You can also reuse it for cooking.
FOG Disposal: How to Select a Trustworthy and Accredited FOG Hauler
FOG disposal, or grease waste disposal, is an important aspect of running a restaurant or industrial kitchen. It affects not only your plumbing system but also the environment and public health. By following the best practices, regulations, and compliance for FOG management and disposal, you can avoid problems such as sewer blockages, overflows, fines, and business closures. You can also benefit from recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel or other products. APS hoods can help you with FOG disposal and management and commercial kitchen cleaning, so you can focus on your core business. Contact us today for a free quote and see how we can make your kitchen cleaner, safer, and more efficient.
Are you tired of scrubbing your commercial kitchen with no results? Do you wish your equipment and facilities looked like new? Do you want to wow your customers with your cleanliness and quality? If you said yes to any of these, then you need pressure washing, the magic wand for your commercial kitchen!
Nothing compares to a pressure washer’s powerful spray which generates water pressure up to 8000 psi. It can clean off stubborn dirt, debris, moss, mold, and other hard-to-remove stuff. But you shouldn’t use a pressure washer on your own for everything in your commercial kitchen. Some surfaces need more gentle treatment and should only be cleaned by hand or by an expert. So, you need to ask a professional and experienced company to ensure a safe and satisfactory pressure washing service.
Impress your staff and customers with your high standards of cleanliness and quality. Contact APS-Hoods today and get a free quote for our pressure washing service in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area.
Your commercial kitchen needs pressure cleaning because it boosts the efficiency, safety, and quality of your equipment and facilities, as well as lowers the danger of fire hazards, odors, and grease buildup. In addition, pressure washing helps your conveyor ovens, hoods, and fans by improving their ventilation, air quality, and energy savings. Moreover, it can eliminate mold, mildew, and other pollutants that can damage your surfaces and affect your food. Pressure washing can improve both the outside and inside parts of your commercial kitchen.
Exterior and Interior Pressure Washing
For commercial kitchen owners, the impression begins from the restaurant’s exterior and extends to its interior and ultimately the kitchen, affecting both customers and staff. Therefore, pressure washing is advisable in these areas:
⦁ Outdoor surfaces, such as sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, and dumpsters, can reduce the risk of accidents and infestations.
⦁ The ventilation system, such as conveyor ovens, hoods, and fans, can optimize the airflow, air quality, and energy consumption of your kitchen.
⦁ The dining and preparation spaces, such as tables, chairs, counters, and sinks, can sterilize and disinfect your areas.
⦁ The cooking equipment, such as grills, fryers, stoves, and refrigerators, can eliminate grease, food particles, and germs from your appliances.
Pressure Washing Benefits for Your Conveyor Ovens
Conveyor ovens are indispensable for any commercial kitchen, as they enable you to prepare massive amounts of food rapidly and consistently. Nevertheless, they also necessitate periodic maintenance and cleaning to guarantee their peak performance and safety. One of the most effective methods to clean your conveyor ovens is pressure washing. It can confer several advantages to your conveyor ovens, such as:
Increasing Quality
Pressure washing can sterilize and purify your conveyor ovens, eradicating any microbes, fungi, or smells that may impair the flavor and excellence of your food. In other words, this can guarantee that you provide crisp, delectable, and sanitary food for your customers
Improving Efficiency
Pressure washing can eliminate any impurities, grease, or food particles that may obstruct or impair your conveyor ovens. Moreover, this can enhance the thermal dispersion, cooking velocity, and energy utilization of your ovens, saving you time and money.
Enhancing Safety
Pressure washing can avert any fire dangers or health perils that may result from the buildup of combustible or deleterious substances in your conveyor ovens. This can safeguard your staff, clientele, and apparatus from any mishaps or wounds.
Tips for Oven Cleaning with Pressure Washer
Unplug the oven and remove racks and trays. Then clean them separately.
Cover heating elements and electrical parts with plastic or secure with tape or rubber bands.
Pre-treat stains with a degreaser or stain remover. Then spray the oven with water and detergent using a low-pressure nozzle.
Rinse the oven with clean water and dry it. After that plug it back in and replace racks and trays.
Pressure Washing Benefits for Your Hoods
Hoods are crucial for any commercial kitchen, as they seize and purify the fumes, vapors, and grease that are generated by your cooking equipment. However, they also require regular cleaning to prevent any problems that may compromise your kitchen’s safety and hygiene. One of the most effective ways to clean your hoods is by pressure washing. Pressure washing can offer multiple benefits to your hoods, such as:
Reducing Fire Hazards
By pressure washing, you can get rid of any grease or oil that may build up in your hoods, ducts, or filters. This can lower the chance of fire or explosion that may happen due to the ignition of these substances.
Eliminating Odors
Pressure washing can blast off any food bits, germs, or mold that may sprout in your hoods, ducts, or filters. It can wipe out any nasty or stinky smells that may come from your kitchen.
Preventing Grease Buildup
Pressure washing can stop any gunk or goo from blocking or leaking from your hoods, ducts, or filters. Moreover, it can save your gear, walls, floors, or ceilings from any harm, as well as any health troubles or penalties.
Tips for Hood Cleaning with Pressure Washer
Protect the electrical outlets and appliances close to the hood
Take out the filters
Spray the hood and the ducts with a detergent or a sanitizer
Use a low-pressure nozzle to wash with clean water
Dry with a fan
Pressure Washing Benefits for Your Fans
Fans are crucial for any commercial kitchen, as they provide ventilation, air circulation, and temperature control. They help eliminate smoke, steam, grease, odors, and heat from the cooking area and prevent fire hazards and health risks. However, fans can also accumulate dirt, dust, grime, mold, and other contaminants over time, which can affect their performance and efficiency. That’s why it is important to wash them regularly with pressure washing. Below you can see some benefits of pressure washing for fans.
Ventilation
Cleaning the fan blades and clearing the airflow from dust and debris, can enhance ventilation. This can make your indoor spaces cooler and cozier, especially in warm and moist weather.
Air Quality
Mold and mildew can trigger allergies, breathing difficulties, and other health problems for you and your loved ones. But pressure washing can improve the air you breathe by getting rid of mold and mildew that can form on your fans and spread spores in the air.
Energy Saving
It can save you money on energy by boosting the effectiveness and functioning of your fans. In addition to this, By maintaining your fans in a clean and good condition, you can avoid the costs of fixing and replacing them, and pay less for your power bills.
Damage Prevention
It can prevent the fans from getting damaged and rusted by cleaning away the substances that can damage the paint and metal. This can extend the fans’ lifespan and enhance their performance.
Tips for Fan Cleaning with Pressure Washer
Unplug and remove the fan, then Place the fan on a flat or a tarp.
Cover the motor and the electrical parts with plastic or secure them with tape or rubber bands to prevent water damage and fire risk.
Pre-treat hard stains with a degreaser or a stain remover. Since high-pressure nozzles can damage the fan, spray the fan with water and detergent using a low-pressure nozzle.
Spray the fan from 2 to 3 feet away in a sweeping motion. It’s recommended to start from the top and go down. Also, remember not to spray the motor or the electrical parts, and Spray both sides of the fan
Finally, rinse and dry the fan. And make sure to dry it before plugging in.
APS-Hoods provides a professional pressure washing service that ensures your restaurant’s cleanliness and safety. We use commercial-grade equipment and food-safe solutions. Call Us Now and get a free quote.
For a safe and effective pressure washing of your kitchen, you need to follow some tips and suggestions. Here are some of them:
Choosing the Right Equipment
A pressure washer that can deal with the grease and dirt that builds up in a kitchen is what you need. A gas pressure washer with a high PSI and GPM rating is perfect for this job, as it can make hot water and high pressure. You also need a detergent that is made for kitchen cleaning, such as a degreaser or a sanitizer. It’s recommended to use a 25° or 40° nozzle for regular cleaning, and a 0° or 15° nozzle for hard stains. You can also use a surface cleaner attachment to clean big areas quicker and more evenly.
Using the Correct Techniques
Before pressure washing, you need to get the kitchen ready by shutting off the power and gas, protecting any electrical outlets and appliances, and clearing any food, utensils, and other items. You also need to put the detergent on the surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, you need to spray the water from a safe distance and in a back-and-forth motion, starting from the top and going down. You need to avoid spraying right at the vents, fans, or filters, as this could harm them. Moreover, you need to wash the surfaces with clean water after pressure washing to get rid of any residue or detergent.
Choosing the Right Frequency
How often you pressure wash your kitchen depends on how much you use it and how much dirt it has. Usually, you should pressure wash your kitchen at least once a month to keep it clean and avoid grease accumulation. But some parts may need more regular pressure washing, like the stove, the oven, or the hood. You should also pressure wash your kitchen after any messes or mishaps that may cause stains or smells.
Pressure Washing FAQs
Is It Necessary to Pre-Treat Stains Before Using A Pressure Washer?
It is recommended to apply a stain remover before using a pressure washer. This can help to soften the dirt and make it simpler to remove with the pressure washer. Some ordinary household products that can be used to pre-treat stains are liquid pool chlorine, dawn dish soap, degreaser, or stain remover. You can put these products on the stained areas and let them sit for a few minutes before pressure washing.
Can I Do the Pressure Washing on My Own?
Amateur washers can damage surfaces with too much pressure or proximity. However, rental machines have the same PSI as professional ones, but less water—making this task take longer.
Is There A Difference Between Cold Water and Hot Water Pressure Washing?
Cold and hot water pressure washing differ. Cold water washers spray cold water to clean hard surfaces of dirt and grime, while hot water washers spray hot water to melt grease and oil stains and sanitize surfaces. Hot water washers are better for oily or greasy surfaces, but pricier and riskier for some materials. Cold water washers are gentler for most surfaces, but worse at removing hard stains and dirt.
What Should I Do Before Getting Pressure Cleaning Service in My Commercial Kitchen?
To prepare for the service, pick a time when the kitchen is empty or quiet. This will reduce the disturbance and the danger of mishaps. Protect any openings that could be harmed by water or detergent with plastic or tape. Also, take away any items that could get in the way of the pressure washing or get ruined by it.
Enhance Your Commercial Kitchen’s Quality Today with Pressure Washing
Your restaurant deserves the best, and so do your customers and staff. That’s why you need pressure washing which makes everything sparkle, from your conveyor ovens, hoods, and fans, to your outdoor and indoor spaces, to your cooking equipment. We offer professional, reliable, and affordable pressure washing with APS-Hoods in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area for safer, healthier, and more efficient commercial kitchens. We guarantee your satisfaction and peace of mind. Call us now to schedule a free estimate and get a free quote. APS-Hoods is your go-to guy for power washing that’s always done right.
Commercial kitchens are high-risk environments that require regular and thorough cleaning to ensure safety, hygiene, and productivity. One of the most crucial aspects of commercial kitchen cleaning is floor care, as it can prevent slips and falls, reduce wear and tear, and enhance the appearance of the kitchen. However, commercial kitchen floor cleaning is not a simple task. It is a whole different ball game, and it requires more than just the basics of a mop, a bucket, and some detergent. They are not enough to make your commercial kitchen floor sparkle every day. You need more than that to tackle the dirt and fight off the grime. Commercial floor cleaning involves various steps, techniques, and chemicals that need to be applied correctly and efficiently. In this article, we will explain the best practices and tips for floor cleaning, based on the experience and expertise of professional cleaners.
Don’t risk putting up with a dirty kitchen floor. Trust APS-HOODS to make it sparkle again. We have what it takes to clean any floor, any time. Contact us now for a free quote and a consultation in Denver, Co.
Dirty Kitchen Floor and Its Impacts on Bottom Line and Customer’s Satisfaction
When grease, spills, dirt, and debris accumulate on your kitchen floor, they create a filthy and hazardous environment that jeopardizes your business and your customers. A dirty kitchen floor can have multiple negative consequences, such as:
It can trigger accidents and injuries like falls and slips, which can lead to lawsuits, injuries, and insurance claims;
It might your floor, which can shorten its durability, raise its upkeep expenses, and diminish its beauty;
It may become a breeding ground for germs, bugs, and rodents, which can infect your food, tools, and appliances, and result in outbreaks and fines;
It can tarnish your image, which can drive away customers from your restaurant, lower their retention and happiness, and damage your standing and scores.
Challenges of Floor Cleaning in a Commercial Kitchen
Demanding and busy environments like restaurant kitchens require high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. However, cleaning a restaurant kitchen floor can pose many challenges, such as preventing slipping hazards and cross-contamination as well as removing grease, food spills, dirt, and bacteria. These challenges can affect the quality of service, the safety of staff and customers, and the reputation of the business.
Tips to Overcome the Challenges of Floor Cleaning
Sweep the floor regularly to get rid of loose dirt and stop it from building up on the surface;
Apply and spread a chemical degreaser that works for your floor type by following the instructions. Then leave it for a few minutes to loosen the oil and grease;
Mop the floor in parts, beginning from the corner that is farthest and moving to the door. Also, wash the mop often and replace the water when necessary;
Use a hard-bristled brush or a floor-scrubbing machine to get rid of the tough dirt and grease. Also, don’t forget the corners, edges, and grout lines where dirt can pile up;
To remove all the degreaser residue and dirt, Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water. Moreover, you need to use a floor squeegee or a wet/dry vacuum to remove the excess water and also prevent slipping;
Wait until the floor is totally dry before letting people walk on it or moving any equipment back to the place. You can also use fans or blowers to make the drying process faster;
Also, sanitize the floor with a food-safe solution to eliminate any harmful microbes;
Keep a cleaning routine and train your staff how to clean the floor well. You can also use a checklist to make sure all the steps are followed and recorded.
A Checklist Of The Necessary Items in Kitchen Floor Cleaning
Despite some drawbacks, a few restaurant owners attempt to cut corners by delegating floor cleaning to their kitchen staff. However, this practice often backfires, as we frequently encounter situations where we have to rectify the poor cleaning done by inexperienced staff. Moreover, the unhygienic conditions pose serious risks to the health and safety of both staff and customers. However, if you prefer to undertake this arduous and demanding task on your own, the following items are essential:
Broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner: to remove loose dirt and debris
Mop and bucket: to wet the floor and remove grime and stains
Floor cleaner, sanitizer, or a vinegar solution: to disinfect and deodorize the floor
Gloves and protective gear: to ensure your safety and health, and reduce the risk of rashes, burns, allergies, or poisoning
Floor squeegee or a wet/dry vacuum: to dry the floor, remove excess water and prevent slipping hazards
Wet floor signs: to place them around and to warn others of the slippery surface
Microfiber cloth or a paper towel: to wipe down the baseboards and the corners
However, by hiring floor cleaning services, you can benefit from the newest floor steam cleaner and pressure washer surface cleaner, and the quickest and most effective technologies in floor cleaning.
Why burn yourself out on a task that is beyond your skills and tools? Let our experts at APS-HOODS handle your kitchen floor cleaning. Contact us for a free quote and quality assurance.
Floor Cleaning and Maintaining For Different Types of Floors
Commercial kitchens have various types of floors, such as tile, concrete, vinyl, or rubber. Each type of floor exhibits distinct features and requires specific cleaning methods. The following parts show how to clean various kinds of floors in commercial kitchens.
Quarry Tile Floor
By maintaining these tiles properly, you can preserve their aesthetic, structural, and anti-slip properties as well as their durability. Use a neutral cleaner and hot water that you replace frequently for daily sweeping and wet mopping. Scrub the tile floor with a deck brush, hot water, and a neutral cleaner every week. Then, rinse the floor and squeeze the excess water into a drain. Also, if you need to use a degreaser, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Seamless Epoxy / Urethan Floor
Epoxy flooring requires careful cleaning. Vacuum any dirt or grit that could scratch the floors. Do not drag items on the floor to prevent scratches. Use a damp cloth and warm water to clean the floor after removing the dirt and sand. Do not use soap-based cleaners. Citrus cleaners or vinegar can also damage the epoxy catalyst, so do not use them to clean the floor. For a very dirty floor, use water and ammonia to clean it. Ammonia cleaners can be dangerous, so use them with caution.
Stained Concrete Floor
Use only neutral cleaners to clean stained concrete. Do not use ammonia, citrus, bleach, or vinegar, which are harsh cleaning products. To prevent scratches on the stained concrete floor, dust or vacuum the dirt and grit with a shop vacuum. Clean up kitchen spills as soon as possible. Do not use chemical degreasers and stain removers on stained concrete. Harsh chemicals can damage the sealer that you walk on, and sometimes strip it off after one use. Make sure the cleaner and seal are compatible.
Vinyl Floor
Vinyl floors are sometimes soft and prone to scratches and dents. So, be careful when cleaning these floors with heavy equipment. Sweep or vacuum the dirt and grit that can damage the floor. Use a soft-bristled broom or a washcloth without oil. Clean the floor with neutral cleaners. Replace the water often or drain the dirty water and use clean water. For tough stains, you can try stronger chemicals, but follow what the manufacturer says. Do not rub on the seams.
Rubber Floor
To clean rubber floors, sweep or vacuum the dirt and dust that can damage them. Mop with warm water and mild soap or neutral cleaner and avoid using cleaning agents that might degrade your rubber floor which are highly acidic or alkaline. Then rinse it well and air-dry. Do not use a cloth or towel, as they can leave lint or fibers. For oil or grease stains, use a rubber-friendly degreaser or solvent. To keep the floors shiny and protected, apply a rubber conditioner or fabric softener once or twice a year. Follow the instructions and dry the floor before applying.
Hardwood Floor
Clean hardwood floors by sweeping or vacuuming the dirt and dust with a soft broom or vacuum. Mop with warm water and mild cleaner using a microfiber mop or cloth and Wring it out well. Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or turpentine, which can harm the wood. Rinse and dry the floor with clean water and a soft towel or cloth. Do not leave water on the floor. For oil or grease stains, use a hardwood-specific cleaner or solvent. Test it on a small area first and follow the instructions. To keep the floors shiny and protected, apply a polish or wax once or twice a year. Dry the floor before applying.
What Are The Best Kitchen Surface Cleaners for Floor Cleaning?
Acidic Cleaner
The best way to eliminate mineral deposits and stains from the floor, particularly on tile and grout, is to apply acidic cleaner on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the floor with a brush or a sponge and rinse it with clean water.
Alkaline Cleaner
A possible way to eliminate food residues and organic matter from the floor, particularly on concrete and vinyl, is to apply alkaline cleaner on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the floor with a brush or a sponge and rinse it with clean water.
Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC)
You can use QAC to sanitize the floor and eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms. Dilute QAC according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it on the floor with a spray bottle or a bucket. Leave it for a few minutes to let it work. Then, wipe the floor with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
Neutral Cleaner
It’s a harmless and flexible cleaner that works on most kinds of floors, such as wood, laminate, vinyl, and linoleum. It does not create any deposit or layer on the floor.
Foaming Cleaner
It’s a strong and efficient cleaner that can help you get rid of grease and oil from the floor, especially on tile and ceramic. It does not harm the surface or the grout.
Plant-Based Cleaner
A cleaner that is natural and good for the environment that works on floors, countertops, walls, and other surfaces. It smells nice because of the oils from plants.
How Often Should Commercial Kitchen Floors Be Cleaned?
Depending on the kind and volume of spills and traffic, commercial kitchen floors need frequent and deep cleaning. A good rule is to clean the floors daily, ideally after the shift, when the kitchen has less activity and is easier to access. However, some parts may require more often cleaning, like:
Areas near cooking appliances, such as stoves, griddles, ovens, and fryers, where grease and oil can scatter and spill;
Areas adjacent to food processing stations, such as counters, cutting boards, and sinks, where food particles and juices can fall and drip;
Areas adjacent to waste disposal stations, such as compost bins, trash cans, and drains, where food waste and liquids can seep and overflow.
These areas should be sanitized promptly after each use, or at least every few hours, to avoid the build-up of dirt and contamination. However, it is usually recommended to deep clean the floor in commercial kitchens bi-annually or quarterly to eliminate any dirt or deposits that may have accumulated over time.
FAQs About Kitchen Floor Cleaning Services
How long does it take cleaning services to clean the floor in commercial kitchens?
The length of time needed for the floor cleaning services for commercial kitchens varies based on different aspects, such as how big and dirty the kitchen floor is, how many cleaners are working, and what kind of cleaning tools and materials are used.
Do commercial restaurant kitchens have to shut down when the floor is being cleaned?
The kitchen may not need to close for daily or shift-based floor cleaning, as long as the cleaners avoid contaminating the food and bacteria, and do it when the kitchen is idle. For weekly or monthly floor cleaning, the kitchen may close for a few hours or a day, as the cleaners may need to move or unplug some machines, use heavy or special tools, and apply chemicals that take time to dry or wash. For deep cleaning or maintenance service, the kitchen may close for several days or more, as the cleaners may need to fix or change some parts of the kitchen, like the floor, the pipes, or the vents.
Is it possible to request cleaning services to only clean the floor or do they have to clean the whole kitchen?
In one-time or occasional services you can pick and pay for what to clean, like floor or kitchen parts. On the other hand, in recurring or regular cleaning services, there are fixed cleaning tasks every visit, weekly, biweekly, or monthly. But you may request some changes, if possible. In deep or maintenance services that provide a thorough cleaning of the entire kitchen, It may not be possible for you to ask them to clean just the floor or parts of the kitchen. Because they may have to follow a certain procedure to make sure the kitchen is safe and clean.
Hire Professional Kitchen Floor Cleaning to Boost Your Restaurant Business
Floor cleaning is a vital and integral part of running a commercial kitchen and it’s a challenging task that requires proper methods, tools, and chemicals. Furthermore, it can prevent accidents, bacteria-harboring, infections, and damage, and improve the appearance, performance, and reputation of your restaurant. However, hiring a professional service for floor cleaning can benefit your restaurant by saving money on staff, equipment, supplies, and taxes. Moreover, you can get hygienic and clean floors with the most suitable chemicals for your floor. In addition, you can prevent accidents, and infections and comply with damages and regulations. APS-HOODS, the top-rated kitchen floor cleaning company in Denver, CO, can transform your kitchen floor with our skills, tools, and methods. We promise you quality and safety. Contact us now at (800) 750-7313.
What grabs your attention when you step into a restaurant? The menu, the prices, the staff, or the decor? Maybe, but what about the ceiling tiles? You probably don’t pay much attention to them, unless they are dirty or stained. But they can ruin the restaurant’s reputation to a great degree.
Dirty ceiling tiles are not only unsightly but also unhealthy. They are susceptible to thick grease stains and they can harbor dust, mold, bacteria, and pests, and affect the air quality and safety of your facility. In this article, we will show you why you need to keep your ceiling tiles clean and how to do it properly. Don’t let your customers look up and see a horror show! By Following these simple tips, make your ceiling tiles sparkle again.
Ready to make your dirty ceiling tiles shine again? Click here to get a free quote from our professional cleaning service, or call: (800) 750-7055 for professional services in Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area
The Urgent Need to Clean Your Restaurant’s Dirty Ceiling Tiles
You don’t want your customers to lose their appetite when they look up, do you? Dirty ceiling tiles can create a dark and unwelcoming environment for your restaurants, besides their unpleasant odors. Also, they have many negative effects on your restaurant’s image and health. Even they can conceal dust, mold, bacteria, and pests, and compromise the air quality and safety of your facility. You can see the key points on why your restaurant needs clean ceilings below:
Legal Obligations A dirty ceiling can not only ruin your restaurant’s health and image but also put your business in legal trouble. If you ignore the health code guidelines, you may face fines, closures, or lawsuits from your customers or staff. Are you willing to risk your business over dirty ceilings?
Air Quality A dirty ceiling can release harmful particles into the air and make your customers and staff sick. A ceiling of 1500 sq. ft gets 40 lbs. of dust yearly with 15 dust mite types. This means an ounce of dust has 42,000 dust mites causing eye irritation, allergy, infection, asthma, fatigue, and depression issues. Therefore, you need a ceiling cleaning service to remove these pollutants and make your ceilings shine. And it will enhance customer satisfaction and safety too.
Protects Product Quality
Industrial units often have ceilings and rafters that collect various substances such as dust, grease, dirt, and other particles. These substances can fall and spoil the product below when the roof shakes due to heavy machinery vibrations. However, a clean ceiling ensures that the product quality is not compromised even if the ceiling vibrates.
Visual Appeal
A dirty ceiling can ruin the appearance of your entire building since It can be covered with dust, dirt, and grease that make it look unsightly. It can also imply that there are other neglected maintenance problems too. People and customers can find it very unpleasant and lose interest in working for you or buying from you.
Tips to Clean the Dirty Ceiling by Yourself
Walls and ceilings in a commercial kitchen do not need to be cleaned as often as the floor. They can be cleaned on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. However, the floor should be cleaned daily to maintain hygiene and safety. Below are some tips that you can follow to clean the dirty ceiling or walls by yourself:
As dust and dirt will easily fall when you clean the ceiling tiles, cover everything in the kitchen with a tarp or cloth and wear eye protection too.
• For removable tiles, vacuum or dust them first. Also, clean the tricky-to-get-to spots and cracks with a vacuum cleaner. Then, wash them with some dish soap and a wet sweeper. Remember not to soak them or they might warp. You need to dry them with a lint-free clothand put them back.
For permanent tiles, dust or vacuum them first. Then, wash them with a wet sweeper and some dish soap. Finally, dry them, and don’t let them drip.
How About Hydrogen Peroxide?
If you don’t mind using a strong cleaner that breaks down stains, you can use a professional product that has hydrogen peroxide in it. It can make your tiles look new again, especially in areas like kitchens where grease and oil can make them dull and dirty (Pick a product with hydrogen peroxide that works for your tiles. You can get these products at most hardware or home improvement stores). To clean the dirty ceiling tiles using hydrogen peroxide, follow these tips:
Before using the product, make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when handling it. Then apply the product to your tiles according to the instructions on the label.
Then scrub your tiles with a brush or a sponge to loosen the dirt and grime. Also, pay special attention to the grout lines and the corners where dirt can accumulate.
Finally, rinse your tiles with water and dry them with a cloth or a towel, then enjoy your sparkling clean tiles!
However, cleaning your ceiling tiles with hydrogen peroxide can be time-consuming and tedious. You have to scrub the tiles, rinse them, and dry them while standing on a ladder or a stool, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Not to mention, you have to deal with the strong smell and the potential irritation too. So, the question is, is it worth the energy and time you spend doing this tough task on your own?
Cleaning your dirty ceiling tiles can be a hassle and a waste of your precious time and energy. Why not let our professionals do it for you with skill and speed? Just call 55555 and we’ll take care of everything.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Ceiling Cleaning Service
Though you can just use your regular mop and bucket, or your grandma’s vinegar and baking soda to clean your dirty ceiling, they are unlikely to tackle your stained, grimy, or moldy ceiling. Moreover, if you are running a restaurant, cleaning the restaurant ceiling yourself takes a lot of time and it will most probably impede business operations for a longer while if you do it by yourself. So, it is advisable to get professional help because of several reasons that are listed below:
Preventing Hazards
With a professional ceiling cleaning service you can prevent potential hazards, such as fire, electrical issues, and water damage. Because it helps you to remove flammable materials, dirt, and moisture from your ceiling. Therefore, it can safeguard your property and minimize the possibility of people suffering injuries or mishaps. Moreover, a professional service can adhere to the guidelines and standards of health and safety for your field or zone.
Economic Efficiency
A professional ceiling cleaning service can use advanced equipment, techniques, and products to clean your ceiling quickly and thoroughly. This can help your ceiling survive longer and resist damage, so you can avoid frequent repairs or replacements. What’s more, A clean ceiling can also reduce your energy expenses by enhancing the warmth and airflow of your property.
Optimal Health
If you want to eliminate germs, mold, and dirt from your dirty ceiling thoroughly, hiring a professional ceiling cleaning company can only guarantee this. Also, this can prevent respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and infections. This results in a clean ceiling that prevents diseases and pests, such as rodents, insects, and birds, from entering.
Upgraded Aesthetics
You can make your ceiling look like new again with its original color and brightness by getting help from a professional ceiling cleaning service. This can make your property more attractive and valuable. A clean ceiling can also make your guests, customers, or employees feel more comfortable and welcome.
The best part is that the ceiling cleaning service is surprisingly fast and effective, with no business disruptions for customers, no damage to ceilings or walls, no mess, and no lasting odors. You will notice a noticeable brightening of your facilities after the ceiling cleaning service.
How Do Ceilings Get Cleaned in APS-Hoods?
If you want to make your ceiling look like new again, you can trust APS-Hoods to do the job for you. We offer a four-step process that covers everything from estimation to repair. Here’s how we do it:
Estimating: We visit your business and measure your ceiling and then we’ll give you a free written quote.
Scheduling: We arrange our skilled teams to suit your needs. So, we work when you are closed, on weekends, or during your slow times, if you are open all day and night.
Ceiling Cleaning: We get your area ready for cleaning by moving or covering your equipment, furniture, and shelves, as needed. Then most of the time we clean your ceilings at night.
Repairing/Replacing (If required): APS- Hoods can fix or change wet ceiling tiles, broken by AC repairs, or hanging decorations. If your ceiling is drooping, let us make it straight for you before it gets worse and more expensive. A drooping ceiling only gets worse.
Dirty Ceiling Cleaning FQAs
Why Are My Ceiling Tiles Turning Brown?
Cooking heat, smoke, and grease can make ceiling tiles lose their color and shine. In some other cases, it might be due to moisture, dust, and dirt that can make ceiling tiles grow mold and mildew. In addition, Leaks, spills, or condensation can make ceiling tiles warp, sag, or rot.
Is Ceiling Cleaning messy?
No. We usually minimize the dust and grime that falls to the floor by using vacuums. We also protect the machinery and floors from debris by covering them when needed. then we clean the floors thoroughly and remove any dust that dropped.
Can I Bleach My Dirty Ceiling Tiles?
Bleach can ruin or fade some ceiling tiles, especially if they are made of wood, cork, or fiber. So, don’t use bleach to clean them, unless you know they are safe and you follow the instructions. You can use soap and water, or vinegar and water, to clean and disinfect your tiles. Also, you can use hydrogen peroxide which is an effective alternative to chlorine bleach, but it’s highly environment-friendly.
How Do Ceiling Cleaners Keep Our Furniture Safe From Dirt And Harm?
They wrap your furniture with plastic or cloth to stop dust, dirt, or cleaning solutions from getting on them. Also, a gentle solution is used that won’t hurt your furniture’s surface or finish. Also, they usually put wax or polish on your furniture’s wood surface to protect it from scratches, stains, or fading.
Should I Remove Curtains, Paintings, Hangings, etc. Before Ceiling Cleaning?
Before you sanitize the walls or ceilings, you should remove any items that are attached to them, such as curtains, paintings, and other decorations. Because these items can contaminate the surface and hinder the cleaning process. Moreover, they can cause you stress and frustration.
How Aps-Hoods Can Help You Keep Your Restaurant Ceiling Clean and Safe
Many people get sick from eating out, and guess who’s to blame? The dirty kitchens in the restaurants. Indeed they are the breeding grounds for germs and bugs that can ruin both your appetite, health, and also restaurant’s reputation. The bad news is that a great number of foodborne illnesses are linked to unhygienic kitchens and commercial restaurants. That being said, cleaning dirty ceilings regularly and thoroughly in commercial kitchens is very vital.
By using professional services and equipment you can benefit from improved appearance, better health, increased safety, and economic efficiency for your restaurant. This is where American Professional Services (Aps-Hoods), can help you. We are a licensed and certified company that specializes in cleaning and maintaining the ceilings and hoods of commercial kitchens in Denver, CO. We use state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly products to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for your kitchen. We also offer flexible and affordable plans to suit your needs and budget. Contact Aps-Hoods today and let us take care of your ceiling and surfaces before they get dirtier.
Have you ever wondered why the level of air quality, safety, efficiency, and productivity of some commercial kitchens are extremely higher than their counterparts? If you have a chance to pay a visit to the back of the house in these commercial kitchens, most probably you will find out these kitchens have adhered to a variety of regulations to operate hygienically, safely, and legally. In other words, “quality is never an accident”. Among all the regulations, regular hood cleaning and maintenance are of fundamental importance. And undoubtedly, you have to address them “regularly’” to keep your kitchen on the right path.
Just give us a call at 800-750-7313to discuss your kitchen needs and get professional service throughout Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, and the Colorado area for maintaining your range hood
But how can we keep the ambiance of the commercial kitchens and especially extraction systems hygienic and efficient regularly? Usually, a lot of smoke, grease, debris, and odors of cooking accumulate on the surface, in range hoods and their filters as clogs, mucks, or stains. So Proper maintenance and cleaning techniques for commercial kitchen cleaning in every size; spacious or small, are essential. It helps to avoid confronting issues that show up when you least expect them. But you might wonder what exactly happens during the process of commercial hood cleaning. In this article, we deal with all the steps beginning with preparing the kitchen to ending with reassembling and providing you with a certification.
Preparing and Clearing the kitchen Area for Hood Cleaning
The well-trained technicians in APS-Hoods usually start by inspecting the exhaust system thoroughly to ensure there is nothing unusual that needs to be addressed and check whether some parts like baffle filters need to be replaced or repaired. Also, protective fire-resistant tarps and plastic wraps are used to cover nearby appliances and the floor to prevent water damage, fire hazards, and also health and safety concerns (in case the funnel fails during removal or grease splatters around).
Safety Precautions in Commercial Hood Cleaning
To adequately clean your kitchen hood, the approach being used should meet NFPA 96 standards. The National Fire Protection Association is a nonprofit organization that publishes hundreds of consensus codes and standards. They help to minimize or eliminate injury, death, and potential fire hazards to protect building occupants. To prioritize safety we should consider the following precautions:
Disconnecting the power supply and also all appliances like the gas supply under the hood
Putting on protective gear such as aprons, gloves, goggles, face shields, closed-toed shoes, and lab coats especially while handling dry ice and other chemicals.
protecting all the nearby appliances and the floor. To this end, plastic wraps and protective tarps are usually used
Constructing a funnel to direct grease and water sprayed from the pressure washer to a disposal container to prevent residue and mess from being left behind.
Applying neutral detergents that are non-corrosive and also using non-abrasive cloths to clean the hood surface (Alcohol substances are avoided in sanitizing stainless steel surfaces in hood cleaning)
Making sure the air is not stagnant or polluted by ensuring sufficient ventilation in the whole process of hood cleaning
Inspection and Assessment Before Hood Cleaning
To increase the efficiency and lifespan of the exhaust system some inspections should be carried out. And in case there is a problem, it should be addressed before proceeding with the cleaning. Hood cleaning technicians usually follow these steps :
Turning off the power supply completely from the electric panel to prevent the risk of electrocution.
Removing the baffle filters from the hood, and setting them aside for cleaning.
Inspecting motor and fan for any malfunction, noise, vibration, tear, or wear
Making sure the fan blades are clean and balanced
Checking the hood exterior and interior and using a damp cloth to wipe off any loose dirt or dust.
Making sure the ducts are properly sealed and insulated and checking whether there are any cracks, leaks, or obstructions in the ductwork
Inspecting all the spray heads and nozzles for any corrosion, misalignment, or blockage and checking whether they are pointing directly at the right appliance
Ensuring the tamper indicator is intact and secure and there is no sign of damage or tampering
Inspecting the system gauges to make sure they are green and in operable range, and also there aren’t any abnormal indicators or readings
It is crucial to identify the areas of grease buildup since it might pose fire hazards and other issues related to health and safety. Moreover, it will help to determine which method of hood cleaning works best. So, inspecting all the surfaces and equipment in the kitchen for accumulated grease is essential. These places include:
The Hood:
It is the metal canopy that is above the cooking appliances and helps to vent out, filter, or capture the cooking grease. Since it is mounted directly above the cooktop, it is usually coated with grease and dirt after a while. That is exactly when the need for hood cleaning comes in since it can lead to fire hazards.
The Fan and Motor:
This is the part that moves the air from the hood to the ductwork and creates suction. A contaminated fan or motor usually leads to noise, vibration, tear and wear, or malfunction.
The Filters:
These baffle plates and metal mesh are inside the hood and they trap the grease particles and prevent them from entering into the ductwork. If these filters become clogged with debris and grease, it can affect the ventilation and airflow in the kitchen.
The Ductwork
This network of pipes connects the hood to the exhaust system. Usually, ductwork has grease buildup at horizontal sections, bends, joints, and walls. Therefore, it will affect the performance and also can create cracks, leaks, or obstructions.
The System Gauge
This system consists of instruments to measure and display the temperature, flow rate, pressure, or other indicators. Due to the grease buildup or damage in its components, it can have abnormal readings or indicators.
The Tamper Indicator
The tamper indicator shows if the hood system has been opened or accessed by unauthorized personnel. Due to grease buildup or vandalism, it can have signs of tampering or damage.
The Nozzles and Spray Heads
For spraying water or chemicals in the process of hood cleaning, technicians use various nozzles and sprays. But gradually nozzles and spray heads can become blocked, misaligned, or corroded by dirt or grease, and therefore reduce their effectiveness and coverage.
Safety First: Assessing Potential Fire Hazards
It’s of the utmost importance to assess the potential fire hazards before hood cleaning. Some of the common fire hazards in commercial kitchens that can cause fire are grease buildups, electrical faults, combustible materials, and human errors. We recommend following some steps for assessing the fire hazards before hood cleaning. Such as:
• Inspecting the hood system for any signs of grease or dirt accumulation
• Checking the electrical system for any defects or damages
• Removing any combustible materials from the kitchen area
• Educating and training the staff and customers on fire safety rules and practices
Disassembly of Hood Components
For deep cleaning of range hoods, it needs to take apart the main parts of the hood system which involves the following steps:
• Removing filters and grease traps: To remove these metal mesh or baffle plates we need to turn off the power supply from the electric panel. Then we can safely unlock the latches or filter clips and slide out the grease traps and filters to clean or replace them later.
• Dismantling exhaust fans: To dismantle the motor, fan blade, and housing in the exhaust fan, first we need to turn off the power supply. Then technicians disconnect the wiring and remove the screws and bolts and pull out the fan assembly.
• Detaching ductwork: After turning off the power, hood cleaning technicians loosen the clamps or fasteners of duct sections, and then separate each part carefully.
Cleaning Solutions and Equipment in Commercial Hood Cleaning
The number one objective of range hood cleaning is to eliminate fire hazards. So, it is crucial to use supplies, materials, and methods that can remove dirt and grease efficiently while they are not toxic to our health or the environment. Such as:
• Appropriate cleaning agents: To break down or dissolve the grease and other contaminants from the hood surfaces and its components some compatible chemicals are used (which were approved by the hood manufacturer). Liquid degreasers, enzyme cleaners, and alkaline cleaners are some examples of cleaning agents.
• High-pressure hot water cleaning: This method involves spraying hot water at high pressure to remove grease and dirt from the hood, motor, fan, filters, and ductwork. To enhance effectiveness, technicians employ both steam cleaning and pressure washing In the process. Hood cleaning technicians can execute it whether manually or automatically, but for sure carefully. Because they have to avoid damaging the hood system or causing water leaks. • Scraping and degreasing techniques: To remove dirt and grease manually (but gently), hood cleaning technicians use tools such as brushes, cloths, scrapers, and pads. After that, they rinse and wipe the surface with clean water and cloth.
Cleaning the Hood System
This step involves a series of actions. First, scrubbing and degreasing the hood interior with hot water, a pressure washer, and a degreasing agent takes place. Hood cleaning technicians thoroughly rinse and dry the hood interior afterward. Then They turn to cleaning exhaust fans and blades. To clean it with a brush and degreaser, technicians remove the fan from the ductwork. Also, they wash filters and grease traps by soaking them in hot water and a degreaser solution. Then they scrub the filters with a brush and finally rinse them with clean water.
Clearing and Maintenance of Ductwork in Hood Cleaning
This step should be done in conjunction with hood cleaning since both are interrelated and can affect each other. It typically involves these three Steps which are carried out by professional and licensed hood cleaning technicians:
Removing grease buildup in ducts: Thisinvolves scraping the grease from the inside of the duct by using hot water, a pressure washer, and a degreaser.
Clearing blockages and debris: Hood cleaning technicians inspect the duct for any foreign objects and obstructions because it might hinder the airflow and lead to major damage. They usually use a brush, a vacuum, or a rod to remove the debris or blockages.
Inspecting for damage or leaks: Any holes, cracks, or loose connections might lead to contaminants entering or allowing air to escape. So, it’s the hood cleaning technicians’ responsibility to check for any likely damages and consider repairing or replacing them before reassembling.
Reassembly, Final Inspection, Certification and Compliance
Finally, hood cleaning technicians reattach the hood components and check the exhaust system for proper alignment, connections, and functionality. In our professional hood cleaning service, we will provide you with a detailed report of our work to ensure you the exhaust system meets the fire safety requirements and other standards as specified by NFPA 96. Moreover, you will get a certificate of completion that indicates the exact time and date of the hood cleaning service to schedule regular inspections. This certification and compliance is essential since it can protect the owner from penalties, potential fines, lawsuits, or closure due to fire hazard violations.
FAQs: Is There Anything Else You Want to Know about Hood Cleaning?
What are the risks of not cleaning my exhaust hood regularly?
Fines and closure, fire hazards, poor air quality, reduced equipment performance, etc.
How likely would it be to damage or contaminate other kitchen equipment and appliances at the time of hood cleaning?
It depends on the technicians’ efficiency, professionalism, and being certified in performing hood cleaning and following the standards.
I haven’t had my kitchen exhaust cleaned for a long time. Does hood cleaning work for my case?
To meet the NFPA 96 standards, we will thoroughly clean your entire Kitchen Exhaust Hood. However, if your system has been neglected for a long time, it may require more than one cleaning to comply.
How often should I clean my exhaust hood?
It varies depending on how much and what kind of cooking you do in your kitchen. For instance, you need to clean your hood every month if you use solid fuel for cooking, but you can do it once a year if you cook less often.
Benefits of Regular Hood Cleaning and Range Hoods
Range hoods enable you to get rid of airborne grease before it settles everywhere and extend the lifespan of kitchen equipment. Also, they prevent fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other issues caused by poor ventilation. Furthermore, they perfectly illuminate your cooktop which leads to enhancing the visibility of the cooking process and also creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. Yet, a greasy range hood can create an explosive environment, reduce the air quality, and also employees may suffer from lower productivity. Therefore, it is essential to regularly clean the interior and exterior of your range hood. Just give APS-Hoods a call for a free estimate on your commercial kitchen hood Cleaning & kitchen exhaust cleaning needs. Then experience the difference of a fresh, clean, and safe kitchen environment with our professional hood cleaning service.
Commercial kitchens are legally licensed large spaces for cooking and preparing a variety of food products and delicacies. Unlike a small domestic kitchen, setting up a commercial or community kitchen requires a great deal of planning by a host of expertly trained professionals including civil engineers, designers, hood builders, fire protection system specialists, etc. Whether it is health and safety risks, efficiency and productivity, or commercial kitchen cleaning, experts pay serious attention to each essential aspect in order to build an ideal commercial kitchen. Business improvement is achieved by restaurants through a highly functional, efficient, and safe commercial kitchen, which is the heart of the food preparation business.
In this article, we will discuss five crucial case studies by APS Hoods in Denver, CO. We discuss how commercial kitchen cleaning can help restaurants improve their businesses and increase their bottom line.
Case Study 1: Transforming a Restaurant’s Reputation through Proper Kitchen Cleaning
Improper cleaning and poor maintenance can really take a toll on the overall reputation of a restaurant. As a restaurant owner, you need to understand this fact from day one, if you plan to improve your business.
A diner in Denver was struggling to manage its reputation. In fact, the restaurant’s reputation was not great and it needed some serious management. When the owner approached us, we first assessed the problem and tried to understand the problem on a deeper level. Our experts found out that the cleaning methods the restaurant used were not proper and the facility lacked proper hygiene and maintenance. Next, our experts developed a highly effective cleaning routine for the restaurant, based on its day-to-day requirements. The cleaning schedule was finalized after a detailed discussion with the owner and the senior management.
Cleaning Schedule
The cleaning checklist included:
Daily Cleaning
Weekly Cleaning
Monthly Cleaning
Daily cleaning was conducted during the shift and when closing out. Once a week, a more detailed cleaning was carried out. Deep cleaning was performed once a month throughout the entire facility.
Our cleaning specialists carried out every cleaning task with focused attention and a great eye for detail. Equipped with all the essential cleaning supplies and with the use of the right cleaning tools and products, our clean-up experts turned the commercial kitchen and the dining area into a spotlessly clean place that was ideal for the staff and visitors. The whole project was carried out in an effective and proper manner and results began to come very soon. In a couple of weeks, the overall reputation of the restaurant started to improve. It is crucial to put yourself in your customer’s shoes in order to deliver a clean and enjoyable experience to customers. This way, you can take your food service facility’s reputation to the next level.
The case study proved the fact that positive customer perception is very important in the food service business. If you plan to create a positive perception and transform your restaurant’s reputation, you should develop a proper cleaning schedule with the help of professionals such as those from APS Hoods. If you are in Denver, CO, reach out to us for a detailed discussion.
Case Study 2: Increased Efficiency and Productivity with Regular Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
A commercial kitchen is outfitted with a wide range and variety of cooking equipment and appliances. It produces a lot of heat, smoke, and grease. In order to have smooth and efficient operations, the grease from the cooking equipment has to be cleaned and removed in a proper manner. Professional kitchen cleaning experts use specialized tools and techniques to degrease all the machinery as well as remove all the food debris and other contaminants. Clean-up specialists also use the right set of tools and products to carry out the job.
A dirty and cluttered commercial kitchen has lower equipment efficiency and reduced employee morale and productivity. If you plan to increase efficiency and productivity, you should work with cleanup experts.
Commercial Chicken Elements
Key elements of commercial kitchen cleaning include:
Exhaust hood and vent cleaning
Cooking appliances deep cleaning
Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting
Kitchen floor cleaning
Since every restaurant kitchen has its unique cleaning requirements, you should consult with a professional company about your specific needs and then come up with an ideal regular kitchen cleaning schedule. Based on your actual needs, you can create a schedule for general and elaborate or deep cleaning on a regular basis and enjoy the benefits in terms of work productivity.
During one of our case studies, we found how greasy equipment and poor hygiene and maintenance affected the efficiency and productivity of the kitchen staff. Our experts conducted an inspection of the entire facility and then. They suggested that the restaurant develop a schedule for regular cleaning. We focused mainly on regular routine cleaning as well as deep cleaning of all the kitchen equipment, appliances, systems, and hard-to-reach areas. After the removal of grease deposits and optimization of cooking equipment performance, the efficiency and productivity of the kitchen employees saw a considerable boost. As a result of regular commercial kitchen cleaning, the overall restaurant business improved as well.
As a restaurant owner or manager, you should maintain a clean, clutter-free, and well-organized commercial kitchen. This, in turn, will boost work productivity and reduce downtime. To find out more about this case study, reach out to one of our professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
Case Study 3: Mitigating Health and Safety Risks through Professional Kitchen Cleaning
Health departments and food safety agencies have set clear rules and guidelines for food service establishments to follow. If you operate a commercial kitchen, it is essential for you to adhere to these guidelines.
Although health and safety is an important concern in a restaurant kitchen, many food service establishments fail to comply with the rules and risk the safety of their guests and employees as a result. One surefire way to mitigate health and safety risks is to get your kitchen cleaned by professionals. By working with professional cleaners, you will be able to reduce the risk of food contamination and remain compliant with health and safety codes and regulations.
In a case study that we conducted recently, we found out that professional kitchen cleaning is essential to reduce health and safety risks. Food contamination can easily happen inside a large restaurant kitchen if proper hygiene and cleanliness are not practiced. Our cleaning focuses on cleaning and sanitizing all the surfaces and creating a safe environment for the visitors and the staff. Our professionals use the latest tools and techniques to get rid of bacteria, germs, and other food contaminants inside a commercial or community kitchen.
As a restaurant owner, it is your foremost duty to protect the health of your customers and employees. At APS Hoods, we provide professional cleaning for all types of large commercial kitchens in Denver, CO.
Case Study 4: Improving Customer Satisfaction and Retention with Clean Commercial Kitchens
In the post-pandemic world, people care more about clean and healthy spaces than anything else. When it comes to restaurants, cafeterias, dining centers, food preparation facilities, and community kitchens, focusing on cleanliness is a surefire way to improve customer satisfaction and retention.
If you plan to deliver a highly satisfying dining experience to your customers, you should maintain a neat and clean commercial kitchen. Our case study in this regard is a proof of the same. Recently, we worked with a fast-food restaurant in the Denver area on the cleaning aspect of their facility. The results have been very good. Through our professional kitchen cleaning, the restaurant has been successful in improving customer satisfaction and retention.
First, our experts visited the facility. They conducted a detailed inspection of the entire facility including the commercial kitchen and the dining area. It was found during the inspection that the equipment, appliances, and systems in the commercial kitchen were not maintained in a proper manner. Based on this, our experts developed an ideal cleaning schedule for the restaurant kitchen. We provided training to the kitchen staff to help ensure every area in the facility was clean. Most of all, we ensured that the cleaning was in line with the health and safety codes. Our services for creating clean commercial kitchens made a real difference. In a couple of weeks, the restaurant saw an increase in customer satisfaction and retention levels.
While you try to attract new customers, you should also focus on retaining your old customers to improve your business. If you want to boost customer satisfaction, reach out to one of our experts at APS Hoods in Denver, CO. You can find out how you can achieve it with professional cleaning.
Case Study 5: Cost Savings and Long-Term Benefits of Regular Kitchen Cleaning
When it comes to cost savings and long-term benefits, cleaning is generally the last thing that comes to mind. However, having a clean commercial kitchen on a regular basis can actually save businesses a lot of money in the long term. Plus, it offers other benefits in the long haul. Here is a case study that reiterates the benefits of having a clean commercial kitchen work area.
It is a known fact that having a dirty and unhealthy work area will increase the number of sick days that employees take. On the other hand, a neat and clean work area brings the number of these sick days down.
In our case studies in the past, this fact has emerged over and over again. If you plan to reduce the costs of operations and running the business in the long term, you should pay serious attention to professional kitchen cleaning. According to a report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), employers in the country lose around $226 billion every year as a result of worker injury and illnesses. If you plan to improve your business, you will never want to contribute to this figure by having a poorly maintained and dirty kitchen area. Instead, you should focus on making the kitchen area fully healthy and safe for employees.
Regular Kitchen Cleaning
Regular kitchen cleaning creates a work area that is free from harmful germs and bacteria. A healthy environment is a must for running your business in a hassle-free and safe manner. If your employees take less sick leaves, it means more work days for every employee. As a result of this, your operations will be smooth and business will improve.
Another key benefit of regular commercial kitchen cleaning is that it keeps all the cooking equipment, appliances, and ventilation and fire suppression systems in a fully efficient and functional condition. Owing to this, the lifespan of all the machinery increases. You will save a lot of money that would be otherwise spent on getting costly repairs done. Our case study proved that restaurant businesses can actually save a significant amount of money in the long term. They get many other benefits just by keeping their commercial kitchen clean.
Still Have a Question?
Hopefully, the case studies presented above will open your eyes to the several key benefits of professional commercial kitchen cleaning and how it can take your business to the next level. If you plan to obtain all these benefits, you should reach out to one of our experts at APS Hoods in Denver, CO, and work out an ideal cleaning plan as per the specific needs of your restaurant kitchen. The actual cleaning frequency may vary from one commercial kitchen to another based on factors such as daily usage, the exact type of food service establishment, and the health and safety code regulations. Our company specializes in helping a wide range of food service businesses improve their business through proper cleaning and maintenance of the cooking equipment, exhaust hood systems, fire suppression systems, etc.
For a detailed discussion of your exact cleaning needs, you should consult one of our specialists. You can schedule your free consultation with us via a phone call or by writing us an email using the contact form.
As a restaurant owner, one of the key challenges you have to deal with is to keep your facility code-complaint at all times. Violation of health and safety codes can have dire consequences for your business. Whether you operate a commercial kitchen in a hotel, restaurant, school, hospital or any other facility, it is essential to adhere to all the codes in a proper manner. By staying up to code, you will be able to run your business in a smooth and hassle-free manner, keep guests and employees safe and avoid heavy fines and legal complications. Worse still, you may not be able to operate your facility ever again. That is why you should always seek the help of professionals to conduct regular inspections and stay up to code.
So, the big question is how you can remain compliant with the healthy and fire safety codes. In this article, we will discuss the exact topic and share with you lots of practical tips and useful recommendations.
Inspections and audits on a regular basis are essential for enhancing safety of a restaurant and commercial kitchen and achieving operational excellence. You should be happy about inspections, and not feel the opposite. There are several good reasons that indicate the importance of regular health and fire safety inspections conducted in hotels, cafes, restaurants, dining centers etc.
When running a commercial kitchen, you need to adhere to the standard operating procedures. Due to a large production of smoke, heat and grease, a restaurant kitchen can become vulnerable to the risk of fire. On the one hand, you need to prevent food borne illnesses. On the other hand, you need to reduce the risk of kitchen fires for the safety of your guests and employees. This is exactly why regular inspections are so important for all commercial kitchens. You can carry out the internal audits on your own with the help of trained staff. But conducting professional inspections requires working with health and safety inspectors.
Regular inspections are crucial for every restaurant business. By consistently following safety practices, you will earn the trust of visitors. Remaining code-compliant will attract more customers to your business because they will feel comfortable and safe visiting and dining in your establishment.
Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
There are compulsory rules for maintaining proper hygiene, food safety and sanitation in a restaurant and commercial kitchen. If a facility breaks any of these rules, it is termed as a health and safety code violation. Regular inspections are meant to help restaurant businesses comply with all these codes and ensure that guests remain safe from any kind of food poisoning and illnesses.
The foundation of a restaurant is built upon preparation and delivery of safe and delicious foods. Whether you run a cafeteria, dining facility, food preparation service or restaurant, you should always abide by all the health and safety regulatory guidelines in order to keep customers safe and attract more customers as a result. Not staying up to date with the code requirements will lead to code violations, which can affect your business in multiple ways. If it is found during an inspection that you have violated health and safety regulations, hefty fines can be levied and disciplinary action can be taken against your business.
If your restaurant facility fails an inspection, this would draw the attention of health and safety inspectors even more and conduct detailed scrutiny. Violation of codes doesn’t always mean food-borne illnesses. If toxic products are kept close to food supplies, this can create problems for your business.
Enhancing Food Safety Practices
Delivering safe and hygienic food is the main responsibility of restaurants. In order to increase food safety in your restaurant and commercial kitchen, you should stick to a number of best practices.
In a commercial kitchen, the chances of cross-contamination is always high. If your staff is well-trained in the use of equipment, you will be able to eliminate the chances of contaminated food. Whether it is the use of knives or the use of surfaces, you should follow proper sanitation rules and guidelines. Different types of food items need to be kept at different temperatures. For example, foods that are meant to be kept in the refrigerator should not be kept out for a long span of time. Likewise, serious attention must be paid to the storage of utensils and dishes. Make strong food safety policies for your facility and review these policies from time to time. Reach out to a restaurant management specialist for effective policy creation.
One of the key food safety practices for restaurants or any food establishment to follow is the storage of cleaning products and sanitation chemicals in a proper manner. Every restaurant needs to store cleaning supplies, but what is important is to store in a way that doesn’t affect food safety.
Ensuring Proper Sanitation and Cleanliness
It is crucial to ensure that each of your kitchen employees understand the importance of proper cleaning and sanitation throughout the entire facility. If you run a large and busy commercial kitchen, it could be easy to skip closing cleaning duties. Proper cleaning and sanitation will ensure that no corner or surface in the facility becomes the breeding ground for mold and bacteria. It is a best practice to train your employees in the various techniques of restaurant cleaning.
Ignoring the kitchen sanitation can have serious consequences. No matter how busy your restaurant or commercial kitchen is, you should always make sure cleaning is carried out on a regular basis. Apart from everyday general cleaning done by the staff, you should hire professionals to perform detailed cleaning of the kitchen equipment and appliances. If you are in search of a professional sanitation and cleaning company for your restaurant in Denver, CO, APS Hoods is the ideal place to get the task done exactly as per health and safety codes.
Maintaining Equipment and Facilities
For anyone running a food service establishment, maintaining the kitchen equipment and appliances is the foremost duty. Setting up a commercial kitchen and purchasing all the heavy-duty equipment is a big investment, which you should provide the best protection. As per the fire safety code requirements, equipment maintenance is obligatory because it reduces the risk of fire emergencies and enhances the safety of the entire restaurant facility.
Here are key benefits of maintaining commercial kitchen equipment:
Prevent equipment failures
Avoid unexpected downtime
Avoid expensive repairs and replacements
Enhance food safety
When you give all the cooking equipment and appliances timely maintenance, you will be able to avoid costly repair and replacement. Not only that, you will actually prolong the lifespan of all the equipment.
In order to ensure proper equipment maintenance, you should develop a program that is a perfect match for your specific needs. Every food service facility has its own unique needs and requirements. With the help of professionals, it will become fast and easy to create an ideal maintenance program. It is always a good idea to seek the help of experts from a company such as APS Hoods in Denver, CO, for proper and effective restaurant kitchen maintenance.
Preventing Pest Infestations
Pest control is actually a part of the food safety practices that every food service facility should adhere to. Pest infestations in the facility cause food contamination and reflect truly badly on the reputation of the business. A pest-infested environment will drive visitors away. Leave alone infestations, even one or two insects or pests crawling here and there in the dining area will discourage guests from returning. Plus, pest invasions will cause costly stock damage.
That is exactly why effective pest control is an essential part of the overall restaurant management. However, it can be difficult to prevent pest infestations unless you have an effective program in place.
There are multiple surveys conducted on pest sightings in a restaurant and their effects on guests. When a guest spots a pest in a food service establishment, they don’t usually keep it to himself or herself. In fact, it is like a piece of breaking news that can pass from one person to another quite fast. Many guests will simply stop coming back to a restaurant or cafeteria after spotting a pest in the facility. If you are serious about reputation management, you should give serious attention to proper pest prevention and control in your food service establishment.
When it comes to pest control, there are some areas in a commercial kitchen that are more prone than others. In particular, you should pay the most attention to food storage areas, waste disposal areas, food preparation areas and dining areas. There are some simple but highly effective ways that you should use to prevent the infestation of pests and keep pests away.
Therefore, make sure pest prevention and control is part and parcel of your overall cleaning and sanitation policies. Regular inspections are a surefire way to keep a close watch on entry of pests and take proper action to address the issues while they are still in the initial stage and easy to control.
Training and Educating Staff
Your own staff can prove to be of great help in keeping the kitchen up to code. For that to happen, you will need to provide your employees with proper training on the correct use of all the systems and units installed in the facility, the fire suppression system and fire extinguishers in particular.
Some of the most important topics you should educate and train your commercial kitchen employees are as follows:
Food safety
Cleaning and sanitation
Food handling and storage
Workplace safety
Use of fire suppression system
Use of fire extinguishers
Each worker in your restaurant kitchen or cafeteria should be trained in these areas in order to enhance safety and stay code-compliant. What should employees do, if a fire breaks out all of a sudden? This is a very important issue and your workers should be well-trained to take all the initial essential steps to deal with such emergency situations in a fast and effective manner.
If you are in Denver, CO, call in professionals from APS Hoods for proper and correct training of your restaurant kitchen staff.
Building a Positive Reputation
No matter what industry you operate in, having a positive reputation is key to business growth and success. If you operate in the food service industry, you should be highly concerned about your reputation.
Code violations will hurt your business reputation really badly. It can drive customers away and take a toll on your business. Keeping your food service establishment up to code will help you build a solid, positive image among the public. This, in turn, will help you spread the word about how you genuinely care about visitors’ health and safety. That is exactly why you should perform regular restaurant inspections and give proper focus and attention to food safety regulations, health and safety compliance, food handling practices, sanitation and cleanliness and the overall management of your restaurant and commercial kitchen.
Being Prepared for Surprise Inspections
A local health inspector can make a visit to your restaurant and commercial kitchen many times in a year. But are you truly prepared for such surprising inspections? You should always remain prepared for such health and safety inspections in advance and also be confident to pass the same.
To pass surprise inspections by the local inspector, you should know and understand the food code, as published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Carrying out self-inspections is a good way to find out if your restaurant kitchen is up to code or whether you need an upgrade or modifications. Create a maintenance checklist and use it to maintain your commercial kitchen in a proper manner. Seek professional help, if you have difficulty understanding food codes.
Still Have a Question? Let us Talk!
If you have additional questions about restaurant code requirements and inspections, reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our company specializes in restaurant and commercial kitchen management including cooking equipment maintenance, sanitation and cleanliness, fire protection, pest control, staff training etc. You can dial our phone number or write us an email.
Setting up a commercial kitchen is not an easy feat. Whether spacious or small, every commercial kitchen has different needs. Based on the specific day-to-day needs, the kitchen should be designed to remain functional in order to prep, cook and serve food in a timely manner. A great deal of expert planning is required to optimize the operational efficiency of a commercial or community kitchen. That is exactly where the need for a custom commercial kitchen design comes in. During the design process, you need to carefully consider all the key aspects of the kitchen design, right from food preparation and storage to cleaning. So, never go for a one-size-fits-all approach, as such a design will not be suited to your specific needs.
Let us broaden your knowledge about custom-designed commercial kitchens and explain what kind of benefits it has to offer.
If you operate in the food service industry, you should definitely understand how a custom commercial kitchen design is different from a standard commercial kitchen design. Unlike a standard or regular design, a custom-designed restaurant kitchen or community kitchen is designed based on your everyday needs and vision. Such a kitchen includes high quality industrial cooking equipment and appliances with a highly customized design and components.
Essential design elements of a customized commercial kitchen include:
Service requirements
Cooking
Food storage
Food preparation
Cleaning
A high-performance, custom design refers to a highly organized, functional and efficient commercial kitchen. Such a kitchen makes use of the entire area in a well-planned manner without wasting a single inch of the valuable space. The good news is that it doesn’t take more time to design such a restaurant kitchen, compared to a standard or regular commercial kitchen.
If you have a question in this regard, feel free to get in touch with one of our experts at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
Benefits of Custom Commercial Kitchen Design
There are ample benefits of building a custom-designed commercial kitchen for a restaurant, cooking facility, food preparation center etc. If you plan to build a commercial kitchen soon or want to remodel or upgrade an existing restaurant kitchen, you should become aware of all the important benefits that a fully tailored and professional kitchen design has to offer. Understanding these benefits will keep you well-informed and help you make the right decision.
More Efficient Use of Space
The success of a restaurant business largely depends on how functional and efficient its commercial kitchen is. So, when you start building a new restaurant, cafeteria, pub or cooking facility, you should see to it that the kitchen you design fulfills all your specific needs in a proper manner.
If the commercial kitchen is well-planned and expertly designed it will make the day-to-day operations in the restaurant fast and easy. The staff will move without any difficulty and the visitors will also experience ease of movement as a result. Since the size and requirements of every commercial kitchen is different, the best idea is to custom-design this space. Customized design means you will make the best and most efficient use of the space available.
Increased Productivity and Workflow
The purpose of setting up a commercial kitchen is to prepare and serve food to a large number of customers. That is exactly why it is crucial to focus on productivity and workflow during the designing of the facility. If the utilization of space is proper and the cooking equipment and machinery are organized in a clever manner, the productivity will increase. When you choose to custom-build your restaurant kitchen, you will get the best performance and results. Kitchen employees will be happy doing their jobs in a hassle-free and comfortable environment.
Increased productivity will ultimately boost your bottom line. So, make sure you get your commercial kitchen design tailored to your specific needs with the help of highly trained restaurant design professionals.
Better Hygiene and Sanitation
Great food and excellent customer service will bear no meaning, if you fail to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness in a commercial kitchen. Abiding by hygiene rules are important in order to prevent the risks of food contamination and food-borne illnesses. When you are designing a restaurant kitchen, the set up and arrangement should make cleaning and maintenance easy and quick. Custom commercial kitchen design will help you achieve this objective.
Improved Safety for Staff and Customers
Accidents may happen in a commercial kitchen anytime. The kitchen staff work in a hot and smoky atmosphere surrounded by many different types of machinery, appliances and equipment. When it comes to building a restaurant kitchen, it is crucial to keep all these factors in mind and design the cooking facility in a manner that reduces the risks of safety hazards. You need to provide your employees with a safe working environment where they don’t remain exposed to slips, trips, falls, burns, cuts, lacerations, sprains etc. Not just for the staff, the commercial kitchen safety is important from the customers’ point of view as well.
By planning for increased safety for employees and customers, you will set the business up for success. Your customers will also feel safe when dining in your restaurant and you will attract more customers as a result.
Enhanced Customer Experience
No matter which city, customers constantly look for restaurants that will provide them with a unique experience. If you plan to open a new restaurant or transform an existing eatery, you should pay attention to customer experience. Unless you provide customers with a new and refreshing experience, they will not be satisfied and will not return. It is not just food for which customers visit a particular restaurant, but the ambiance also is one of the crowd-pullers.
By hiring professionals and building your restaurant kitchen and dining area as per your specific needs, you will be able to create a perfect atmosphere for everyone including the employees and the customers.
Tailored to Specific Needs and Requirements
One of the biggest benefits of creating a custom-designed commercial kitchen is that it serves you specific needs in a perfect manner. In fact, the very procedure of designing a custom commercial kitchen begins with a detailed assessment of what you exactly need on a day-to-day basis. Based on the kind of menu, every restaurant has different requirements. It is these specific needs that professionals focus on when designing the restaurant kitchen and the dining area. Whether you plan to open a cafeteria, pub, bar, community kitchen, fast food service center, a customized design will fulfill your exact needs and requirements.
If you have a question about the benefits of designing a custom commercial kitchen, feel free to reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. One of our specialists will answer your questions and clear your doubts.
Factors to Consider in Custom Commercial Kitchen Design
Unlike a standard design, a custom design for a commercial kitchen takes all essential aspects into account. Experts think of the commercial kitchen as an efficient factory within a restaurant. Regardless of what your specific goals are, design engineers and specialists will create exactly what you need. Here are some of the key considerations for custom commercial kitchen design.
Menu and Food Preparation
The entire custom design project begins with the menu type. What kind of menu have you planned for your eatery? You need to look at all the menus you will serve including for breakfast, brunch, luncheon, afternoon, dinner etc. There are many different types of menus that you can plan and serve at your restaurant. Based on the menu and your requirements for food preparation, professionals will start to evaluate what type of kitchen design will be ideal.
Equipment Selection and Placement
A commercial kitchen is outfitted with a wide range of heavy-duty, industrial equipment and machinery. In commercial kitchen design, selection and installation of all the equipment will be an important factor. The design specialists will plan for the set up and arrangement of all the kitchen machinery as they create the commercial kitchen layout. Whether it is the cooking equipment, HVAC systems or the ventilation units, a custom design will include details on each of these. You will be guided on selecting the right type and quality of equipment.
Traffic Flow and Workspace Design
Traffic flow is a crucial factor in commercial kitchen set up. Employees should be able to move through the restaurant building without any kind of difficulty or hassle at all. If movement is fast and easy, waiters will be able to pick up food, deliver food to customers and clear the tables very quickly. Likewise, the workspace should be highly functional. You need to create a very safe and comfortable workspace for the staff in order to have smooth operations.
Budget and Timeline Considerations
When getting a custom design for your commercial kitchen, one of the first things you will want to know is how much the entire project will cost you. You will need to have a budget for project design and management, cooking equipment and appliances and the cost of installation. Restaurant building contractors and commercial kitchen designers will sit with and discuss all these. The delivery of the project will be done as per the timeline given by the contractor.
Compliance with Local Regulations and Codes
The NFPA has given crystal-clear instructions for the food service industry to follow in order to minimize safety hazards. If you are going to open a restaurant, you should become familiar with all these fire safety and building codes and regulatory guidelines and follow them in a proper manner.
The local regulations and safety codes may vary depending on where exactly your restaurant or eatery is located. When you have professional restaurant design experts by your side, you will never have to worry about compliance with these codes when building a commercial kitchen. Professionals will create the design in accordance with the safety regulations and obtain all the necessary permits so that the project can be completed without any hassle.
At APS Hoods, we have a strong and highly dedicated team of commercial kitchen design professionals. Feel free to talk to one of us to find out how we can help you and create a customized design to meet the everyday cooking, food preparation and serving requirements of your kitchen. We are a one-stop shop for all kinds of restaurant and commercial kitchen design in Denver, CO.
The Importance of Working with a Professional Designer
Building a restaurant and designing a commercial kitchen is no easy fit. For such an important and complex project, you cannot depend on amateurs or people with little experience. Instead, you need to work with seasoned professionals who have ample experience in creating the entire commercial kitchen set up including the selection and installation of all the cooking equipment, machinery, appliances and fire suppression and HVAC systems.
When you work with trained professionals, you will be able to choose the right type and quality of cooking equipment and complete all the installations exactly as per regulatory guidelines. Professional designers and engineers will do extensive research and come up with an ideal solution that helps you stand out and beat out the competition as well. Restaurant design contractors have tie ups with other vendors and professionals so that you don’t have to worry about all this.
Whether it is the build process, budget or timeline, you will be able to discuss everything in detail with the experts. With restaurant design specialists by your side, you will get a better return on your investment.
Examples of Successful Custom Commercial Kitchen Designs
It is a great idea to check out some of the successful past projects when you decide to work with professionals. This will give a fair idea about the process a restaurant design company follows to accomplish projects. Plus, you will understand the key design features such as commercial kitchen efficiency, workflow, safety, sanitation etc. You will find out the benefits of these features. Whether you plan to build a new commercial kitchen or remodel an existing one, you should definitely check out a few examples and case studies to set expectations right.
At APS Hoods, we proudly share examples of successful commercial kitchen designs we have created in the recent past.
Talk to a Commercial Kitchen Design Specialist
Customized design is a surefire way to build an ideal commercial kitchen to fulfill your exact day-to-day needs of cooking and preparing food and serving them to customers in a timely manner. There are a host of other benefits of creating a tailor-made commercial kitchen design. Most of all, it will set your restaurant business up for success. If you have a question or want to know about how it works, reach out to one of our specialists at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
It requires a lot of time and effort to properly set up a commercial kitchen. If you plan to run your restaurant successfully, you should pay serious attention to the maintenance of all the equipment, systems and appliances fitted in the commercial kitchen. Whether it is the cleaning of the cooking equipment or the cleaning of the hood exhaust system, it should all be done in an effective manner. With timely commercial kitchen equipment maintenance and cleaning, you will be able to avoid many kinds of issues and run your restaurant business in a hassle-free manner. By doing so, you will minimize the risk of safety hazards, keep the environment fresh and welcoming and remain compliant with the fire safety and building codes.
If you are a restaurant owner or manager, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss all those practical tips and recommendations that you should follow in order to maintain all your commercial kitchen equipment in a proper manner while enhancing the safety and well being of your employees and visitors.
Keeping all the equipment and systems in your commercial kitchen will bring you a host of benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of a neat, clean and well-maintained restaurant kitchen facility.
Lower your utility bills
Avoid unanticipated breakdows
Maintain quality and taste of food
Prolong equipment lifespan
Increase resale value of equipment
Keep workers and guests safe
Stay code-compliant
Grease deposits are very common in large kitchens. If not cleaned in time, the kitchen equipment and machines will gather grease buildup over time, leading to a risk of dangerous flare-ups. That is why you should seriously focus on maintaining the entire areas of the restaurant kitchen in a proper manner and schedule routine cleaning of all the systems, equipment and machines. As an essential part of the overall maintenance, you need to get the fire suppression system, fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers properly inspected, tested and repaired.
For detailed explanation of these benefits, feel free to reach out to one of our specialists at APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our company specializes in the professional cleaning and maintenance of restaurant kitchens.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
It is crucial to keep the cleaning and maintenance standards for your commercial kitchen high at all times. This will be the proof of your commitment to providing the best and safest environment to employees and guests. In fact, you should keep your kitchen and the dining area sparkling clean, so that everyone is safe and you build a solid reputation as a restaurant business.
When it comes to kitchen equipment cleaning tips, our professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO, have to offer you some practical advice and suggestions in order to help you with the maintenance task.
Daily Cleaning Routines
Cleaning after each shift ends is a good practice that everyone in your restaurant facility should follow. The list of tasks that should be done on an everyday basis must include daily cleaning as well. Most of all, you need to get rid of the flow of food odors, which continues to become heavy, one shift after another. At first glance, daily cleaning may look like a lot of work. But once you divide this among workers into all stations, this will feel like a breeze.
It is important to understand that one dirty kitchen area will affect other areas. That is why every area and station requires urgent attention for proper cleaning on an everyday basis and maintaining high standards.
When you want to create a cleaning checklist for restaurant equipment maintenance, you should create a separate list for all cleaning tasks that should be completed on a daily basis. You should aim to get these tasks done at the end of a shift or at the end of the day. Some daily basis cleaning tasks for a commercial kitchen include wiping down all prep area surfaces and cooking equipment and appliances. Get rid of splatters from the surfaces of stoves and refrigerators. For cleaning the equipment, you may need to use a good quality oven and grill cleaner. Whether it is cooking utensils, dishtowels, aprons, uniforms or the dining dishes and glassware, they should all be washed and sanitized at the end of a shift in a proper manner.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
Regular maintenance is a highly useful practice that will keep your restaurant kitchen safe for work and dining. When it comes to restaurant equipment maintenance, you should pay attention to all the heavy-duty machines and systems that your facility is outfitted with. Tasks such as wiping down the griddles and grills, cleaning the burners and checking the grease filters should be an important part of the overall regular maintenance tasks for the facility.
Fryers are used to serve huge quantities of fried foods to guests on a regular basis. It is essential to regularly maintain the fryers by extracting dirty oil from the equipment, cleaning the fry baskets and combustion fans as well as checking for gas leaks. Ranges should be regularly maintained, as these are one of most used appliances in a large commercial kitchen. Clean the burners and grates and clean the ranges, particularly the rear of the ranges by moving it. Your regular maintenance tasks should include checking and inspecting all fridges and freezers.
While you focus on maintaining the commercial kitchen equipment and machines, you should not forget the floor maintenance. Use a degreaser to remove grease and oil on the floors. Watch out for any kind of cracks or bumps in the floor. Keep a close watch on the functioning of the floor drains.
Deep Cleaning Procedures
Basic daily cleaning and deep cleaning are two different things. While your own workers and staff can handle the daily cleaning, deep cleaning procedures will require hiring trained professionals. Deep cleaning a commercial kitchen is a detailed procedure, which requires both training and experience. Since the staff in your facility don’t have this kind of training and expertise, you will need to reach out to a commercial restaurant hood cleaning expert in your area.
Since deep cleaning is not general cleaning, it gets rid of all the dirt and debris in every nook and cranny of the commercial kitchen. This is something that general everyday cleaning cannot achieve.
One of the biggest benefits of deep cleaning is that it takes the overall hygiene of the kitchen facility to the next level. Professionals invest time and effort into these elaborate procedures to clean and degrease the entire restaurant kitchen including cleaning the grease filters, ducting system, ovens, microwave, refrigeration units and all the ceilings, walls and floors as well. Conducting deep cleaning in your commercial kitchen prevents the risks of food-borne illnesses and helps you maintain safety and remain compliant to fire safety and building codes. Plus, it eliminates different kinds of pests that might have taken shelter in the kitchen.
To schedule the deep cleaning of your restaurant kitchen, reach out to one of our professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our services include kitchen equipment cleaning, commercial HVAC system maintenance, pressure washing services, commercial hood cleaning, fan service etc.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problems with kitchen machinery can arise anytime. However, many of these problems can be avoided by focusing on daily cleaning and regular maintenance of all the cooking equipment and appliances. However, there are some common issues that can still pop up in a kitchen facility. So, it is a great idea to stay aware of them and find out how you can troubleshoot them immediately.
Some common kitchen issues include:
Overheating of cooking equipment
Fryer temperature problem
Warewashers not functioning properly
Clogged sinks and drains
Refrigeration issues
Overheating of the cooker is a common issue in commercial kitchens. You can get rid of this issue by keeping the filters and vents clean. For issues with the fryer, it is a good idea to use an external thermostat. This will help you monitor oil heat on a regular basis. If the commercial warewasher in the kitchen is not cleaning dishes in a proper manner, this could be due to a faulty spray arm or a clogged filter. Likewise, you may experience a number of other common issues, which you can troubleshoot fast and easily with some basic knowledge and training.
If you want expert tips on troubleshooting common issues in your restaurant kitchen, cafeteria or cooking facility, feel free to talk to one of our highly trained professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
Tips for Extending Equipment Lifespan
Setting up a commercial kitchen or a food service business is a big investment. It is crucial that you plan and take steps that will extend the lifespan of all the expensive cooking equipment in your facility.
If you want all your cooking equipment to last longer, you should keep a few crucial tips in mind. First, you should always rely on expertly trained professionals for the proper and correct installation of all the equipment. Second, you should perform regular cleaning and maintenance of all the kitchen machinery, equipment and appliances. Third, you should arrange for staff training and education so that they are ready for the proper use of each and every equipment. Most of all, you should invest in high quality kitchen equipment and systems.
For extending equipment lifespan, it is also important to keep abreast of the latest technologies and upgrade the equipment and systems as your needs evolve with time to fulfill changing customer requirements.
Specific Equipment Maintenance Tips
The cooking equipment is the core of your restaurant. In order to keep all the equipment and machinery efficient and functional, you should follow some of the most useful maintenance tips given below.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Cleaning of the interior and exterior of the refrigeration units and freezers should never be ignored. You should clean the condenser coil and the evaporator coil and check the gaskets on a regular basis. See to it that the fridge’s air filters are ventilating in a proper manner. Keep the refrigerators dry.
Ovens and Ranges
Remove crumbs and splatters from the surface. Clean the interiors and the cooktop burners on a regular basis. Check out if there are any grease deposits on the fans and remove if there are. If these are specialized ovens, take the help of an experienced person for its proper cleaning. Create a monthly cleaning routine for the range hood filters to avoid unexpected issues.
Grills and Griddles
The best practice is to empty and clean the grease drawer at the end of every shift. The griddles will need deep cleaning on a weekly basis. Also, don’t forget to remove the surface oils if they are present.
Fryers
Don’t let the deep fat fryers in your kitchen become a fire hazard. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to properly clean and maintain this cooking equipment. In addition to routine cleaning, get the fryers inspected by a trusted restaurant cleaning company at least once in a year.
Dishwashers
Get rid of food residue from the commercial dishwasher. Clean the exterior and see if there are any leaks. Drain the dishwasher in a proper manner. If the drain is clogged, unclog and clean it on a regular basis. Make sure the spray nozzles are clean and use the right detergent for washing.
Slicers and Mixers
After the end of each shift, clean and sanitize the slicers in a proper manner. This is very important from the viewpoint of food safety. Always use a clean slicer when you are going to serve a food item raw. Clean every component of the mixer and examine the electrical wiring of the equipment.
Coffee and Beverage Machines
Clean the coffee brewing unit and examine the steam pressure. Clean the water tank and sanitize it as well. See if the grinder settings are correct. Don’t ignore the outside of the machines. Use a lint-free cloth to clean and wide the exterior of the coffee and beverage machines.
If you have a question about specific restaurant equipment maintenance, APS Hoods in Denver, CO, is the right place to get it answered. Our professionals will explain well and equip you with valuable tips.
Staff Training and Education
For a smooth functioning of your commercial kitchen, you should ensure your workers and staff are trained and educated in the correct use and proper maintenance of all the cooking equipment and appliances.
You should educate your staff on food safety, food storage, and food-borne illnesses. When you run a restaurant business, you need to ensure all your kitchen staff understand the crucial value of food hygiene. Train your employees in everyday cleaning and sanitation of the commercial kitchen equipment. Provide them training on food handling and storage in a proper manner.
Still Have a Question?
Hopefully, these tips on commercial kitchen equipment maintenance, deep cleaning procedures for kitchen equipment and extending equipment lifespan will help you run your restaurant business in a hassle-free manner. If you still have any questions or want to schedule your commercial restaurant hood cleaning, reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. You can either give us a phone call or write to us an email using the enquiry form given on our website.
Commercial kitchens use a wide range of heavy-duty cooking equipment and appliances that create plenty of heat and smoke. Unlike regular kitchens, these kitchens are designs in accordance with the current fire safety and building codes and strict sanitary standards. One of the key requirements for setting up and smoothly running a large restaurant kitchen is proper ventilation. If you already run a commercial or community kitchen, you should pay serious attention to its proper maintenance and cleaning by trained professionals. If your cooking facility is well-ventilated, you will be able to create a safe, comfortable and healthy environment for employees to work and guests to have a wonderful dining experience.
As a responsible restaurant owner and cooking facility manager, you should understand the importance of proper commercial kitchen ventilation and make sure the entire space remains free from heat, smoke and odor.
Inside a commercial kitchen, the air often gets contaminated with smoke, grease and other pollutants. Particularly, contaminants are produced when the kitchen fuel continues to burn for hours on end. That is exactly why every large, commercial kitchen requires a high quality HVAC system. The role of kitchen exhaust systems is to keep the indoor air fresh and contaminant-free.
The success of a restaurant or dining center depends on the kind of environment it provides for workers and guests. Cleanliness is extremely important for a commercial kitchen to function in a proper manner. If you keep the kitchen well-ventilated, you will keep the entire area free from contaminated air. If the contaminants are not removed and the indoor air is not fresh, this kind of environment is going to create potential safety hazards for everyone in the facility. You need to install a ventilation system in order to improve kitchen air quality. A proper ventilation system will regularly function to make the kitchen environment suitable for workers.
Installing a ventilation system will not just improve the air quality in the kitchen, but it will also keep the environment of the dining area fresh and free from different kinds of odors and smells. If you have a restaurant, cooking facility or cafeteria in Denver, CO, you should reach out to one of our specialists at APS Hoods and find out more about local health codes and regulations.
Dangers of Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation will take a toll on people and business. If you run a restaurant, cafeteria or community kitchen, you should definitely remain fully aware of the dangers of poor quality ventilation. Let us take you through the health and safety risks associated with poor kitchen ventilation.
Health Risks
Commercial cooking facilities produce so much smoke, heat and grease that the indoor kitchen air becomes contaminated. If the indoor air quality continues to be poor, it is going to pose health risks to workers.
Continued exposure to commercial kitchen contaminants can lead to a wide range of health problems for workers. Headaches, dizziness, eye irritation and respiratory illnesses are some of the problems contaminated indoor air can cause. It is your obligation to provide complete safety and protection to your employees as well as diners. Increased health risks will ultimately affect the operational efficiency of your restaurant business and your bottomline.
Fire Hazards
One of the major dangers of ineffective commercial kitchen ventilation is the risk of fire hazards. Without proper exhaust hood cleaning and maintenance, grease and other air-borne contaminants will continue to deposit inside the hood filters and the ductwork of the HVAC system. This grease build up is one big reason for the origin and spread of kitchen fire, causing loss of property and even human lives. Therefore, it is crucial that you build and maintain your restaurant and commercial kitchen as per the fire safety codes and regulations in your area.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Not staying code-compliant can bring a lot of trouble for restaurant and commercial kitchen businesses. It is mandatory to adhere to all the fire safety codes and building codes applicable for the area where you have the facility. If it is found during inspections that you are up to code, you may find yourself caught up in legal tangles, which can drain your energy, time and money.
In the worst case, you may have to pay a heavy penalty for violating the necessary code or even close your business altogether.
If you are in search of a company that specializes in restaurant hood installation and kitchen ventilation maintenance, head over to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our experts will answer all your questions with full clarity so that you are fully aware of the dangers and take the right steps to avoid them.
Benefits of Proper Ventilation
There are several advantages of a well-ventilated restaurant kitchen. But you need to invest in a high quality ventilation system that is ideal for the day-to-day needs of the type of restaurant you have. You need to consider some essential factors before you make a decision on getting a vent hood system installed in your facility. For this, you need to have an expert by your side or rely on a company that specializes in creating various types of kitchen ventilation design.
Odor Control
Owing to a wide variety of cooking and food preparation, the kitchen gets filled with smells and odors. In the absence of a high quality HVAC system, the odor will linger inside the kitchen and travel outside as workers come in and go out. As a result of this, the odors will reach the dining area as well.
If you plan to provide guests with an unforgettable experience, you should not just create a wonderful ambiance, but you should also keep the dining area free from all kinds of food odor and smells. That is exactly where the role of a right type of and properly installed vent hood system comes into play. HVAC systems for restaurants can be custom-designed as per your specific requirements. If you are in search of a kitchen hood design company, you should reach out to APS Hoods, which caters to the needs of restaurant facilities all over Denver, CO.
Improved Air Quality
Maintaining proper ventilation throughout the kitchen area and the entire restaurant is essential for improved air quality. HVAC systems for restaurants are designed to perform exactly that function.
Installation of an HVAC system is a surefire way to circulating proper ventilation through all the areas of the restaurant, cafeteria or community kitchen. The role of an HVAC system is a crucial one, as it doesn’t just keep the commercial kitchen and all the other rooms well-ventilated, but it actually promotes air circulation and keeps the temperature under control. But when it comes to building a commercial kitchen ventilation system that is a perfect match for your needs. Whether it is the installation of the pollution control units, kitchen exhaust systems or restaurant hood installation, you should get it all done by seasoned professionals. Having experts by your side means the project will be done right first time and completed within the given timeframe, while abiding by all the local codes, terms and regulations.
Increased Energy Efficiency
There are multiple reasons for high energy bills. If your energy consumption is failing to stop, poor kitchen ventilation can be a major reason. To reduce energy bills, you should definitely reach out to a kitchen hood installation company and have their experts custom-design an HVAC system for your restaurant and commercial kitchen according to your specific needs.
Enhanced Kitchen Efficiency and Productivity
Work productivity is of utmost importance, no matter what type of business. When you are running a large, commercial kitchen, you should make sure the productivity levels of your employees are high.
For enhanced productivity, you must give your kitchen workers a safe and comfortable environment to work in. This further stresses the need for installing a proper commercial kitchen ventilation system. Fitted with a top quality and highly efficient HVAC system, your facility will make working for employees easy and fast. This will boost their productivity levels.
Compliance with Local Codes
One of the key benefits of maintaining proper ventilation in your restaurant means you will remain code-compliant.
Adherence to local health codes and regulations is crucial in order to operate a large kitchen or restaurant in a hassle-free manner. First, you need to familiarize yourself with all the local building and fire safety codes and then get your kitchen ventilation design developed in accordance with the same.
Key Components of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems
A commercial kitchen ventilation system is made up of several components. When it comes to developing an exhaust hood system, professionals will work on each of the key components and assemble them together in an accurate manner so as to deliver the best performance on a daily basis.
Essential ventilation system components include:
Exhaust Fans
Range Hoods
Hood Filters
Make Up Air Systems
Ductwork
Before investing in a ventilation system, you should evaluate the exact needs of your commercial kitchen or community kitchen in a proper manner. Your system will be up to par only when it is ideal for your needs and has been designed by seasoned engineers such as those from APS Hoods.
Choosing the Right Ventilation System for Your Kitchen
If you are not an expert yourself, selecting the right kind of kitchen ventilation design and restaurant fire suppression systems can prove to be quite daunting. This is where you will need the help of a professional.
All ventilation systems installed in kitchens and dining centers are not the same in design, features and quality. Based on your needs, you will need to invest in the right kind of system as well as get it installed by expertly trained technicians. Whether it is the exhaust hood systems, hood design, rooftop equipment or the fire protection system, you need to choose it all correctly.
For expert advice on which HVAC system to install, reach out to one of our specialists. Our professionals will equip you with genuine and unbiased advice to help you make the right decision.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Ventilation Systems
All ventilation systems required regular cleaning and maintenance, no matter what type or size a system is. When you get a vent hood system professionally installed, the technician will explain every crucial detail, so that its cleaning and maintenance is never ignored or delayed. Timely ventilation system maintenance, repair and replacement will not only keep the entire system functioning in a smooth manner, but it will also extend the lifespan of all the components. In any case, don’t forget to ask the technician for some valuable maintenance tips. Following some simple but effective tips will help you a great deal in maintaining the kitchen systems.
At APS Hoods, we provide commercial kitchen ventilation installation as well as expert cleaning and maintenance of the system. If you have a question in this connection, feel free to get in touch with us.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have by now understood the importance of having proper ventilation in the commercial kitchen and throughout the dining rooms and other areas of the restaurant. It is crucial to invest in a high quality and ideal type of vent hood system in order to remove steam, heat, smoke and odor from the kitchen in a proper manner and create a fresh and healthy environment for employees and guests. If you are in search of ventilation design specialists in Denver, CO, APS Hoods is the ideal destination to fulfill all your installation needs. Plus, we have highly trained technicians to carry out fast repairs and replacements of the equipment. Our aim is to help you have the best ventilation design for your exact needs.
Our range of commercial kitchen services include installation of HVAC systems for restaurants, ductwork installation, exhaust hood cleaning, range hood repair and replacement, vent hood system maintenance, fan service etc. For your free consultation, you should give our office a phone call or write us an email using the contact form given on our website.
If you operate a restaurant or commercial kitchen, it is your foremost duty to keep it neat and clean at all times. It is not just the interiors where your focus should be. But a tidy exterior is also equally important. Many restaurant owners give more focus to the interiors and ignore the exteriors. If you plan to make your restaurant come alive with a fresh and clean environment, you should keep it clean both inside and outside. Though you can use many techniques for restaurant cleaning, vent hood cleaning and wall and floor cleaning, power washing is one of the most effective of all techniques. Using this method, you will be able to clean up a large area quickly while also reaching those areas that are usually hard to reach.
In this article, we will discuss how you can use power washing or high pressure washing to keep your restaurant and commercial kitchens thoroughly neat and clean and create an appealing look for visitors.
All cleaning methods are conducted using water. Some methods consume more water while others consume less. It is a common misconception among restaurant owners and managers that high pressure washing systems require the use of a huge amount of water. However, the truth is exactly the opposite; power washing helps you clean more effectively with less water.
Water is a precious gift and it must be saved as much as possible. The technology behind power washing or high pressure washing is designed in order to reduce the consumption of water in cleaning.
If you have been using other commercial kitchen cleaning methods till now, it is time to turn to power washing. No matter which part or area of the facility you want to clean, high pressure washing does it all with a high degree of effectiveness. Pressure washers are designed to carry out grease trap cleaning, restaurant hood cleaning, trash chute cleaning, kitchen cleaning, wall cleaning, floor cleaning etc. In fact, this precision method is used to clean both the inside and the outside of a restaurant, cooking facility or commercial building. It is only that you are aware of how to perform pressure washing in a proper manner. Only experienced professionals will be able to conduct restaurant cleaning using high pressure washing.
To find out more about how power washing will be carried out in a large kitchen, cooking facility, restaurant or cafeteria, feel free to reach out to one of our specialists at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
Benefits of Power Washing for Restaurant Owners
Power washing has a host of benefits to offer to restaurant and commercial kitchen owners. It is one of those cleaning methods that serves all in one cleaning purpose. This means you can use high pressure washing to clean every bit of your facility, right from the parking lot and entrance to the dining areas and the kitchen interiors. Not only that, power washing can do a lot more.
For restaurant owners, unwanted markings on the outside walls is a constant pain. But you don’t have to worry at all, as power washing will take care of everything. No matter where you have these graffiti, you can remove them all with the help of power washing tools and techniques.
Restaurant owners often wonder about how to remove different kinds of graffiti on their walls. You may have these unwanted markings on concrete, wood or metal. Feel confident that high pressure washing is powerful enough to help you get rid of all kinds of graffiti and even older markings. In fact, you will be able to get the task done in half the time of what it usually takes. Adding some natural additives to water and then spraying it via a power washer is a proven and highly effective technique to clean up the exterior walls and remove all graffiti.
Wash Exterior Signage
It is crucial to keep the exterior signage of your restaurant clean. It is a part of the first impression that you make on visitors. However, restaurant owners often miss out on this element when carrying out restaurant kitchen cleaning. One of the reasons behind this is that the signage is difficult to reach.
Just because you find it hard to reach the exterior signage doesn’t mean you will ignore cleaning it. If you use the right method for commercial restaurant cleaning, you will be able to reach every area and surface, not just outside the facility but also inside it. High pressure washing is one method that helps you perform thorough cleaning outside and inside the restaurant. Equipped with the right set of tools, you will be able to easily reach, wash and clean the exterior signage of your facility. Pressure washing lances and spray water guns are highly effective tools to carry out exterior cleaning. All you need to do is use the right wand extension in order to reach the signage without any kind of difficulty at all.
Once the exterior signage is sparkling clean, it will look professional to every visitor and diner to your restaurant. Most of all, it will increase the confidence of visitors to enter and eat in your facility. Having neat and clean signage sends a clear signal that you genuinely care about cleanliness.
Clean Sidewalks and Parking Lots
If you care about cleanliness in a genuine way, you should show it to visitors and guests the moment they step into your facility. Neat and clean sidewalks and parking lots play a crucial role in making a good, positive impression about your business. Pressure washing proves effective at this task.
Many restaurant owners often ignore the proper cleaning of the sidewalks and the parking lot. Dirty and stained spaces leave a negative impression on the minds of the restaurant visitors. That is why you should never oil spills, grease and excessive dust and dirt on the sidewalks and in the parking area. Use surface cleaners to wash and clean all these areas. Most of all, use pressure washing tools and techniques to get rid of stubborn stains and chemicals.
Proper cleaning and maintenance will not only make the sidewalks and parking lots look good, but it will also extend the longevity of the flooring material. Welcome your visitors into a fresh and clean environment.
Clean Dumpster Areas
Trash receptacles and dumpster areas should never be missed out. When it comes to restaurant pressure washing, one of the most neglected areas is the dumpster area. It is very important to clean the inside and outside of the dumpster corrals as well as the space surrounding it. Due to spills around the dumpster area, a lot of pests and insects get attracted. If not cleaned on a regular basis, the dumpster area will soon turn into a breeding ground of several pests.
Bad smells from the trash receptacles and dumpster areas can linger around in the air and spread to other areas of the restaurant. This will create hygiene issues and the risk of health hazards.
That is why it is extremely important to keep a watch on the overall maintenance of the garbage receptacle and dumpster corrals. Power washing is a highly effective method to clean up this area. This type of cleaning will remove all the dirt, grease and other spills while keeping pests and insects away. By using the right power washer as well as a liquid degreaser, you will be able to keep the dumpster area looking good without having any bad odor lingering around. To find out more on high pressure washing the dumpster area in your restaurant facility, you should get in touch with one of our experts at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
Power Washing the Commercial Kitchen and Interior Areas
After the cleaning of exteriors is done, it is time to power-wash the interior areas of the restaurant and the commercial kitchen. A commercial kitchen consists of several appliances and equipment. Each of these items require focused attention in order to ensure thorough cleanup.
Interior areas cleaning include:
Kitchen cleaning
Vent hood cleaning
Vent cleaning
Grease trap cleaning
Trash chute cleaning
Duct cleaning
Wall cleaning
Floor cleaning
Pressure-washing the interiors of the restaurant requires a great deal of experience and skills. Not using the right tools and cleaning in an incorrect manner can lead to improper cleaning and lead to damage.
Right from Range hood filters and hood ducts to kitchen equipment and ovens, each of these require proper degreasing and cleaning. In a commercial kitchen, grease buildup is very common. If the grease deposits are not washed and cleaned properly, this can lead to potential fire hazards. Unless power washing tools are used, it can be difficult to degrease the hood and other appliances. All restaurant cleaning should be done in a manner that is completely safe.
Using power washing surface cleaners, you can wash all the walls and floors inside the restaurant and commercial kitchen. Power washing is a proven method to keep the interiors of your facility clean and safe.
Power Washing Tips You Can Use
If you lack prior knowledge and experience, you are not yet ready to operate power washing tools. Power or high pressure washing is a specialized method to get rid of grease deporits, oil spills, stubborn stains, excessive dust etc. Not operating it correctly and safely can lead to serious injuries.
First of all, you should know about how different nozzle tips work. There are nozzles with 40 degrees, 25 degrees, 15 degrees etc. Based on your specific needs, you will need to use different nozzles with wide tips, narrow tips, very narrow tips etc. Different nozzles are needed to remove grime on the concrete surface and to remove stains on a metal surface. The red power washer (zero-degree) nozzles should never be used close up on any type of surface.
Before you can operate the power washing tools, you will need to understand the function of various nozzle tips.
High pressure washing tools are available in two models: gas powered and electric powered. Usually, gas pressure washers are considered to be more powerful than the electric ones. However, gas-powered pressure washers are also known to make more noise than the electric-powered ones. That is why it is very important to select the right type of power washer for your needs.
Most of all, anyone who operates power washers should be fully aware of how powerful these machines are. If handled in the wrong way, these machines can inflict serious wounds and injuries. Before starting to use the machine, the operator should dress himself or herself in proper safety gear, which includes eye protection, ear protection, boots, hand gloves, long sleeves etc. You can never handle or operate power washing tools without training and experience. These machines, if operated incorrectly, can damage doors, windows and screens.
Always hire experienced technicians to perform power washing to clean your restaurant, cafeteria, commercial kitchen or cooking facility inside-out. Professionals will first do all the prep work, use the machines correctly and adjust the spray angles as required while adhering to all the safety guidelines.
Talk to a Commercial Restaurant Cleaning Expert
Cleaning and maintaining a restaurant or large kitchen in a proper manner requires seeking the help of trained professionals. If you plan to select the right power washing products and carry out high pressure washing in a proper and correct manner, you should head over to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our technicians are quite well-versed with the use of all kinds of power washer tools and carry specialization in commercial kitchen cleaning, restaurant hood cleaning, vent hood cleaning, duct cleaning, grease trap cleaning, trash chute cleaning, wall cleaning, floor cleaning etc. Plus, we provide hvac installation and repair services.
For your free consultation, feel free to talk to one of our highly trained and experienced restaurant cleaning specialists via a phone call. You can also write to us an email using the contact form given on our website.
One of the most crucial responsibilities of a restaurant owner or building manager is to pay attention to the proper functioning of the HVAC systems. A commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system is made up of various elements and components. If any of these parts of a unit has an issue, it can affect the efficiency of the entire system and can even lead to total failure. This, in turn, can disrupt business and drive clients away. If you operate a restaurant, commercial kitchen or a food service center, you should always make sure your HVAC system functions to its fullest potential. But how exactly do you keep HVAC machines in good health? In this article, we will discuss that and a lot more.
Being a commercial HVAC system specialist, we at APS Hoods possess an in-depth knowledge of how these systems function and how you should care for the units to keep getting the best results. Our services also include hood exhaust cleaning, grease trap cleaning, HVAC installation, HVAC repair etc.
When running a restaurant or large kitchen, you constantly need to maintain better indoor air quality and regulate the indoor temperature. Composed of heating units, ventilation system and air-conditioning units, the HVAC performs a crucial role by providing a safe and comfortable environment to both kitchen employees and guests in the dining area. HVAC systems are complex machines, designed to keep large areas well-ventilated and fresh. That is why you should seek the help of trained professionals for HVAC installation, service and repair.
Every restaurant or cooking facility is different, and it requires custom-made HVAC machines for high efficiency and use on a regular basis. Some of the key benefits of these machines and units are as follows.
Control and regulate indoor temperature
Improve indoor air quality
Reduce energy consumption
Improve work environment
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations
When running a restaurant, it is your first priority as the owner or the manager to give workers a safe and comfortable work environment. By installing commercial HVAC systems, you will protect your employees against different kinds of health hazards and increase their productivity levels. Once you have these machines installed in a proper manner, you should give them proper maintenance in a timely manner to avoid any kind of major issues or sudden system failure.
At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we specialize in HVAC installation, HVAC repair, HVAC make up air and HVAC balancing as well as in commercial kitchen cleaning and restaurant hood cleaning among others. To find out more about our services, get in touch with one of our professionals.
How to Keep the Efficiency of Your HVAC Units at Maximum Levels
Maintaining HVAC systems properly can be difficult. Equipped with some useful tips, you can ensure the HVAC machines installed in your restaurant kitchen functions at their peak efficiency levels. Here are some proven tips to help you get the most out of your heating, ventilation and AC units.
#1. Be Proactive about Maintenance
After the installation of your HVAC machine, you should create a proper schedule for its regular maintenance. Many restaurant owners seek HVAC services for maintenance only when an issue arises. However, this is not the right approach, if you plan to get the best results from your heating and air conditioning system. A proactive approach is always the best advice in this regard.
Instead of waiting for a problem to come up and then get the maintenance done, you should give your HVAC units proactive maintenance. This means you should plan a maintenance schedule as soon as you get the units installed in your restaurant kitchen or commercial building. Regular maintenance brings facility managers a number of benefits such as keeping your energy costs down as well as avoiding unexpected failures or outages. Most of all, scheduled maintenance will help you avoid major problems and expensive repairs as a result.
Here is a quick look at what regular HVAC maintenance includes:
Checking and cleaning blower assembly
Replacing filters
Replacing fan belts
Cleaning combustion blower housing
Hood exhaust cleaning
Grease trap cleaning
Trash chute cleaning
Vent hood and duct cleaning
Cleaning condenser coils
Cleaning drain lines
Cleaning fan blades
Cleaning burner assembly
HVAC make up air
HVAC balancing
These are part of a routine preventative maintenance. Every HVAC unit requires proper attention and maintenance. Since these are complex machines, you should get its repair and maintenance carried out only by highly trained and experienced technicians such as those from APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Professionals carry deep knowledge and expertise in cleaning and maintaining each key element of components of the heating, ventilation and AC units. Right from cleaning and inspecting to testing and lubricating all components, our technicians will carry out the entire maintenance in a careful and detailed manner.
#2. Keep a Watch on Energy Consumption
One of the key tips to keep your HVAC machines in good health is to monitor the consumption of energy on a regular basis. If you struggle with constantly increasing energy bills, you should take it as a warning sign and find out if your HVAC system has problems, as soon as possible.
Every system requires regular upkeep and maintenance. Your HVAC machines are no different. Even if you have installed the high quality units, the system will stop giving peak performance without regular maintenance. Just by getting regular upkeep by professionals, you can save up to 20% on your energy bills. Trained technicians conduct a thorough inspection of each element of the HVAC system and understand exactly how much energy the system is consuming. Finally, the technicians find out the issues and carry out maintenance and repair in order to increase energy efficiency. As a result, your energy bills go down.
Therefore, never let your energy bills rise simply because of poor or delayed HVAC maintenance. As soon as you see energy consumption go up, reach out to us for an inspection of the units in your facility.
#3. Conduct Regular HVAC Inspections
One of the best ways to ensure highly efficient functioning of your HVAC is to conduct inspections on a regular basis. Most of all, regular audits or inspections will keep costly repairs away. Since these machines are made up of several intricate components, the inspection will help you find out if there is anything wrong with these parts and fix them before major problems can arise.
During a routine inspection, the technician will take a closer and detailed look at the inner workings of the HVAC system.
Checking HVAC controls
Checking refrigerant levels
Checking electrical connections
Checking thermostat
Inspecting wiring
Cleaning condensation drains
Cleaning drip pans
Checking motors and switches
In fact, the technician will inspect each and every key component of the HVAC system including both the indoor and outdoor units. Usually, the technician also cleans and replaces HVAC coils during the audit.
How frequently you should get the inspections done depends on exactly what size and type of commercial HVAC you use. It is ideal to get it done at the interval of every three months. If you are not sure about your exact needs, you should definitely consult one of our HVAC system specialists at APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Based on your specific needs, our professionals will recommend the best frequency and schedule for carrying out the inspections of your systems.
#4. Create a Predictive Maintenance Plan
It is always smart to address problems before they happen. If you plan to maintain the peak health of your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, you should create and execute a predictive maintenance plan.
Predictive maintenance planning is one of the most effective tips for restaurant owners to follow. This kind of maintenance means you will get advanced maintenance in order to detect components that might stop functioning. Predictive maintenance will give you adequate time to order the parts that need replacement. In this way, you will be able to avoid a number of serious safety hazards and keep your commercial kitchen workers safe as well. To do this, you can use an HVAC health tool to conduct diagnostic tests on your units and systems. Such a diagnosis will immediately make you aware of what might happen to the HVAC or any of its parts in the near future. The tool will also help you troubleshoot the problems.
Based on the results of the HVAC diagnosis tests, you can schedule the inspection and maintenance without any delay.
#5. Use an Energy Management System (EMS)
Run by computer-aided tools, an EMS or energy management system is a highly useful tool to monitor the performance of a wide range of commercial and industrial machines. If you want to keep a close watch on the performance and efficiency of the HVAC system in your facility, using an EMS is a great idea. The system is based on the latest AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology. Using this technology, the energy management system gathers valuable data about your systems including its use of energy and system issues. You can use this data to identify issues ahead of time and schedule HVAC repair and maintenance.
The use of an EMS helps you avoid costly repairs while ensuring your heating and ventilation systems perform with maximum efficiency continuously. Plus, this enables you to prolong the life of the equipment.
If your energy bills are constantly rising, using an EMS is an excellent idea to monitor the consumption of energy by your HVAC units and then reduce high consumption by taking the necessary steps. In fact, one of the major roles of an energy management system is to immediately increase cost savings. Using these advanced AI systems can help you bring down energy bills by up to 30%. Most of all, you will be able to keep your HVAC units at peak health as a result.
#6. Beware of Commercial HVAC Problems
It is a good idea to make yourself aware of the common issues that arise with a heating and ventilation system in a commercial facility. If you spot these problems and take remedial measures immediately, you will be able to turn them into major problems. Often, many facility and building managers ignore many of the common problems and deal with expensive repairs later.
Some of the common HVAC problems include short cycling, leaking refrigerant, dirty filters, dirty condenser coils, squeaking motor sound, unbalanced fan vibration, rattling sound from the blower etc.
Apart from these, there are many other common problems that can arise with your heating and air conditioning system from time to time. While you cannot avoid these minor issues, it is crucial to address them immediately. Preventative and predictive maintenance is a surefire way to keep most of these problems from happening and keep your HVAC units working at its maximum efficiency. To find out more about common commercial HVAC problems, feel free to get in touch with our expertly trained professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
#7. Seek the Help of a Professional
When it is about maintaining the health of your HVAC units, you should rely only on highly trained and experienced professionals. After reviewing your machines and units, professionals will assess the size and complexity of your commercial heating and air conditioning system and then suggest an ideal frequency for the regular and predictive maintenance. With an in-depth and customized maintenance plan, you will ensure that your HVAC system works at peak efficiency levels while you save costs and bring down your energy bills in a significant manner.
Many commercial kitchen owners and building managers wait for issues to arise and take action after something has happened. Instead of being one of them, you should plan good HVAC health in advance.
Talk to a Commercial HVAC Technician
Now that you have understood that commercial HVAC machines are robust, complex and sophisticated structures, you should make sure you give them proper attention and maintenance on a regular basis. If you operate a restaurant, commercial kitchen or food preparation facility in Denver, CO, you should head over to APS Hoods for all kinds of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning needs including HVAC installation, HVAC repair, HVAC maintenance, exhaust system cleaning, duct cleaning, vent hood cleaning, hood installation, restaurant kitchen cleaning etc.
For your free consultation, you should give our Denver office a phone call or write us an email using the contact form on our website.
Restaurants and commercial kitchens can’t operate without exhaust hoods. Exhaust or range hoods are an essential part of the kitchen setup. Since a restaurant produces a lot of grease, you need to install an exhaust hood system that is designed to fulfill your everyday needs. While the range hoods keep your restaurant safe and comfortable, it is crucial for you to clean and maintain the commercial kitchen hoods in a proper manner. By keeping your kitchen hoods clean, you will keep the restaurant running in a smooth manner and remain code-compliant.
At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we specialize in commercial kitchen and equipment cleaning. If you are unfamiliar with it, let us help you understand how commercial kitchen hood cleaning is carried out.
Why Commercial Kitchen Hoods Need Cleaning
Being a restaurant owner, you should know the importance of cleaning. But you should also remain fully aware of what could happen, if you do not clean and maintain your kitchen exhaust hoods on a regular basis. Given below are some of the key reasons why exhaust system cleaning is essential.
Fire Prevention: Restaurant fires can be very dangerous. Improper cleaning or failure to clean the exhaust hoods is one of key reasons behind restaurant fires. When range hoods are left uncleaned, they gather grease and grime, which increases the risk of fire in the kitchen manifolds. Greasy fires are difficult to control and can spread very fast. That is why the first step you should take is to prevent this fire from happening by keeping the kitchen hoods clean.
Insurance Liability: If the due date of your exhaust system inspection passes and the cleaning is not done, you will be solely responsible for any kind of damage that occurs due to fire breakout. The insurance company will not cover the losses caused due to the fire. If you plan to avoid this situation, you should get the inspection conducted by professionals in a timely manner.
Productivity: Vent hood cleaning is an essential part of the overall commercial kitchen maintenance procedure. If you keep the hoods clean, the maintenance task becomes easier. As a result, the kitchen remains free from heat, smoke and contaminated air, improving the indoor air quality. Most of all, clean range hoods mean your restaurant will have maximized function and the efficiency and productivity of the kitchen employees will increase as well.
Regular hood exhaust cleaning and grease trap cleaning will keep your restaurant functioning without any hassles or interruptions. You will keep both your employees safe, healthy and happy.
What are the Components of a Commercial Kitchen Hood?
A commercial kitchen hood consists of three main parts including Type I or Type II hood, the grease ductwork and an exhaust fan. The hoods are installed over the restaurant equipment to collect and remove grease.
The process of commercial hood cleaning is an elaborate one. A trained professional starts the procedure while following each step in a proper and safe manner. If an amateur or an untrained person performs the cleaning, he will expose himself to various types of hazards and might end up causing damage to the expensive kitchen equipment and appliances in the process. That is exactly why you should rely only on specialists for the job and get all the cleaning done correctly. Every part of the exhaust hood needs to be cleaned separately.
Restaurant hood cleaning involves exhaust hood cleaning, grease trap cleaning, hood filter cleaning, hood fan cleaning, grease duct cleaning and trash chute cleaning. If you have a question in this regard, feel free to talk to one of our experts at APS Hoods, which operates in Denver, CO.
Restaurant Hood Cleaning Procedure
Following the step-by-step process of hood cleaning ensures your restaurant remains free from different kinds of safety and fire hazards. The cleaning should be conducted exactly as per NFPA standards.
Exhaust Hood Cleaning
The function of an exhaust hood is to throw contaminated air out of the kitchen. If not cleaned and removed, the contaminants deposit in the vent hood system, resulting in poor ventilation and risk of fire.
In order to clean the range hoods, the technician first removes all the components. So, he will uninstall parts such as the grease traps, hood filters, exhaust fans etc. This ensures that the cleaning of every single component is done separately and in a proper and effective manner.
The technician prepares a cleaning solution by mixing the liquid degreaser and warm water in a bucket. Then, the cleaning of the hood interior starts. After scrubbing and wiping the interior, the professional starts cleaning the exteriors of the range hoods. In order to deliver a thorough clean, kitchen cleaning companies use a wide range of methods and tools during the process. At APS Hoods, we regularly perform commercial restaurant cleaning and vent hood cleaning and understand the varying needs of every cooking facility with absolute clarity. With our certified and trained technicians by your side, you can feel confident that the exhaust hood cleaning of your restaurant facility will be conducted with full professionalism.
Grease Trap Cleaning
Grease traps are installed in order to prevent greasy substances from getting into the ventilation and the sewage system.
There are different sizes of grease traps. So, the frequency of these devices depends on their actual size installed in a restaurant, cafeteria, dining center etc. If you neglect grease trap cleaning, these devices will start to overflow. This, in turn, will take a toll on the entire exhaust hood system.
In order to clean the grease trap, the technician first uninstalls it or removes it from the range hood. Then, the scrubbing and degreasing of this device is conducted. It is crucial to not let the removed grease deposit pass through the drain. In fact, all the greasy material should be collected in a container. After scrubbing, the grease traps are placed into a solution. After 10-15 minutes, the devices are taken out of the solution and then air-dried before reinstallation.
Kitchen Hood Filter Cleaning
Hood filters are a crucial part of the exhaust hood system. The role of these filters is to filter the air that is pushed through the hood system. In the absence or failure of these filters, grease will deposit inside the air ducts. This, in turn, could become a potential fire hazard creating risk for everyone working inside the kitchen as well as the visitors who come to dine in the restaurant.
Since hood filters catch and remove the particulate matter in the air, they need proper cleaning on a regular basis. When it comes to cleaning the kitchen hood filters, the technician will first uninstall the component from the range hood. Once separated from the unit, it becomes easy to clean the filters. Once the degreasing solution is ready, the technician puts the filters into it. Based on specific needs, the filters can be left to soak in the solution for several hours. After removal from the solution, the hood filters get scrubbed and rinsing until fully clean.
Before the filters are ready to reinstall, the technician makes sure the component is fully dry. Giving hood filters a thorough clean in a timely manner keeps the entire kitchen exhaust hood system in good shape.
Hood Fan Cleaning
Located inside the range hood, the exhaust hood fan pulls the air through the filter. So, the device plays a crucial role in getting rid of the heat, steam or smells from the commercial kitchen. It is due to these fans that the distribution and flow of the air in the kitchen remains balanced. Based on the type of exhaust hood system you have installed in your cooking facility, there may be a few or more fans inside the hood. It is very important to keep the hood fans clean, just like other components of the kitchen exhaust or range hood system.
To clean the hood fan, the professional uninstalls the device first. Once the fans are separated from the hood system, it becomes much easier to clean and degrease them in a proper manner.
After the fan blade covers are removed, the technician gets access to each one of the fan blades. Now, the fan blades are detached as well. In this way, the technician can clean each fan blade individually. If your hood system has several fans, it will be important to not fix up all the blades with one another. The technician leaves all the blades in the cleaning solution to soak. After soaking has been done, the fan blades are taken out the solution and left to dry. Once fully dried, the technician starts to reattach the hood fan blades, one after another.
Finally, the blower is put back into the kitchen hood for reinstallation. This is how the hood cleaning procedure is completed.
Kitchen Hood Duct Cleaning
All the hood ducts need thorough cleaning to function with maximum efficiency. Those docs that lie out of the range will be easy to clean. To properly clean all the ducts, you will need the help of experienced professionals. Trained technicians will clean all the ducts including the easily reachable ones as well as those that are hard to reach. Using the cleaning solution, the interiors and the exteriors of the hood ducts will be scrubbed and washed and cleaned.
Once duct cleaning has been completed, the ducts will be left to dry. To know more about the hood ducts and the methods used to clean them, get in touch with one of our professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
How Often Should Commercial Kitchen Hoods be Cleaned?
The frequency of hood cleaning varies from one type of restaurant to another. Many restaurants are required to carry out the exhaust hood cleaning at the interval of every three months. To find out the exact frequency, three key factors play a crucial role including the menu items, amount of cooking and the type of cooking equipment and appliances you use in the kitchen.
A monthly hood inspection is required for those restaurants that use solid fuel for cooking operations. Likewise, you may need to set up a monthly, quarterly, semi annual or annual hood cleaning schedule.
To find out more about the frequency of restaurant hood vent cleaning, reach out to one of our commercial cleanup experts. At APS Hoods, we will first evaluate the specific cleaning needs of your restaurant, bar, hotel, dining center, cooking facility etc. Then our experts will develop the most ideal cleaning schedule for your business to eliminate potential safety hazards and stay compliant to the fire safety codes as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association.
Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Services
A restaurant’s kitchen hood cleaning is different from general cleaning. If you lack the knowledge and experience to do the exhaust system cleaning yourself, you should seek the help of professional bar and restaurant cleaning services. Trained professionals specialize in commercial kitchen hood cleaning and carry out the procedure while abiding by all the necessary codes and regulations. Professionals will use the right set of tools as well as correct methods to properly clean every component of the exhaust hood system installed in your kitchen.
In addition to cleaning, you can hire a restaurant cleaning company for the inspection and maintenance of hood systems too. To get more details on these services, get in touch with one of our specialists.
Still Have a Question?
If you are a restaurant owner, you should never ignore or delay the inspection and cleaning of your exhaust hood system. Uncleaned hoods create serious safety hazards, putting the safety and health of your employees and guests at risk and putting you in violation of the essential codes. If you have an additional question or want to schedule restaurant hood cleaning in Denver, CO, reach out to APS Hoods. Our bar and restaurant cleaning services are designed to help you run your business smoothly by eliminating potential risks of fire hazards.
For your free consultation, you can reach our Denver office via a phone call or write to us an email using the contact form.
Along with APS Hoods, we also run Hood Builder and Nationwide Fire Protection to bring you all the restaurant design-related services in one place. For your free consultation with one of our specialists, you can either call our office phone number or write to us using the contact form.
The overall design of a restaurant and large kitchen has a massive impact on the staff and guests as well as the restaurant’s profitability. A great deal of planning goes behind how exactly all the cooking appliances and equipment will be arranged in the available space in order to make the kitchen both safe and comfortable for the employees to work in. During the construction of a restaurant, professionals pay serious attention and adhere to all the building and fire safety codes as prescribed by the local authorities. Whether it is the cooking appliances, water supply, drainage, heating and ventilation systems, every part and component of all the systems and units must be designed in a highly effective and accurate manner.
If you plan to build a new restaurant or remodel an existing one, you should reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, CO, a highly trusted company that specializes in commercial kitchen design, exhaust hood installation, HVAC installation, kitchen equipment cleaning, restaurant hood repair, duct repair etc.
Over the last one decade, the restaurant industry has evolved and come a long way. This is to keep pace with the changing demands of the customers as well as the changing codes, laws and regulations.
When you start designing and building a kitchen, the first thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with the recent developments in the restaurant and commercial kitchen industry. If you are up-to-date, it will become easier to build a restaurant and commercial kitchen that caters to the specific needs of the modern-day guests and keep the employees happy. Right from investing in the right type of commercial cooking appliances to the methods of installation, you should carry out every project with a focus on the changing needs. Food safety, food handling practices and waste management should be paid serious attention.
Not just design and construction, but the maintenance of all cooking appliances and equipment in the commercial kitchen is an important concern. That is exactly why it is crucial to work with those professionals who have deep expertise in building a large kitchen from the scratch level.
Designing a Restaurant Floor Plan
A restaurant floor plan contains all the details about the physical arrangement of the cooking appliances and equipment and all other components including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, freezers, mixers, slicers, range hoods, sinks, fire suppression systems, tables, chairs, entrance area, waiting area, windows, doors, emergency exits and a lot more. If you plan to design and construct a large kitchen, the planning stage is of utmost importance. Here, it is extremely important to understand that one size does not fit all, particularly when it comes to designing restaurants and commercial kitchens. Every floor is different and unique.
It is the job of experts to create an ideal floor plan for a restaurant based on the specific needs of that restaurant. Design engineers and professionals are quite well-versed as to how the space can be maximized and made functional and practical for a hassle-free working experience in the kitchen.
Most importantly, the floor plan should be designed in accordance with the building and safety codes. A commercial kitchen is designed for employees in the first place and the dining area for guests in the first place. When a restaurant is designed and constructed, the focus should remain on the needs of the average customer. Apart from APS Hoods, we operate two other sister companies including the Hood Builder and Nationwide Fire Protection to provide clients with a one-stop shop where they can get all services for building a commercial kitchen, completing all the technician works and installation and maintenance of all cooking appliances.
To find out more about what exactly a restaurant and commercial kitchen floor plan will be designed and what it will include, reach out to one of our highly trained professionals at APS Hoods in Denver, CO.
What Equipment You Need in a Commercial Kitchen
The kitchen is the core part of a restaurant. It is the kitchen where all the different types of foods are prepared and dishes are cooked. A commercial kitchen has a wide range of cooking appliances and equipment to perform different functions for proper cooking and food preparation. The actual selection of the kitchen equipment depends on what kind of menu you have for guests.
Here is a list of some of the most important appliances and equipment you will need in your large, commercial kitchen.
Ovens
The moment you think about a restaurant kitchen, oven is the first word that comes to your mind. Before you choose ovens, you should be clear about exactly what type of restaurant you plan to operate. There are both specific ovens as well as multipurpose ovens. It is important to understand that ovens occupy a lot of space inside a kitchen. That is why you need to pick the right size and quality of commercial oven. It is always best to go through online reviews and testimonials before you invest in the right type and brand of commercial ovens. Always go for oven brands that have a solid reputation for providing top quality for years.
With our professionals by your side, you will find it easy to select the right type, size and quality of ovens for your commercial kitchen.
Exhaust Hoods
The air inside a commercial kitchen becomes contaminated and polluted due to the production of a large amount of heat and smoke. The function of exhaust hoods is to throw the contaminated air out in order to maintain better air quality inside the kitchen. There are two main types of kitchen hoods including Type I and Type II. Based on what type of cooking will be done in your commercial kitchen, you will need to select either the Type I or Type II exhaust hoods.
Range hoods or exhaust hoods are one of the most crucial pieces of commercial kitchen equipment. Experts will custom-design exhaust foods to fit the exact needs and size of the cooking station.
Heating and Air Conditioning
A perfect commercial kitchen offers a fully safe and comfortable working environment for employees. Without proper heating and air-conditioning, working inside the kitchen will be extremely difficult and unsafe.
No matter what season or weather it is, a properly installed heating and air-conditioning system will create a safe working environment. However, setting up this entire system requires planning. The heating and air-conditioning system is designed as per the size and type of your kitchen. While correct installation is essential, it is also important to give the system regular maintenance.
Ventilation
Like you design and plan for everything else, you should also plan for kitchen ventilation in a proper manner. Since a lot of people work inside the kitchen, it becomes crowded as well as sweaty.
Using a high quality HVAC system, you will be able to take care of each including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning together. If your kitchen is well-ventilated, the indoor air quality will improve and offer employees a cool and comfortable working environment for the staff. When it comes to the ventilation hood installation, it is very important to carry out the entire project while following all codes and safety regulations. The vent hoods should also be powerful enough to pull out contaminated air and pull in fresh air without any hassle.
HVAC makeup air and ventilation air volume are important considerations during the design and installation of the vent hood system. At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we possess sound expertise in designing ventilation hood systems as well as provide HVAC service, HVAC repair and HVAC balancing. Feel free to get in touch with one of our experts to get more information.
Food Processors
Food processors are one of the most useful equipment placed in a restaurant kitchen. Whether it is chopping, slicing or blending, food processors make all these tasks feel like a breeze. When looking for these appliances, you will come across different types and varieties. Based on your exact needs, you should purchase the right type of food processors for your commercial kitchen. Some popular types of these processors include Batch bowl food processors, Continuous feed food processors, buffalo choppers etc. Over the years, the design of food processors has also evolved to maximize functions. When looking for these appliances, you should definitely take a look at the products’ horsepower ratings.
Slicers
When it comes to the selection of food slicers, you should take your menu into account. Without having slicers, the staff will have a hard time prepping food. You should always select the most ideal type of food slicers for your commercial kitchen. Slicers are available with different horsepower capacities. If you will do a great deal of slicing in your kitchen, go for high HP slicers.
Freezers and Refrigerators
Refrigerators are essential equipment for storing foods and ingredients. You will need a highly efficient refrigeration system both for storing food as well as managing your inventory. Freezers and refrigerators used in a large kitchen are commercial-grade. These refrigerators are designed to fulfill the specific needs of a commercial kitchen on an everyday basis. Depending on what type of restaurant you plan to build, you can choose either reach-in or walk-in refrigerators.
Walk-in refrigerators are custom-designed to suit the specific needs of large restaurant kitchens. To find out more about what type of refrigeration system will be best for your kitchen, you should seek the help of experts.
Commercial Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance
Building a large, commercial kitchen is a big investment. That is exactly why you need to pay serious attention to the proper cleaning and maintenance of every area, part and component of the restaurant kitchen.
Giving your commercial kitchen proper maintenance will extend the life of all the appliances, equipment and units. While you may want to do some general cleaning on your own, you should always call in professionals to clean all the commercial-grade equipment and cooking appliances. Without proper training, cleaning these appliances can be unsafe and dangerous. Plus, you may even end up damaging the expensive equipment in the process. Cleaning and maintenance of ovens, refrigeration system, exhaust hood system, cold rooms and fryers requires training and certification. At APS Hoods, we specialize exhaust system cleaning, grease trap cleaning, trash chute cleaning, kitchen equipment cleaning, range hood cleaning and duct cleaning as well as wall and floor cleaning.
Timely cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances will help you boost efficiency and avoid costly repairs. Our company has a well-defined procedure in place for restaurant hood cleaning. Our professional cleaning includes degreasing the hoods, removal of grease deposits from other components and cleaning the duct work as well as repairing the exhaust hood fan belts.
Why You Should Work with Us
Whether it is the design and construction of a commercial kitchen or its proper cleaning and maintenance, we are your one-stop solution to all the needs. In addition to APS Hoods, we run two other companies to provide you all restaurant-related services under one umbrella. With our expertly trained professionals, you will be able to design and build the restaurant and commercial kitchen of your dreams while staying compliant to all the codes, laws and regulations.
Our track record for accomplishing restaurant building projects is well-proven. We cater to the needs of restaurants, hotels, food establishments, cafeteria, coffee shops and cooking facilities all across Denver, CO.
Talk to a Commercial Kitchen Design Specialist
Do you plan to launch your new restaurant and commercial kitchen soon? Whether you want to open a new one or remodel an existing one, head over to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Being a restaurant construction and design company, we provide complete restaurant building services including the entire design, construction and maintenance as well as all the technical work. Our professionals will help you set up a restaurant, commercial kitchen, cafeteria, dining establishment or cooking facility while abiding by all the essential codes and regulations.
Along with APS Hoods, we also run Hood Builder and Nationwide Fire Protection to bring you all the restaurant design-related services in one place. For your free consultation with one of our specialists, you can either call our office phone number or write to us using the contact form.
If you plan to run your commercial restaurant in a smooth manner, you should always pay attention to the proper functioning of the kitchen ventilation system. If the ventilation hood system does not work with full efficiency, all kinds of problems will continue to arise while interrupting business. You may have to deal with poor indoor air quality and increased risks of fire and safety hazards. That is why it is crucial to keep a close watch on how the kitchen ventilation system works and address every issue as quickly as you spot it. Accurate troubleshooting is essential not just to address various problems but also prevent them in the future.
Let our experts at the APS Hoods in Denver, Colorado, help you with some of the most useful troubleshooting tips for your commercial restaurant ventilation system. Our company specializes in the installation, repair and maintenance of HVAC systems for a range of commercial kitchens.
Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation is Crucial!
Before food is ready to serve, everything happens in the kitchen. A large commercial kitchen generates a great deal of heat, smoke and odor on a regular basis. If all of this is not handled in a proper manner, it can become really hard for the staff to work in the kitchen. Not just the workers, but the uncomfortable and unsafe kitchen environment takes its toll on the guests too.
Installation of a high-grade ventilation system is essential in a commercial kitchen. The system is specially designed to maintain better air quality inside the kitchen and ensure a comfortable working condition. All the heat and smoke that is generated in the kitchen on a daily basis makes the indoor air impure and contaminated. Poor indoor quality affects the health of the workers. Deposits of grease in the range hoods enhances the risk of kitchen fire. Proper ventilation is a proven way to deal with all these issues and ensure smooth running of the kitchen as well as the restaurant. Though it is important to invest in the right type of HVAC system, it is also essential to give the system proper attention and maintenance. Timely inspection, repair and maintenance will also extend the life of your commercial ventilation system.
Different types of problems can arise with any commercial restaurant ventilation system. What is important is that you get the problems solved without any delay. Ignoring even some minor issues can worsen the situation further and affect the entire ventilation system and reduce its lifespan.
Useful Troubleshooting Tips for Your Kitchen Vent Hoods
It is a good idea to have some knowledge of how a typical ventilation system in a large or commercial kitchen works. While you may come across various types of problems with the commercial vent hoods, there are some issues that you can troubleshoot yourself. Using some troubleshooting tips means you will be able to fix problems fast without affecting the business.
Given below are some of the most useful troubleshooting tips you can use the next time your ventilation system is not working.
Ventilation System Doesn’t Turn On
If you turn on your kitchen ventilation system but it won’t start, you will certainly feel concerned. When it happens, you may also think that the entire system has been damaged. However, you should not worry much and do some troubleshooting to find out what exactly is the reason for it.
When an issue arises with your vent hood system, many things will come to your mind. But unless you find out the exact reason, you can never be sure what has caused a specific problem. If your ventilation system fails to start, you should first take a look at the breakers and the wiring. The problem may arise due to the failure of a power-related component in the vent hood. You may be able to troubleshoot the commercial vent hoods in this case and fix it quickly. In case you are unable to detect the problem, the best idea is to seek professional help.
For more details on this problem and how to fix it, feel free to talk to one of our HVAC repair specialists at APS Hoods.
Rattling Sound Comes from the Vent Hood System
One problem that may arise with a commercial kitchen ventilation system is a rattling sound heard when the system starts.
If you hear rattling noises coming from the vent hood system, this means one or more components are loose. The components that make the noises may be located either in the external or internal part of the system. It can be easy to take a closer look at all the external parts and see if there is anything loose. But finding a loose component inside the system will be difficult. In such cases, it is important to locate the component that is producing the noise. Any delay in this regard can worsen the problem and the system can sustain costly damages.
If you cannot find a loose component you can fix yourself, you should immediately reach out to a trained technician or a kitchen hood installation specialist in or near your location. If your restaurant is located in Denver, CO, APS Hoods is an ideal destination to hire highly trained technicians.
Breaker Needs Constant Resetting
Do you have to reset the breaker of your ventilation system? You may come across this issue when running the system. While you would think that it is the fuse that is the culprit, the cause may be something else.
It is not always the fuse that requires you to repeatedly reset the breaker of the kitchen vent hood system. Many times, it happens because the HVAC motor is faulty. Apart from checking whether the motor is damaged, you should also have a look at the motor starters, located on the back side of the access panel. Both the trip button and the reset button are located inside the access panel of the vent hood system. If you find that you have to push the trip button over and over again, this means you need to replace the vent hood motor with a new one.
The problem in question may arise due to other causes. It is for a highly trained HVAC technician to troubleshoot the restaurant ventilation system and find out the exact cause and fix it in a proper manner.
Kitchen Air is Smokier than Usual
Heat and smoke are common in a commercial kitchen. But if you find that the level of smoke is higher than usual, it is troubleshooting time. Another problem with a smokier kitchen is that the indoor air temperature rises too. When a problem like this arises, you will certainly be worried.
The environment inside a commercial kitchen should always remain comfortable and healthy. Too much smoke and heat will make it hard for workers to do their job in a proper and effective manner. That is why you should take action as soon as you see your kitchen atmosphere is smokier than usual. One common culprit behind this problem is greasy vent hoods. Over time, the range hoods collect a lot of grease and this is how more smoke is formed. In particular, you should take a look at the vent hood, exhaust hood filters and exhaust fan.
While you may be able to handle minor problems on your own, it is always best to take the help of an experienced technician. At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we specialize in exhaust system cleaning, vent hood cleaning, grease trap cleaning, duct cleaning, trash chute cleaning etc. For more information, reach out to one of our highly trained and skilled vent system specialists.
A professional will perform vent hood cleaning in an effective manner as well as replace the damaged hood filters, if required.
Kitchen is Infiltrated by Excessive Moisture
If a lot of moisture infiltrates your kitchen, it can cause health and hygiene issues. To find out whether you have this problem or not, the quickest tip is to take off the exhaust hood fan’s cover after shutting off power.
You will always see some amount of moisture, which is not a problem. But if the amount of moisture crosses limits and it infiltrates your commercial restaurant kitchen, you should be concerned. As a result of excessive moisture, you will face sanitation issues as well as mold growth. If the problem is not taken care of in a timely manner, your restaurant will be badly affected.
Reach out to a professional for an inspection of the kitchen exhaust system and get the necessary repair and maintenance done.
Excessive Heat in Restaurant
When you have a problem with your ventilation hood system, it is not just the kitchen that is affected. In fact, the entire restaurant as well as the building can get affected as a result of that. If your restaurant feels hot, it is definitely time to take a closer look at how your vent hood system is functioning.
Too much heat in a restaurant is an even bigger problem during summer months. The reason for excessive heat is negative pressure created by the exhaust hood system you have installed. As the ventilation system operates, it throws out hot and contaminated indoor air and draws in fresh air. There has to be a certain balance between the two for your kitchen and restaurant to remain cool and comfortable. If the vent hood fan stops to perform its function in an efficient manner, the air inside the kitchen becomes hot and it gradually heats up the entire restaurant.
The solution to this problem is air balancing. If you are in search of a company that specializes in commercial air test and balancing, head over to APS Hoods that operates in and near Denver, Colorado.
Prevent Problems with Regular Vent Hood Maintenance
At all times, you should ensure the ventilation system of your commercial kitchen runs in a hassle-free manner. While problems with the system may arise from time to time due to various reasons, you should never ignore any of the problems – even if it appears to be a minor one. In fact, you should try to understand how the commercial vent hoods in your restaurant work as well as know how to find out when the system is not working in a completely efficient manner. As soon as you spot an issue, you should wear your troubleshooting hat or seek the help of an expert to address the vent hood problem in a fast and efficient manner.
Hopefully, the troubleshooting tips above will help you solve a number of problems in a speedy manner. One surefire way to prevent vent hood problems is to give the system timely repair and proper maintenance.
When you run a commercial restaurant, your goal is to pull as many visitors as possible and increase the bottomline. That is why it is extremely important to provide both your kitchen workers and guests a safe, healthy and comfortable environment. When diners feel great comfort, they will visit your establishment over and over again while also spreading the word about it. So, always take proper care of your vent hood system and ensure it runs efficiently and smoothly.
Talk to a Commercial Vent Hood System Specialist
Ventilation hoods serve a crucial role in a restaurant’s kitchen. As a restaurant owner, you definitely have a number of things to handle. But you should never ignore the regular maintenance of the vent hood system. When it comes to troubleshooting, inspecting and cleaning the system, you should always remain proactive. If you spot ventilation hood problems you can’t handle on your own, you should reach out to an expert for an ideal solution. At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we provide professional commercial hood services, kitchen equipment cleaning, vent hood cleaning, grease trap cleaning, exhaust fan services etc.
For your free consultation, you can give our office a quick phone call or write an email using the contact form on our website.
The installation of commercial kitchen equipment is not easy to accomplish. You cannot just buy an equipment or machine and plug it in. When it comes to setting up a kitchen, you will need to do a great deal of planning so that all the specific requirements are met in a proper manner and there are no space issues. Plus, you also need to adhere to the local safety standards in order to keep your workers as well as the property protected and clean at all times. Manufacturers of commercial kitchen equipment remain focused on the use of advanced technology, so that the specific needs of every restaurant or commercial kitchen are fulfilled.That is why you should always rely on a restaurant equipment company that specializes in the professional installation of kitchen hood, HVAC, range hood, exhaust hood and other essential equipment. If you are in Denver, CO, you should head straight to APS Hoods for kitchen equipment installation.
Based on your specific needs, you may either want to redesign your kitchen set up or start a new restaurant kitchen altogether. Whichever is the case, you will first need to have a list of what specific equipment you are going to need and plan their installation ahead of time.
Cooking Equipment:
No matter what the size of your kitchen, you will certainly need an entire range of cooking equipment to fulfill the day-to-day cooking needs of your commercial restaurant. Key equipment for cooking includes ovens, stoves, grills, ranges, deep fryers etc. The ovens you buy are much more powerful than traditional ovens. Whether it is baking, cooking vegetables, roasting, broiling or drying, these ovens are an essential equipment that need to be installed in a large, commercial kitchen. Likewise, every cooking machine and component needs to be installed in a proper manner, so as to make the functioning of the kitchen smooth. Working with experts will ensure that you have a well structured and fully functional restaurant kitchen, which caters to the guests and visitors without any kind of hassle.
Refrigerated Equipment:
When running a commercial kitchen, you will need to store a wide range of foods. Using the right type of refrigerated machines and freezers allows workers to properly and safely store food items as well as prevent food spillage in the kitchen. Commercial refrigeration systems are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of large kitchens.Main refrigerated equipment in a restaurant kitchen include upright freezers, under counter freezers, ice machines, walk-in freezers, walk-in coolers, refrigerated displays, reach-in refrigerators and freezers. These are the same type of equipment you might have seen in supermarkets and specialty food stores. When buying and installing all these kitchen equipment, you will need the help of an expert. Every piece of refrigerated equipment should be installed in a proper manner so that there are no functioning or space issues in the kitchen.
Commercial Hood:
Installation of hoods is an essential part of the overall set up of a commercial kitchen. Also referred to as range hood or exhaust hood, it is a device of utmost importance. The commercial hood hangs right above the stove or cooking station in a large kitchen.The purpose of range hood installation is to keep the kitchen area free from smoke, heat and greasy air. When you operate a commercial restaurant, it is your duty to take steps for the safety of your workers and guests. This is exactly where the exhaust hood plays a crucial role by removing the contaminated air from the kitchen and filling it up with fresh air from outside. As a result of this, the kitchen as well as the restaurant area remains safe from the risk of fire.For more information on the design of commercial hoods and kitchen hood installation, feel free to talk to one of our specialists at APS Hoods. We are one of the most trusted suppliers of commercial kitchen hoods. Plus, we specialize in the installation, repair and maintenance of range hoods.
HVAC System:
The installation of a commercial HVAC system is conducted to perform three crucial functions: heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. Workers inside a large, commercial kitchen need a safe and comfortable environment. Whether it is winter time or the summer season, comfort of restaurant employees always remains an important concern. A high quality and properly installed HVAC system ensures that the indoor air quality of the kitchen is excellent.There are different types of commercial HVAC systems. Before HVAC installation can begin, you need to get an inspection done by an expert and then have the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system customized to suit the specific needs of the type of restaurant you operate.
Grease Trap:
When it comes to kitchen equipment installation, you can never ignore the potential of grease traps. Instead of smelling like grease, your restaurant should attract guests with a delicious, mouth-watering aroma. If the grease traps in your kitchen are dirty, they will produce foul odors that will spread in the entire restaurant. That is why you need to install grease traps properly as well as pay serious attention to their cleaning, repair and maintenance.As you see, the range of equipment installed in a commercial kitchen is huge. You need all the essential equipment, right from cooking and refrigerated equipment to range hoods, hvac system, grease trap installation, hood fan etc. If you plan for an ideal set up and correct installation, you should seek the help of our experts at APS Hoods. Based in Denver, CO, we serve and work with a wide range of commercial kitchens, cafeteria, restaurants, food service centers and cooking facilities and help them remain efficient, functional and protected against hazards.
The Process of Installation Matters!
For top quality installation of all commercial kitchen equipment, professionals follow a well-defined procedure. It is important to make sure every step of the process is followed in a proper and correct manner.
Site Survey:
The process begins with a survey of the restaurant site. The goal of the survey is to identify the exact needs as well as the goals of the restaurant or the commercial kitchen. Without a clear understanding of the goals, it will be difficult for technicians to select the right kind of equipment for installation in the kitchen, cafeteria, food service center or restaurant. Technicians will collect all the details and key measurements in order to proceed to the next step of the kitchen equipment installation. The survey also enables experts to give you a quote for the installation.
Planning:
The next step involves planning for all equipment installation as per the space available in the kitchen. Based on the measurements, the professionals will plan out the exact type and size of the equipment that should be installed in your commercial kitchen. The planning stage also includes an internal inspection of all the kitchen equipment for quality and standard.
Installation:
Now, the team of specialists will arrive at the site so that the installation of all the equipment and components can be carried out. Technicians will perform their job with a high degree of precision. Once all the cooking, refrigeration, range hoods, grease traps and exhaust fans have been installed, the technicians will review all utility connections. This is to ensure that all the installed components function in a smooth and hassle-free manner.
Warranty:
The process is not over yet. Along with the installation of all the equipment in your restaurant kitchen, the company will also provide you with a warranty on the quality and usage of the products. Professionals cannot disappear right after their job of setting up the kitchen is complete. A warranty means the installation company stands behind all of their products and helps the restaurant owner with an open-door communication for hassle-free operation of the kitchen.While the installation of the commercial kitchen equipment should be done with the highest level of accuracy, the process needs to be free from headaches. Being the restaurant owner, you should have complete peace of mind feeling confident that the entire process has been carried out in a correct manner while following all the fire safety codes and building codes in the state. APS Hoods has a solid team of highly trained and certified technicians to ensure top quality installation of kitchen equipment, range hood, HVAC, hood fan installation etc.
The installation of every piece of commercial kitchen equipment is a job that requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise. Whether it is the cooking equipment, freezers, refrigerators, commercial hood or the HVAC system, the installation of each of these should be done in a professional and reliable manner. Only experts will be able to ensure premium quality installations.Every food preparation facility has its own unique requirements. That is why there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the installation of various components in a large, commercial restaurant. Expertly trained professionals will pay adequate attention to understanding the specific needs of a commercial kitchen and then plan out everything in proper detail and carry out the customizations as required. At APS Hoods, we focus on every step of the kitchen equipment installation procedure in a proper manner as well as ensure that the lifespan of all the equipment increases. We assist restaurant owners with everything from equipment design and selection to implementation and installation. All our technicians are factory trained and highly competent for carrying out the job as per your specific needs and expectations.
Need Expert Help with the Installation of Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
Whether you need help with the complete setup of a commercial kitchen or want to replace one or few components in it, you can always count on highly skilled and trained technicians from APS Hoods in Denver, CO. With our professionals by your side, you can feel confident that every piece of the commercial kitchen equipment will be installed in a proper and accurate manner. We specialize in commercial hood installation, HVAC installation, grease trap installation, hood fan installation as well as the maintenance and repair of all these components.For your free consultation, you can call our office phone number or write us an email using the contact form on our website.
The commercial hood system of a large kitchen consists of three major parts: kitchen hood, grease duct and exhaust fan. The exhaust hood or the range hood of a commercial kitchen is an essential device, which is installed to ensure a safe working environment for the staff and a fresh and odor-free atmosphere for guests. As a smart and responsible restaurant owner, it is your duty to keep the entire hood system in excellent working condition at all times.
After you have outfitted your restaurant with a high quality kitchen exhaust hood system, you should give it proper maintenance, particularly the exhaust fan motor, so that the smoke, heat and the airborne grease leave the kitchen area in a proper manner and the staff can stay safe while working.
Various issues with the exhaust fan may arise from time to time. What is important is that you spot the signs early and call in hood fan repair experts in time so as to avoid the failure of the exhaust hood system.
Before the system stops to work efficiently or fails altogether, you will hear rattling or unusual sounds. Too much vibration is yet another sign that there is something wrong with your commercial hood. If the hood system fails to turn on and there is no problem in the circuit, you should know that there is a major issue. Among other reasons for the system failure is the burned out motor. This is the stage where you should immediately seek professional help. Avoid fixing these hood issues yourself, as DIY techniques can worsen the problem even more.
At APS Hoods, we specialize in the maintenance, repair and replacement of the exhaust fan and the hood motor. If you have a motor failure, our professionals will look into the problem and fix it in a proper manner. Whether you need a hood motor seal, repair or replacement, our technicians will troubleshoot issues swiftly and provide the best fix to maximize mechanical efficiency.
Types of Exhaust Fan Motor
Exhaust hood systems use different types and capacities of motor. You will find the standard or single phase motor in small exhaust fans. For industrial purposes, systems use split-phase motors. Capacitor-start motors are ideal for use in large industrial machinery. Powerful motors are designed to effectively deal with a large amount of mechanical stress and give the best output.
The motor in a commercial range hood rotates the fan blade so that it can pull air via the range hood vent. In the event of a worn out or burned out motor, the motor will not spin the blade properly and the air will not be circulated as a result. In this case, the fan motor will need to be replaced with a new one.
At APS Hoods, our technicians are proficient in accurately identifying the issue and then repair or replace the motor as per need. We also deal in hood motor sales and provide restaurants with high quality products.
The installation of a new motor is carried by following a number of steps in a correct and proper manner. Our range hood technicians are quite proficient in the entire procedure and skillfully perform the entire job.
The key steps include:
Disconnect electrical power to the exhaust hood
Pull the filters out of the hood
Remove the side panels
Pull the range hood down
Remove the fan blade
Remove the motor
Install the new hoods motor
Reinstall the fan blade and range hood
Reassemble the hood
Restore electrical power to the hood
Each of these steps needs to be followed in a skillful manner. To replace the range hood motor, technicians use a set of right tools and safety equipment. Trying to fix this on your own can prove to be hazardous. Plus, a specific fan motor must be replaced with a new motor of the right model and size. So, always seek the help of qualified technicians to get these replacements.
Range Hood Motor Repair Symptoms
If there is a motor failure, the commercial exhaust hood will not function with maximum efficiency. There are some common symptoms that you can use to immediately identify something is wrong.
The hood’s fan does not pull enough air
The exhaust hood does not function properly
The exhaust fan makes a noise
The hood’s fan does not work
The hood’s fan gets turned on by itself
All these symptoms indicate that your commercial range hood is not in good shape. If you spot any of these signs, you should reach out to APS Hoods in Denver, Colorado, to identify the issue and get it fixed.
Properly Maintain Exhaust Fans to Remain Code-Compliant
The repair and maintenance of exhaust fans is not important just to ensure hassle-free operation and longer lifespan of the equipment. You need to maintain the device also to eliminate fire safety hazards.
Exhaust fans installed in large kitchens, cafeteria or a catering facility need cleaning on a regular basis. Grease-laden vapors lead to buildup in the range hood and this increases the risk of fire. As per the guidelines put forth by the National Fire Protection Association, it is mandatory for restaurant owners to get their exhaust fans regularly cleaned by certified professionals.
If you are looking for highly trained and qualified technicians for proper maintenance of your kitchen exhaust hood, you should head straight to APS Hoods, which operates in Denver, Colorado.
Do You Have Issues with Your Exhaust Hood Motor?
If the exhaust fan of the range hood in your commercial kitchen is not working in the most efficient manner, the system has an issue. Ignoring the symptoms or delaying the seal, repair or replacement of the hood moto can cost you dearly. So, you should take professional help before it is too late. At APS Hoods, we do not just repair and replace range hood motors but also have different types, sizes and models of motors on sale to suit your specific requirements.
Give our Denver, Colorado, office a phone call or write us an email to talk to one of our commercial hood specialists.
The HVAC is an essential system, which is required by every commercial restaurant or facility to have a safe and healthy work environment. Failure of this system will disrupt the business operations, affecting the bottomline. As a responsible facility manager, you should always keep a close watch on the motors in the HVAC system. If the efficiency of the motor decreases, the entire HVAC system will not give the best output and the working environment will deteriorate. From time to time, you may need to repair or replace the motor altogether to restore the efficiency of the HVAC system in your large restaurant or commercial kitchen.
A worn out motor will take a toll on the HVAC unit and you may need to invest in a new HVAC system as a result. If you plan to avoid this situation and save money, you should keep the motor in great shape.
What Does an HVAC Motor Do?
The HVAC motor or the blower motor is the main component, which conditions air and then helps the cool air circulate throughout the entire space of your kitchen or other commercial facility. The motor spins the fan which moves the air through ducts and vents for proper ventilation.
Even if it is a small size motor, it has enough potential or power to carry a large amount of conditioned air. Modern motors are a lot more powerful than their earlier versions. But their efficiency can still reduce over time. If your facility is outfitted with an HVAC system, you need to focus on the performance of the motor to have the entire unit functioning with maximum efficiency. The motor has a critical role to function to keep the temperature at the correct level, as stated by the thermostat. A well-maintained motor translates to energy bill savings.
Broadly speaking, HVAC motors can be categorized into: Single-speed Motor and Variable-speed Motor. As the name suggests, a single-speed motor operates at just one speed whereas a variable-speed motor has the efficiency to operate at multiple speeds including both lower and higher.
When Your HVAC Motor Needs a Repair
No matter how powerful the motor of your facility’s HVAC system is, it will experience wear and tear as time passes. If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning is not working properly, the motor is often the culprit. If the motor is faulty, technicians can look into the issue and repair it.
Before a motor gets worn out or fails, it gives some signs through which you can identify there is something wrong with your HVAC unit.
Key signs of a faulty HVAC motor include:
Weak airflow from the vents
No airflow comes out of the vents at all
Excessively high energy consumption
Unusual sounds from the HVAC
Overheating the motor
A faulty or worn out motor has a hard time doing its job. So, the first sign of the problem is little or no airflow at all from the vents. This often happens when the quality of the motor has deteriorated or the accumulation of dirt and dust inside. If the HVAC system of your facility makes some unusual or strange sounds, there can be a problem with the motor. It is also common for a faulty motor to get overheated. An experienced technician will conduct an inspection to diagnose the exact problem with the motor and then fix it, if the motor parts are repairable.
At APS Hoods, we have a highly competent team of technicians who specialize in the troubleshooting and repair of a wide range of HVAC motors. We offer effective solutions to restore the efficiency of the motor.
When to Replace Your HVAC Motor
Even when most problems in the blower motor can be fixed with a repair, it may not always be the best solution.
Even if you have the HVAC motor repaired by a technician, problems can still arise in the future. Imagine if the blower motor malfunctions over and over again and how it will affect your overall business operations. That is why going for a replacement is a sensible decision in many cases.
If you have issues with your HVAC motor, you should first reach out to our highly skilled team at APS Hoods and schedule an inspection. Our technicians will get to the root of the problem and then suggest the most ideal solution to resolve the problem. If the issue is repairable and the option is feasible too, our professionals will repair the faulty blower motor in a proper manner. If a repair does not look feasible, you will need to replace the old motor with a new one.
You Should Rely Only on Qualified HVAC Technicians
Whether it is a repair or a replacement, you should always hire an HVAC contractor which has a solid reputation and extensive experience in fixing all types and models of commercial HVAC motors.
That is where the role of APS Hoods gains importance. Our company has specialization in motor seal, repair and replacement. Also, we deal in superior quality blower motors manufactured by reputed brands. Our professionals have expertise in the selection of the right model and size of motor to suit the specific needs of your HVAC system. We employ the latest tools and up-to-the-minute technology to evaluate the efficiency of the motor and can accurately point out which parts have a problem. After an assessment of your facility’s needs, our specialists will provide you the most ideal solution to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Talk to an HVAC Motor Technician
Commercial HVAC systems consume a high amount of emergency and impact the cost of operation in a considerable way. Timely repair and replacement of the blower motor is a surefire way of reducing these expenses.
If you have noticed problems with your facility’s HVAC system, chances are there are faults in the motor. Talk to one of our highly skilled and qualified HVAC technicians to get an inspection and find the most effective solution to the problem. Our motor seal, repair and replacement services are aimed at bringing down your facility’s operating costs and increase the bottomline. Also, we have a range of top quality, branded HVAC blower motors on sale. You can reach out to us via a quick phone call or write us an email using the contact form.
No matter when your HVAC system fails, it will cause discomfort to the kitchen staff and disrupt business. If you have outfitted your commercial kitchen with an HVAC system, you should get a timely inspection and quickly troubleshoot issues so that repair can be affordable. Ignoring or delaying repairs of the system can lead to costly repairs later. Worse still, you may need to replace the entire unit with a new one for proper indoor quality, health, and safety. Always seek the services of professionals to maintain your HVAC system in an effective manner.Outages happen mainly due to a lack of maintenance. Therefore, it is key to understand the importance of regular maintenance.
An HVAC or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition system is installed to heat or cool a building or facility. It keeps the space cool during summers and warm during winters. Key components of the system include an A/C unit, heat pump, furnace, etc. The main purpose of designing and installing such a system is to comply with the environmental requirements for the comfort of people.You’ll find the usage of HVAC systems in a wide range of facilities including industrial, commercial, and residential.
HVAC Inspection
Once you have outfitted your commercial kitchen or restaurant with a high quality HVAC system, it should be your top priority to keep it operational at all times. No matter what time of the year it is, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system should work properly to meet your facility’s comfort needs. Regular inspection is a surefire way to maintain a proper HVAC system. At the APS Hoods, we provide HVAC inspection by highly experienced professionals.The HVAC inspection procedure consists of multiple steps. Each step should be carried out in a correct and safe manner by experienced professionals while adhering to all the necessary safety guidelines.
Run a Thermostat Test:
The system inspection begins with a thermostat test in which the HVAC technician finds out whether it is working in an efficient manner. The technician checks whether the heating and cooling mechanisms have any issues when turned on and turned off.
Inspect Air Filters:
The function of HVAC air filters is to purify the air of impurities such as dust, dander, pollen, etc. The inspection finds out whether the air filters are in good condition to properly purify the air.
Evaluate Air Flow:
Measuring the airflow through the HVAC ducts and equipment is an important step in the overall inspection process. If the airflow is not proper, the system will not heat and cool the facility in an efficient manner. So, the technician finds out whether the airflow rate is at a typical level.
Check Refrigerant Level:
Low refrigerant level prolongs the time taken for the HVAC system to cool off the space. Ultimately, it leads to high energy consumption. During the inspection, the technician checks whether the refrigerant level is optimum for the AC unit to function properly.
Check Heater/ Furnace:
It is crucial to inspect if the heater or the furnace is working with maximum efficiency. In order to do that, the HVAC technician turns on the heating element and then measures the temperature of the air. Insufficient heating means the heating element has an issue.
Check the Blower Motor:
The blower motor is a crucial component of every HVAC system. If it does not operate properly, the system will not give the desired results. The technician will inspect the motor and find out if it has any issues. Loud or unusual noises coming from the motor mean there is something wrong. There are many other warning signs of a faulty HVAC motor as well.
Other Components:
In addition to these, there are multiple other components that need to be inspected. The HVAC technician will conduct an inspection of each and every part of the system including the condenser, evaporation coil, and all the electrical parts as well as the compressor.During the inspection, the HVAC technician will also level the unit and clean the filters as well as the evaporator coil. The goal of the inspection is to find out the overall efficiency of all the units of the HVAC system. Once the job is done, the technician will prepare a detailed report of the inspection for your understanding. If the HVAC system or any of its components has a problem, a proper inspection will bring it to light so that you can get the maintenance or required repair. If you plan for a professional inspection of your facility’s HVAC system, reach out to one of our highly experienced technicians at the APS Hoods in Denver, Colorado.
The goal of troubleshooting is to identify and solve issues. If you plan to quickly fix the problems with your restaurant’s HVAC system, you need to get troubleshooting done by highly skilled technicians. At the APS Hoods, our professionals perform troubleshooting of a wide range of HVAC systems and diagnose and establish a plan of action to fix the problems in a professional manner.HVAC troubleshooting by an expert involves the identification of a problem, diagnosing the problem correctly, and then developing and implementing a plan of action, and then verifying the system for functionality. Most of all, the technician documents every detail of the entire procedure for your record. In order to diagnose problems with the HVAC system, technicians first begin with the visible components and then work their way to the inner parts of the system. So, the HVAC technician will first troubleshoot whether the system has power. Next, the specialist will move on to the service panel and see if the circuit breaker has tripped or not. The heater or the furnace and the A/C unit each have their own circuit breaker or fuse. If the fuse has tripped, broken, or blown, the troubleshooting will reveal the fault for the removal or replacement of the circuit breaker. The next step in HVAC troubleshooting is to check the thermostat for power.The HVAC troubleshooting involves checking the furnace, the air conditioner, and the ventilation units. Experienced technicians employ a wide variety of techniques and tools to carry out the troubleshooting in a proper manner. The technician checks the HVAC air conditioning unit for air filters circuit breakers, vents, outages etc. The outside A/C unit is also checked during the process. At the APS Hoods, we have an expert team of highly qualified, trained, and experienced technicians for professional troubleshooting of all sizes and models of HVAC systems.
HVAC Repair
It is not uncommon for HVAC systems to develop various kinds of issues over time. Most minor issues will go away with maintenance and cleaning of the coils and the filters. Regular servicing and preventive maintenance are key to avoiding a number of HVAC issues. Other problems will require immediate attention from the facility manager or the owner of the restaurant. What is important is that you keep a close watch on the performance of your facility’s HVAC system. As soon as you spot any problem with the system, you should call inexperienced HVAC technicians.Key signs that you need HVAC repair include:
Change in Airflow:
If there is a change in the airflow of your HVAC system, it will not cool off in an effective manner. Slower than normal airflow takes its toll on the efficiency of the system and the A/C unit does not get as cold as it used to be. This can be an indication of a problem with the compressor. So, you should get in touch with an HVAC technician for the required repair.
High Energy Bill:
A steady monthly bill means your HVAC system is functioning in a proper manner. But if the bill amount continues to increase month after month, this is a warning sign. If there is something potentially wrong with the system, the consumption of energy will be higher. It usually happens with the change in season. Fluctuations in the energy bill should be taken as a warning sign and you should immediately seek the help of professionals to get repairs done.
Old Age:
Different kinds of problems will arise as your HVAC system gets older. Every type and model of HVAC has a certain lifespan. Once it passes that period, you should expect to see problems. While regular preventive maintenance can prolong the lifespan by a couple of years, it can not fully restore the previous efficiency level. Either the problems will go away with repairs or you will ultimately need to replace your old HVAC system with a new one.
Noises and Smells:
If your HVAC system makes unusual sounds, it is a sign there is something wrong. Not just sounds, but the machinery also begins to give off smells like that of dirty socks. Noises and smells coming from the system mean you need repair services as soon as possible.
Moisture or Dust Buildup:
Excessive deposits of moisture or dust in your commercial kitchen or restaurant facility signal a problem with the HVAC system. Such problems will possibly require the cleaning of the entire system, vent hood cleaning, and duct cleaning. The technician will find out and fix if there are other problems that lead to the excessive dust buildup.
Power Failure:
A sudden power failure of the HVAC system is a potential sign there is a problem. If the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment gets turned off or the circuit breakers trip frequently, you should call in HVAC specialists to troubleshoot and carry out the necessary repairs. If you ignore these signs, it can take a toll on the electrical components of the system.Seeking the help of professionals for timely repairs will save you both money and time. At the APS Hoods, we have an expertly trained team of professional technicians to carry out all kinds of HVAC repairs. Getting the repairs done without any delay will help you run your restaurant business smoothly as well as avoid damage to other components of the HVAC system. Feel free to talk to one of our HVAC specialists for further details on HVAC system repair service.
Contact Us
Talk to an Expert HVAC Technician
If you have an HVAC system installed in your commercial facility, you should give it timely maintenance and repair to prolong its lifespan. Whether you have noticed strange furnace noises, thermostat malfunctions, mechanical wear and tear, water leaks, or ignition problems, you should always rely on experienced technicians for high quality services. If your commercial kitchen or restaurant is located in Denver, CO, you should head straight to the APS Hoods for expert installation, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of a wide range of HVAC systems.Schedule your free HVAC consultation with one of our specialists to find out how we can help you fix the problems with your facility’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to increase efficiency and lower your energy bills. You can reach out to our Denver office via a quick phone call or email. Read More Articles:
Every commercial kitchen needs to fulfill some legal requirements in order to operate in a healthy and safe manner. Heat, smoke, and grease are consistently produced in a large cooking facility. As a result of this, the indoor air in the kitchen gets contaminated and unsafe for employees. In fact, an unsafe kitchen atmosphere also takes a toll on the other areas of the restaurant. That is exactly why every facility manager needs to install a ventilation system in their kitchen. Commercial vent hoods play a crucial role by allowing a large kitchen or restaurant to properly remove the contaminated indoor air and replace it with fresh air from outside.Commercial vent hoods vary in terms of type, size, and design to match the specific needs of a large kitchen facility. In this article, we will talk about the commercial vent hood, how it works and how the kitchen hood is installed, repaired, cleaned, and replaced in a professional manner.
A commercial vent hood is a device that is installed over the cooking station or appliance to facilitate ventilation.A commercial vent hood is called by different names such as exhaust hood, range hood, and kitchen hood. The function of the vent hood is to pull out the contaminated indoor air of the kitchen. The exhaust hood also improves the indoor air quality by bringing down the deposits of smoke and grease.
Types of Commercial Vent Hoods
Broadly speaking, all commercial kitchen hoods fall under two categories: Type I and Type II. The range hoods can be differentiated from each other on the basis of what type of materials they filter out.
Type I Vent Hood:
This vent hood is specially designed to remove smoke, heat, and grease from the kitchen. Hence, it is also termed grease hoods. Inside a commercial kitchen, you will find Type I hoods mounted over cooking appliances such as deep fryers, grills, broilers, etc.
Type II Vent Hood:
This vent hood is designed to throw out moisture such as steam and vapor from the indoor air. In addition to these, some range hoods can also remove odor from the indoor air. You will often find these hoods fitted in a cafeteria over coffee machines, pasta cookers, rice cookers, and some pizza ovens. These hoods are also referred to as condensate hoods.Which type of commercial vent hood to use depends on what type of cooking you do in your commercial kitchen, cafeteria, or restaurant. Type II vent hoods do not have grease filtering capacity. Before you install a vent hood, you should seek the help of an expert hood builder or hood design specialist. If you are in Denver, CO, you should feel free to talk to one of our experts at APS Hoods.
Commercial Vent Hood Design
The design of all commercial vent hoods is not the same. Based on the specific layout of your kitchen, you need to opt for a suitable design. To finalize the hood design, you will need to consult with professionals.Three most common vent hood designs include:
Wall Canopy Hoods:
These exhaust hoods are hung on the wall, right behind the cooking equipment in the kitchen. They are mounted in a way that they remain stretched out over the cooking appliances.
Island Canopy Hoods:
These vent hoods hang from the ceiling, above the cooking equipment in the kitchen. The specific design is used where the cooking equipment is located away from the walls. One key feature of this design is that all four sides of this canopy hood remain open. Island canopy hoods require a much stronger exhaust fan than those fitted in other hoods.
Low Proximity Hoods:
These vent hoods are located in close proximity to the cooking equipment and appliances, hence the name. Also referred to as back shelf hoods, the low proximity hoods are installed in commercial kitchens where the cooking equipment is placed at counter-height.When it comes to vent hood installation, the design of the hood is of utmost importance. If the hood design is not proper and suitable for your kitchen’s needs, the quality of the ventilation will be affected.
Commercial vent hoods are fitted over the cooking appliances in a kitchen. As the cooking goes on, a motor-powered fan pulls the contaminated air and other particles into the ventilation machine.Next, the contaminated air passes through the ductwork, which remains attached to the ventilation unit. In this way, the heat, smoke, grease, vapor and other particles are expelled outside. The hood system also has a make-up air device, which replaces the removed air with fresh air from outside. The entire unit functions to keep the indoor kitchen air fresh and cool.
Vent Hood Installation
Installation of vent hoods or range hoods in commercial kitchens is a detailed procedure involving multiple steps. Setting up the hoods is not just about selecting the most ideal type and design. But it is also about meeting the local laws and regulatory guidelines for the safe and hassle-free operation of the restaurant facility. If the building and fire safety codes are not followed in a proper manner, you should expect to fail inspections and face many kinds of safety hazards.The vent hood should be designed and installed to effectively manage the amount of exhaust that will be produced in a commercial kitchen. If the hood is larger than the required size, energy bills will go up. On the other hand, smaller vent hoods will fail to properly ventilate the kitchen area.In order for the installation to be proper and as per exact need, you will need to fulfill these specific requirements:
Minimum overhang requirements should be at least 6 inches.
The elevation range should not surpass 4 feet.
Installation of a Type I hood should also have a fire suppression system.
One type of hood cannot replace another.
The vent hood installation requirements will vary depending on whether the range hood being installed is Type I or Type II. In fact, the regulatory guidelines for different hood types are also different. Placement of the hoods at the correct height, approval of the materials, proper grease duct support, and proper air displacement are other important guidelines that must be adhered to.At APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we specialize in the professional installation of a variety of commercial vent hoods and designs. Let us help you outfit your kitchen facility with a safe and legal vent hood system.
Vent Hood Repair
The overall functioning efficiency of a kitchen HVAC system depends on the quality and condition of the vent hood. Since the vent hood or the range hood works very hard in a commercial kitchen setting, it also needs repair from time to time. When the vent hood needs repair or maintenance, it will give you some warning signs that you should never ignore. Any negligence in this regard can worsen the problem even more leading to costly repair or full replacement.Key signs of commercial vent hood repair include:
Haze in the kitchen or other areas of the restaurant
Hot and smokey restaurant facility
The exhaust fan motor makes loud noises
Defective control board or electrical issues
Odors do not go away
Smoke hovers in the kitchen
Problem with heating and cooling unit
If you come across any of these issues, this means the vent hood of your kitchen range hood system is in need of repair. Multiple issues can arise as a result of a failed vent hood. If the vent hood does not function with full efficiency, the gravest danger you can face is the risk of a kitchen fire. So, always keep an eye out for minor issues and have them repaired by qualified experts as soon as you can. Most issues are related to the exhaust fan or the make-up air fan of the kitchen vent hood.At APS Hoods, we have a highly trained and qualified team of technicians who can repair all kinds of problems with the vent hood. Give us a quick phone call and we will dispatch our specialists to diagnose the root cause of every commercial vent hood issue and fix it in a swift and correct manner.
Vent Hood Cleaning
The kitchen vent hood needs to be cleaned in a proper and timely manner. While you will often remember to clean the flyers and the oven in your commercial kitchen, the vent hoods are often overlooked.The vent hood is a magnet for deposits of grease and other contaminants. These buildups do not just ruin the indoor air quality, but they increase the risk of a fire in the kitchen manifolds. As per the NFPA guidelines, you should get the vent hoods cleaned by professionals every few months or once a year. The frequency of vent hood cleaning depends on the volume of cooking done in the kitchen. Right from cleaning the grease traps and the filters to cleaning the interiors as well as the exteriors of the hood, every component requires proper cleaning.Get in touch with APS Hoods for proper cleaning of every part of the commercial vent hood installed in your kitchen. Whether it is the essential components or the interior and the exterior of the kitchen hood, our technicians will properly degrease, wipe off and clean the entire vent hood.
Kitchen Vent Hood Replacement
When the hood components have worn out completely or sustained damage beyond repair, it is time for their replacement.APS Hoods is a highly trusted supplier of all range hoods parts for large kitchens, dining centers, food service facilities, and other commercial cooking establishments. Our kitchen vent hoods are one of the most durable you will find in the market. Whether it is the quality of vent hood parts and accessories or compliance issues, you can always rely on our company for the best service.
Talk to a Commercial Vent Hood Specialist
If you still have a question about kitchen vent hoods or need expert help with the repair, cleaning, or replacement of your facility’s range hood, head straight to APS Hoods in Denver, CO. Our specialists will educate you on every crucial aspect of the vent hood as well as the entire exhaust hood system. Our goal is to ensure you have a highly efficient vent hood in your restaurant facility so as to ensure a safe and comfortable atmosphere for your kitchen staff and guests.
You can reach out to us via a quick phone call or send us an email using the contact form given on our website.
Outfitting a commercial kitchen with an exhaust hood system is essential for effective protection against fire hazards. Every facility manager, therefore, should invest in the most ideal and advanced hood system. Though the exhaust hood system minimizes the risk of fire breakouts in the kitchen, the use of fuel and high volume of cooking often leads to grease and grime buildup over time. To keep your employees and visitors as well as the facility itself safe at all times, you need to pay serious attention to the cleaning of the commercial exhaust hood system.At APS Hoods, we specialize in the degreasing of every component of the kitchen hood system. Whether it is the removal of grease from the ducts, the hood, the vents, or the exhaust fans, our professionals are expertly trained in the entire procedure to deliver the best results for a restaurant facility.
The cleaning of the exhaust hood system is an elaborate multi-step procedure, which should be performed only by qualified and certified professionals. If you operate a large commercial kitchen, restaurant facility, cafeteria, or dining center, you should always make sure that the cleaning of your exhaust hood is carried out in a correct manner for a strong defense against fire hazards.Given below are some of the key steps that the exhaust hood system of a commercial kitchen or restaurant facility involves.
Exhaust Fan Inspection:
The fan is a crucial part of the exhaust hood system. If the heat, smoke, and odor of the kitchen have to be removed, the fan needs to work with utmost efficiency. That is why the fan needs degreasing and cleaning to minimize fire hazards and stay code-compliant. Inspection by trained technicians is important to ensure proper fan operation.
Appliance Removal:
Before the exhaust hood is ready for cleaning, all the appliances will need to be removed. The draping of the exhaust hood will also be removed. Our grease cleaners will remove all the cooking appliances and hood components to carry out cleaning in a professional manner.
Hood Filters:
Usually, the exhaust hood filters need cleaning at intervals of every 2-3 months. If your cooking is high volume and involves a lot of frying, a greater frequency of cleaning will be required. For this, professionals will first detach the filters and soak them up for proper cleaning.
Disarm Fire Suppression System:
To perform hood cleaning, grease cleaners will also detach the fire protection system. Once this system has been disarmed, it becomes easy to clean the hood and the other parts of the exhaust hood system. Feel confident our technicians will do the job right.
Ductwork Cleaning:
Due to a consistent supply of grease-laden vapor, the hood ducts accumulate a lot of grease and grime. Unless properly cleaned, this can become a sure fire hazard. So, the cleaners will scrape, degrease and clean the entire ducts as well as the plenum area.
Check for Leaks:
It is crucial to examine the quality of the vent hood ducts. If the system has leakage, the kitchen environment will not have proper ventilation. Poor ventilation will have a bad impact on the indoor air quality and the productivity of the kitchen staff. That is why checking for leaks in the vent hood is an important part of the overall exhaust hood cleaning process.
Fan Belt Replacement:
A broken or worn out fan belt will reduce the efficiency of the hood fan and the entire exhaust hood system. After the hood fan has been cleaned, the technicians will replace the worn out belt with a new, high quality belt so as to keep the system functioning efficiently.
Roof Condition:
In commercial kitchens, the exhaust hood vents out of the roof. Venting outside is a best practice, as it reduces the extent of damage in the event of a fire breakout or accident. During exhaust hood cleaning, professionals will examine the roof vents and assess the roof condition. The review will be documented so that you can refer to it as per need.
Reinstall Fire Suppression System:
After the hood and all its parts and components have been degreased, washed, and cleaned, the professionals will start to reinstall all the detached parts. The fire suppression system will be rearmed into the exhaust hood in an accurate manner.
Verify Fan Operation:
Since the hood fan is a key component of the ventilation system. Post-cleaning and reinstallation of the system, the technician will operate the hood fan and see if it works efficiently.
Restore the Kitchen:
The exhaust hood cleaning leaves a lot of greasy residue on the kitchen floor. As part of the overall cleaning, grease cleaners will mop up, wash and clean the entire kitchen area. Finally, you will have a spotlessly commercial kitchen with a highly efficient exhaust system. The fresh and clean kitchen atmosphere will keep both the employees and visitors happy.
You Need a Professional Exhaust Cleaning Service
As a facility manager, you should have the kitchen staff do the exterior cleaning of the exhaust hood on a regular basis. However, deep and detailed cleaning of the exhaust hood system should always be performed by only certified and qualified grease cleaners, as mentioned in NFPA 96. Exhaust hood cleaning involves disassembly, degreasing, and inspecting by well-trained professionals. Whether it is the hood filters, grease troughs, hood fans, or the ductwork pipes going to the roof, a qualified service provider will properly pressure-wash and clean each and every part of the system. The ultimate goal of grease cleaners is to minimize fire hazards, enhance the efficiency of the ventilation hood system and give your kitchen a neat and fresh look.
Does Your Hood Exhaust System Need Cleaning?
Restaurant fires can prove to be devastating. Most of these fires occur simply because the hood exhaust has been left uncleaned. Maintaining a proper exhaust hood system doesn’t just help you eliminate fire hazards, but it also helps you avoid penalties by the fire department and the city health inspector. If you plan to operate your food service facility in a hassle-free manner and increase your bottom line, you should hire the services of a qualified hood cleaning company such as the APS Hoods. Based in Denver, Colorado, we offer professional hood cleaning and maintenance of commercial kitchens, restaurants, and dining facilities.If you are a restaurant owner or manager, schedule your kitchen exhaust hood cleaning without any delay. You can get in touch via a quick phone call or write us an email using the contact form on our website.
Large kitchens in hotels, restaurants, and other food service facilities operate for several hours in a row, on a consistent basis. As a result of the frequent, high volume of cooking, the facilities also produce a large amount of fume, heat, smoke, grease, and grime. To deal with all of this accumulation, hospitality businesses require to install commercial range hoods. The purpose of the kitchen hood or range hood is to maintain proper air quality and keep the environment safe and healthy, both for the staff as well as guests who visit the restaurant for dining. If you run a commercial kitchen, you should have some knowledge of how range or exhaust hoods are installed for proper ventilation.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.
All commercial kitchens are not the same. Before the range hood installation is carried out, the facility managers need to consult with hood builders and contractors to develop an effective plan for the project.At APS Hoods, we design an array of range hoods to suit the specific needs of a large kitchen or a commercial food service facility. From hood schematics to specifications and assembling of all the hood components, all the crucial details need to be planned in an accurate manner. If the planning is not correct, the quality of the installation will not be perfect. Poorly designed and installed range hoods will not deliver the results as per your expectations.When it comes to preparation, it is crucial to determine the need for sturdy structures to support the weight of the hoods. So, specialists will inspect the location of the hood installation and evaluate whether there is a need to install additional structures to set up the range hoods. According to the guidelines put forth by the National Fire Protection Association, installers will need to leave adequate gaps or clearance between the range hood, exhaust ducts, and the construction materials. Professional range hood installation is performed in accordance with the building codes. The entire project is carried out as per the ventilation hood diagram.
Kitchen Hood Installation
The installation of commercial range hoods involves several essential steps, each of which should be followed correctly. Professionals make sure the entire procedure is performed in an error-free manner.
Safety Codes:
During the installation, the utmost priority is to ensure the safety of the workers. Range hood contractors execute the project while adhering to the safety codes outlined by the concerned authorities. Professionals use proper gear and tools to minimize the risk of physical injuries.
Range Hood Diagram:
After the ventilation hood parts have been unpacked, a review will be conducted to see to it that all the components are in good shape and there is no damage. The professional will check out the hood assembly and get started with the installation as per the diagram. The hood diagram includes all the details of the project as it was planned.
Hood Position:
The installation manual contains crucial details in regard to how the range hood will be hung and supported. The installation process will be executed in a careful manner while making sure that adequate support is available to hold the weight of the hood weight. Here, the contractor may also need to make some adjustments to properly set up the hoods.
Elevate Hood Bottom:
In compliance with the national and local codes, the installation specialists need to raise the bottom of the range hood a few feet from the ground. If this criterion is not fulfilled, the codes will be violated. High lifts are employed to lift the hood for accurate positioning. Again, this will be done as per the details mentioned in the range hood diagram.
Duct Welding:
The installation manual has all the details about the installation of the duct-work. This is an important step of the entire hood installation process. The welding of the ducts is a job that requires a great deal of precision. Professionals perform the task while leaving no gaps or leaks. Leakage in the ductwork pipe can cause multiple problems in the future.
Other Installations:
The range hood setup involves the installation of grease filters, grease cups, and lighting. Once the ventilation hood has been installed and positioned, these smaller installations will follow.The installation of a commercial range hood is an elaborate process. Apart from what you read above, there are many other details that the entire procedure involves. From hanging the range hood to drilling and securing the threaded rods, installers have to focus on each task with great attention to detail. If you plan for the hood installation to be performed in a correct manner while abiding by all the safety and building codes, you should hire only the experts.
Factors to Consider for Hood Installation
Before the range hood installation can begin, it is extremely important to ensure all the electrical components are in proper order. Also, commercial kitchen hoods should vent outside of the building. If the hoods vent inside of the building, in the ceiling, or in the basement, the risk of fire accidents will increase manifolds. In fact, in the event of a fire breakout, there will be great damage to property and assets. That is why you should only rely on professional contractors for the range hood installation. The cost of range hood installation depends on the type or style, materials used, and the location of the commercial kitchen. Usually, you can expect contractors to finish the project in around a day.
Hire a Professional Range Hood Installation Company
From selecting the right type of range hood for your commercial kitchen to getting the installation done in a swift and correct manner, APS Hoods has a successful track record spanning over two decades. If you have a question or want some more clarity on any particular aspect of the procedure, you should feel free to consult with one of our hood installation specialists.For your free consultation and quote, you can give our office a phone call or write us an email using the contact form. Some related Posts:
No restaurant owner would want their customers to get sick. But this can happen if you don’t pay serious attention to keeping your restaurant squeaky clean at all times. The foodservice industry follows very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. If you run a restaurant facility or a large commercial kitchen, you should follow a proper cleaning routine on a regular basis. It is not just the health department that wants you to keep the restaurant facility neat, clean, and hygienic. All your employees and your customers look for a healthy and safe environment as well. If your restaurant and the cooking facilities are poorly maintained, you will come across a range of issues. In fact, many of such issues can put you in great trouble and your overall business can be negatively impacted. As the responsible owner of a restaurant, you should offer a safe working environment for workers and a superior dining experience for guests. At American Professional Services (APS-Hoods), we specialize in the professional cleaning of restaurants and commercial kitchens. With the help of our professionals, we have prepared this guide to proper cleaning of restaurant facilities. Read on to find out the details of proper restaurant cleaning.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.
All restaurant and commercial kitchen owners are legally obliged to follow the food safety hygiene standards as stated by the CDC and health departments. In a large commercial kitchen, the volume of cooking is not only high but these activities go on for several hours in a row, on a regular basis. That is why it is extremely important to carry out proper cleaning procedures and keep the kitchen, all the cooking equipment and appliances, and the entire restaurant well-maintained. Proper cleaning of the restaurant facility will eliminate the risk of cross-contamination and food poisoning as well as the risk of getting different types of allergies and infections. According to the CDC, four crucial steps to food safety include Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. Health departments in every state conduct regular hygienic inspections to make sure all restaurants, cooking facilities, and food preparation services remain food code compliant. In the event of failing an inspection by the health department, your restaurant can run the risk of being closed altogether – until you address the problems. The health inspector may also revoke your food license as a result of non-compliance with the food safety code. From day one of opening your restaurant, you should adopt thorough and stringent cleaning practices.
Cooking Appliances and Equipment
A large, commercial kitchen remains fitted with a wide range of cooking appliances and equipment. When it comes to keeping the restaurant facility healthy and safe, the kitchen area is the space that requires the most attention. That is why maintaining it in a proper manner is an essential part of the cleaning procedure. Given below is a list of each item that should be cleaned.
Ovens:
All the ovens in a restaurant should be cleaned after each shift. Wiping up these areas regularly will prevent the buildup of grease and grime. The interior of the oven also needs proper cleaning. In the market, you will find specific cleaning products to clean the ovens. Use the right type of cleaning products to remove spillages, grease, and grime from the ovens. If you operate a commercial kitchen, you should seek the help of professional restaurant cleaners.
Refrigeration:
Maintaining proper fridge hygiene is an essential part of adhering to the food safety code. If you want to enhance food quality and safety, you should wipe and sanitize the refrigerators in a proper manner. This cleaning routine should be carried out between every shift. Most importantly, you need to focus on the interiors of the fridges and give them a thorough cleaning. Deep cleaning of refrigerators should be performed by professionals once a week.
Coffee Machines:
While following a cleaning routine, you should not miss out on the Expresso and other coffee machines. Use a special fluid to carry out the cleaning of these machines in a proper manner.
Microwaves:
Spills require instant cleaning between every shift. Apart from this, you should clean the interiors of the appliance once a week. One good method is to place a non-metallic microwave-safe bowl, filled with water, inside the appliance and leave it there for one minute. You should either put it at a high temperature or let it sit there until it steams. In any case, don’t forget to clean the doors of the microwave while performing the overall cleaning of the appliance.
Kettles:
Every large commercial kitchen uses kettles and water boilers for preparing hot drinks on a daily basis. These appliances should also be cleaned and descaled in a thorough manner at least once a month. If the frequency of hot drinks preparation in your restaurant is high, you should clean the appliances more often to stay compliant with food safety standards. Hoods, Vents, and Exhausts: The air quality of the restaurant kitchen should always be maintained in order to provide a safe environment to the workers and create an odor-free environment in the restaurant. A poorly maintained or clogged ventilation system will lead to multiple issues over time. The unhygienic build-up of grease and grime is very common in hoods, exhaust fans, vents, and ducts. If the build-up is ignored or it is not cleaned in time, the quality of air in the kitchen will continue to deteriorate. So, exhaust hood and vent cleaning should always be an essential part of the overall cleaning procedure. At the APS Hoods in Denver, CO, we offer professional exhaust system cleaning, vent hood cleaning, and duct cleaning for large commercial restaurants. Our goal is to offer a comfortable and healthy working environment to the kitchen employees.
Storage Area
Many restaurant owners don’t pay serious attention to the deep cleaning of the storage areas. In addition to maintaining the commercial kitchen, you should thoroughly clean and sanitize every storage area. At the APS Hoods, our commercial kitchen cleaning service also involves taking good care of all the storage areas. Whether it is the racks, shelves, or cabinets, our skilled cleaners will reach every bit of these spaces and remove the dirt, dust, and lose debris in an effective manner. The problem with dirty storage areas is that they can easily attract different types of pests. Once you have an entry of pests inside, they can multiply very fast and infest the entire facility. So, storage area deep cleaning is important both in terms of cleanliness and pest control.
Sinks and Washing Stations
To maintain a commercial kitchen, you should keep every surface and area inside it neat and hygienic. Sinks and washing stations are some of the areas that are often missed out or ignored by restaurant owners.
Sinks and Taps:
Make it a routine to clean and sanitize these areas of the kitchen between every shift. The sinks, taps, and draining boards require frequent cleaning like other surfaces of the commercial kitchen.
Grease Traps:
It is a legal requirement to install grease traps in every commercial kitchen as per the official regulations. Due to the high volume of cooking and frying, a great deal of waste oil and grease is produced in a large kitchen. If these wastes are not removed, they will cause plumbing issues or clog the sewer system. Since grease traps filter out fats and oils, they need thorough cleaning on a periodical basis. If they are cleaned and emptied with the right frequency, the machine will function in a highly efficient manner.
Kitchen Drains:
The sinks and the plumbing in the kitchen will function properly when the kitchen’s drains are clear. Blockages in the drains will cause sink issues, affecting the overall hygiene of the kitchen. Therefore, hire a professional to thoroughly clean the drains every 2-3 weeks.
Dishwashers:
Just because it is a cleaning appliance doesn’t mean it should not be cleaned. The dishwashers in the kitchen also need proper cleaning and sanitization. Use an anti-bacterial cleaner to turn the dishwasher into a spotlessly clean appliance. Likewise, the cutlery and the glassware cleaners should also be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis for the best results.
Waste Disposal Units:
Tough buildup in the waste disposal unit in the kitchen doesn’t just create blockages but also releases foul smells. This can take a toll on the air quality inside the kitchen and the restaurant as a whole. There are specific cleaning products that you can use to remove the stubborn buildup in the disposal units and have the entire drainage system work efficiently as a result. Seek the help of professionals to choose the right cleaning products.
Grease buildup, grime, and food crumbs are not limited to kitchen equipment and cooking appliances alone. If you have been operating a restaurant for a couple of years now, you will know how unhygienic floors, walls, and ceilings of the kitchen can become over time. If such buildup is ignored or not cleaned properly, it can release unpleasant smells to linger around and become a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and harmful germs. If you don’t want your workers and visitors to fall sick due to this unhygienic environment, you should make cleaning the walls, floors, hard surfaces, and ceilings a crucial part of the cleaning routine. While you may have been sweeping and mopping the walls and floors, stains from spills and grease buildup will not go away easily. For effective deep cleaning and sanitization, you will need to hire a restaurant cleaning service. If your restaurant is located in Denver, CO, you can always rely on APS Hoods for proper cleaning of all the walls, floors, and ceilings in the facility. Whether it is the cleaning of walls, floors, ceilings, or any other hard surfaces, our skilled professionals will use the right cleaning product and leave it after application to sit there for a few minutes. This will allow the product to work effectively and disinfect the surface in a proper manner. After the deep cleaning is complete, you will have all surfaces free from bacteria and germs, and the entire restaurant facility will smell fresh and present a truly welcoming environment for guests.
How to Create a Restaurant Cleaning Routine
From day one of opening your restaurant, you should set up a well-defined cleaning routine. Apart from promoting a cleanliness culture among kitchen workers and the staff, you should come up with a cleaning schedule, which is specific and clearly defines what exactly needs to be cleaned and when. You will need to categorize various cleaning tasks on the basis of how frequently they are needed for a healthy and safe environment in the restaurant. Some cleaning tasks will need to be carried out more frequently than others. Make sure your cleaning routine outlines each task in clear detail. Of course, creating a restaurant cleaning checklist will prove to be highly effective. You can outline regular and more frequent tasks that should be carried out between every shift. If you run a large commercial kitchen, you should work with an experienced restaurant cleaning company in or near your location to develop a customized cleaning schedule for each area of your facility.
Do You Need Professional Restaurant Cleaning?
It is difficult to maintain cleanliness in a big restaurant or a large commercial kitchen solely with the help of the staff. At the American Professional Services (APS-Hoods), we specialize in the cleaning of kitchen appliances, cooking equipment, exhaust hood, vents, and ducts as well as all the floors, walls, ceilings, and hard surfaces of a restaurant facility. If you are a restaurant proprietor, we can be your most ideal cleaning partner for creating a fresh, welcoming, and healthy environment for your employees and guests. In addition to these, we also offer commercial hood installation, hood repair, HVAC repair, and fire protection system installation, etc. Our goal is to keep your restaurant squeaky clean, healthy, and safe all year round. Feel free to reach out to our Denver, CO, office via a phone call or an email for your free consultation for restaurant cleaning. Some related post:
Running a restaurant kitchen is not a small feat. As the owner, you have to pay attention to an array of tasks for smooth operation. After you are done choosing the right type of kitchen appliances and creating a great menu, you need to deal with greater challenges such as ventilation, fire suppression, and the overall air quality of your restaurant. Unlike a home kitchen, a large commercial kitchen generates a lot of smoke and grease on a regular basis. A smoky kitchen poses a range of health and safety risks that you must avoid in an effective manner.If you are struggling with a smoky kitchen and want to improve the ventilation of your restaurant kitchen, you should always invest in a top-quality exhaust hood system as well as perform its maintenance on a regular basis. This is exactly where you are going to need the help of experts.At American Professional Services (APS Hoods), we offer the most ideal solutions to keep your commercial kitchen smoke-free. Our services include exhaust hood cleaning and commercial kitchen cleaning as well as installation and maintenance of exhaust hood systems by experts. If the exhaust hood system is top quality and the hood fans function effectively and you maintain the system well, you can get rid of smoke and improve air quality in the kitchen.
Importance of Ventilation for Your Restaurant Kitchen
The high volume of cooking in a large kitchen produces a range of contaminants such as smoke, steam, and grease. As a result of this, the air quality inside the kitchen becomes poor. The airborne contaminants make it difficult for the staff to productively work inside the kitchen. Not just the staff, it also puts the health and safety of your customers and neighbors at risk. If you plan to properly run your kitchen and keep your business growing, you must always see to it that the airflow is proper and the ventilation system functions with maximum efficiency.
Health and Safety
You can never run a successful restaurant business unless you pay serious attention to the health and safety needs of the staff and guests. The smoke and odor generated in a commercial kitchen contain a number of harmful contaminants which can cause multiple types of skin and eye allergies as well as respiratory problems. A high-quality exhaust ventilation system removes the smoke and odor from the kitchen and keeps your staff and customers safe and healthy.
Comfortable Working Environment
Working inside a large kitchen for hours on end is a difficult job in itself. It is your duty as the owner to provide a comfortable working environment to your employees and staff. If the workers feel comfortable, they will be able to work efficiently and their productivity will increase. Happy and productive employees translate to getting more work done in an appropriate manner.Therefore, make sure the ventilation system in your kitchen is functioning efficiently. If it is not, you should either get it repaired without any delay or replace it with a top-quality exhaust hood system.
Energy Efficiency
Proper ventilation improves airflow inside the kitchen and enhances the efficiency of the HVAC system. As a result of this, the energy consumption is reduced and you are able to save on your utility bills.
Kitchen Odor Management
In a large kitchen, you can’t avoid odors that are produced from cooking and food itself. But you can certainly manage it so that the odor is removed quickly and it does not pass on to other areas of the restaurant. Your kitchen exhaust system does this quite well. Provided you maintain the system well, the exhaust hood prevents odors from the kitchen to escape to other areas.
We Provide Expertly Engineered Kitchen Exhaust Hood Solutions
All kitchen exhaust hoods are not the same. They vary in design, designation, size, and other features. In the market, you will come across a variety of exhaust hood systems of multiple qualities. It is crucial to select a system that is the most ideal match for the kind and volume of cooking you do.At the APS Hoods, we follow a well-defined procedure to equip your restaurant with the most perfect exhaust hood design.
Type of Cooking:
What type of cooking you do matters more than the volume of cooking in your restaurant. Certain cooking procedures generate more smoke and grease than others. The first thing our team does is to inspect the kind of cooking that is done in your commercial kitchen. If you are only frying, boiling, and grilling, one specific type of hood will be required. There is another exhaust hood system for kitchens where cooking also involves baking and steaming.
The volume of Smoke:
The volume of heat, smoke, and grease your kitchen produces is also a crucial factor that plays a role in the selection of the right kind of exhaust hood for your restaurant. Depending on this volume, your commercial kitchen will require a hood with a specific exhaust rate. Our ventilation experts will conduct a proper inspection of your commercial kitchen to calculate the exhaust rate. APS Hoods specializes in providing restaurant kitchens exactly the type of exhaust hoods they need. If you are not sure what the exhaust rate for your commercial kitchen should be, feel free to reach out to one of our professionals for a detailed consultation.
Design of Kitchen:
When it comes to getting the perfect solution for a smoky kitchen, the design of the kitchen also needs to be considered. The hood design should be in line with the design of your commercial kitchen. There are different types of exhaust hoods including Proximity Hoods, Wall-mounted Canopy Hoods, and Island Canopy Hoods. Each of these comes along with its own unique features and requires a specific type of hoods installation. With the help of our professionals, you will be able to select the best matching hood for your kitchen.
Size of Kitchen:
Apart from the type of cooking you do, the exhaust rate, and the design of your kitchen, you also need to take into account the size of your commercial kitchen. To craft the most ideal solution for the proper removal of smoke, heat, and grease and to create an effective capture zone, our team of ventilation experts will measure the size and height of your kitchen. The exhaust hood installation must be done at the correct height to maximize efficiency.The hood needs to be installed in a way that the smoke from the kitchen does not pass to other areas of the restaurant. That is why consulting with experts should never be ignored, if you want the perfect hoods.
Our Full Suite of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Services
APS Hoods offers a whole range of services to cover everything related to the proper installation and maintenance of kitchen exhaust hoods. Whether you are already running a restaurant or you are planning to start one soon, you can always rely on us for the highest quality of services.
Kitchen Hood Installation
For a smoke-free environment, your kitchen needs a highly efficient ventilation system. Based in Denver, Colorado, APS Hoods has been offering expert installation services for a range of restaurants and large kitchens. There are multiple factors that must be considered to carry out a hood installation in a correct and effective manner. No matter how much cooking you do and what the size of your commercial kitchen is, we will fit your kitchen with the most ideal kitchen hood that properly replaces the contaminated air with fresh, breathable air.We specialize in the installation of hoods over each of your main cooking appliances and equipment which includes air ducts, exhaust fans, and many other components of your restaurant’s HVAC.
Exhaust Hood Repair
In a large, commercial kitchen, anything can go wrong with your exhaust hood due to various reasons. The ventilation system can malfunction or the exhaust fans can stop working all of a sudden. As a smart restaurant owner, you should always invest in a high-quality exhaust hood system that performs its job well. You need ventilation that functions at the highest level of efficiency so as to continuously replace the smoky and heated air with fresh air from outside. If you notice any issue with your exhaust hood, reach out to us and our technicians will do the repairs. For exhaust hood repair, we employ advanced methods and the latest equipment and tools.
Kitchen Hood Cleaning
Every commercial kitchen requires thorough cleaning on a regular basis, due to the high volume of cooking that goes on in it. Most importantly, the kitchen hoods need deep cleaning by professionals. At the APS Hoods, we provide thorough vent hood cleaning, exhaust fan cleaning, duct cleaning, and the removal of grease, dirt, and grime to have a bright and squeaky clean kitchen.
Talk to Kitchen Exhaust Hoods Specialists
It is essential to keep your commercial kitchen free from heat, smoke, and grease and offer your workers and visitors a healthy and safe environment. Whether you are in need of exhaust hoods installation, repair, or maintenance, head straight to APS Hoods. Located in Denver, Colorado, we help a wide range of restaurants and large kitchens run smoothly and safely. You can reach out to our hood installation experts and technicians via a quick phone call or email.
Restaurants use kitchen exhaust systems for the safety of their staff and guests. The kitchen ventilation system keeps the cooking space free from heat, stuffy air, smoke, stale smells, etc. Today, we have highly effective exhaust systems that perform their responsibilities quite well. However, it is crucial to pay serious attention to the cleaning of the hood exhaust system – right from the hood, ductwork, and the exhaust fan to the roof of the hood. By performing thorough and proper hood cleaning, you can keep the kitchen protected against fire hazards and make the entire restaurant environment pleasing and comfortable for visitors.Key benefits of kitchen exhaust cleaning include:Prevention from fire hazardsUninterrupted airflowImproved air qualityIncreased lifespan of kitchen equipmentSave money in the long term
If you get kitchen hood cleaning done on a regular basis, you don’t just reduce the risks of hazards but you also save money.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has multiple codes and standards to minimize the risks of fire hazards. As a restaurant owner, you are required to abide by their guidelines and make sure you give your kitchen exhaust system a routine professional cleaning.As per the NFPA standards, you should get the kitchen exhaust cleaning done by trained and qualified professionals. Today’s kitchen hood systems use such advanced technologies that restaurant owners don’t understand how the system actually functions and how exactly it needs to be cleaned. Commercial kitchen cleaning is an expert’s job. It’s the job of someone who is quite well-versed with the inner workings of modern hood systems. If you get the cleaning done by someone who isn’t trained and certified, you’ll be only putting the life of the kitchen staff at risk. In the occurrence of a fire, you may have to face potential litigation.Therefore, always ensure that you hire a professional hood cleaning company. Qualified and experienced professionals understand the exhaust system of a kitchen like the back of their hand. They use a variety of techniques to clean the different components of the hood system in an effective manner.
Methods for Cleaning Kitchen Exhaust
Broadly speaking, there are two fundamental methods that hood cleaning companies use – scraping and pressure washing. Pressure washing is also termed as steam cleaning. Both the cleaning methods are known for their effectiveness in different cleaning situations. Depending on the specific needs of a commercial restaurant, the cleaning company can either use scraping or pressure washing or both. Provided it is done well, scraping will give remarkable results. At the same time, scraping of duct systems is a low-cost cleaning method.On the other hand, pressure washing or steam cleaning takes a lot of time and it is an expensive method. Since this is an elaborate cleaning method, cleaning companies need to do some advance planning and preparation for the same. Moreover, this cleaning method involves the use of some expensive equipment and tools. The biggest plus point or benefit of this method is that it can clean the hood exhaust system of the kitchen to bare metal.In most cases, cleaners use a combination of both scraping and steam cleaning to do an excellent job of exhaust cleaning. In this way, the kitchen hood system is cleaned thoroughly and the overall environment gets enhanced protection from different kinds of fire and safety hazards.
Step-by-Step Cleaning of the Hood System
The kitchen exhaust system consists of multiple parts, which work together to pull out grease, smoke, heat, and fumes from the kitchen. The hood cleaning process involves paying adequate attention to each comprising part of the kitchen exhaust so that proper and thorough cleaning can be done.
Disconnect Movable Elements:
A kitchen exhaust system has some parts which are portable. This means you can detach them from the main unit while leaving only the static components. Next, hood cleaners remove the grease filters and use the plastic sheeting to create the shape of the chute along the outer edge of the exhaust system for the cleaning process to begin. Exhaust Rooftop Cleaning: Usually, most professionals begin cleaning from the roof of the hood system. The exhaust fan housing is a potential area that collects a lot of grease over time. Hood cleaners will either remove the grease from this element or replace the grease pads with new ones. This component needs more attention from hood cleaners. Wherever there is grease buildup, the cleaning company will clean all the pads and filters.
Exhaust Fan Cleaning:
The cleaning of exhaust fans is a task in itself. Kitchen exhaust cleaning professionals inspect this area and start cleaning as per what is required. They will clean the fan blades. They’ll review the motor and find out if it is in good condition and working properly. They will inspect the bearings. If the fan belt is loose, the cleaner will fix it as well.
Ductwork Cleaning:
Cleaning the ducts is one of the most essential parts of the overall exhaust system cleaning. Professionals use the method of steam washing to clean the ductwork of the exhaust. For cleaning convenience, the NFPA recommends restaurant owners use large access panels. If your ductwork has large access panels, it will be easy for the staff to perform the cleaning task. If the access panels are not wide enough, the cleaning company will ask you to replace them and use wider access panels. Cleaning contractors can also use scrapping as part of ductwork cleaning for thorough and proper cleaning.
Hood Cleaning:
The plenum and the inside of the kitchen hood have grease buildup that isn’t always easy to clean. If the buildup is stubborn, the cleaning professional will use the scraping method for cleaning. Otherwise, they will clean these areas through the pressure washer system. Pressure washing is often needed for cleaning the hoods of the exhaust system. After the cleaning of the hood system is complete, the contractor will dispose of all the grease and wastewater from the kitchen. They’ll efficiently reconnect all the detachable elements of the kitchen exhaust. Then, an inspection of the exhaust will follow to make sure all components are well-connected and the entire system is working properly. If there are leakage issues with the ductwork, they will fix it and finally submit a report of the completed cleaning assignment.
How Often Exhaust Cleaning Should be Done
The frequency of exhaust cleaning varies from one kitchen to another. It depends on the volume of cooking in the kitchen. Another important factor is whether the stove used is wood-burning or gas. If you use a wood stove or charcoal stove, exhaust hood cleaning will be required more frequently. In fact, you’ll need a hood cleaning service at the interval of every two weeks.There are different cleaning frequencies for 24 hours of restaurants, cafeteria, hamburger restaurants, snack bars, etc. Regardless of what type of restaurant you operate, you should get in touch with a reputed, commercial kitchen cleaning company and have a consultation about your specific cleaning needs. Kitchen exhaust cleaning can never be ignored by any food establishment or restaurant. Routine exhaust cleaning helps you abide by the NFPA and local fire codes as well as enhance the safety of the cooking staff and the guests that come to your restaurant. Regular cleaning also increases the lifespan of kitchen equipment. If you are looking for a kitchen hood cleaning service, feel free to give APS-Hoods a quick call or shoot them an email. They operate in areas like Colorado, Lakewood, Aurora, etc.
How to Choose a Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Service
Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a job that comes with a lot of responsibility. If you end up working with a fly-by-night cleaning company, you can get yourself in serious trouble. Worse still, you may have to completely shut down your restaurant business. Therefore, always make sure the cleaning company you work with is well-known, reputed, qualified, and trained for doing the job.Before you hire a company that provides hood cleaning, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them a couple of questions in regard to:
Certification, affiliation
Overall experience
Areas of expertise
References
Training program for employees
These are some of the key criteria on the basis of which you can vet the commercial kitchen cleaning contractor. When you are entrusting a crucial task such as kitchen hood cleaning, you should work only with the best. A good cleaning company offers you quality and value for money.APS-Hoods, operating throughout Colorado, is a kitchen hood cleaning company that carries 20 years of experience. They have worked with a wide range of small and big restaurant businesses and have successfully conducted the cleaning tasks. APS-Hoods has affiliations with the National Fire Protection Agency. The company is also fully insured and bonded. When working with APS-Hoods, you can feel confident that your kitchen exhaust system will get a proper and thorough cleaning, which is in full compliance with the state and local codes.
As you know, deep cleaning your restaurant and the commercial kitchen does not just give it a beautiful, sparkling appearance, it also keeps your customers and employees safe! During the COVID-19 pandemic, this level of safety is more important than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new reality for the restaurant industry: social distancing, altered operating standards, and the need for intense cleaning. Keeping your kitchen sanitary will help keep your customers both safe and happy, as well as more likely to return to your establishment.
Having a professionally cleaned restaurant implies a high level of care for your customers. So here is all you need to know about maintaining your commercial kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic, straight from the professionals themselves.
Cleaning During COVID-19
Why is it so important to keep your kitchen clean and sanitized during the COVID-19 pandemic? The viral outbreak caused by COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. With over 4.5 million cases worldwide, and over 350,000 reported deaths due to the virus, it has caused devastation on a global scale.
COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory problems including trouble breathing, fever, loss of smell and taste, and even blood clots. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has had a major impact on the restaurant industry, with restaurants either forced to close or operate at a lower capacity. It has been connected to incidents at many restaurants, eateries, and coffee shops, including Starbucks, Panera, and Waffle House.
Gaining customer trust as restaurant limitations are raised depends on more than just handling food safely. Having your restaurant cleaned and sanitized by a professional company is a prime way to show your customers that you are taking this seriously. This entails cleaning your kitchen appliances, walls, floors, dumpsters, ceilings, vents, grease ducts, hoods, and fans.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your pressure washing, ventilation, sanitizing, or vent/duct/hood needs.
Both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Food Industry Association have put out special guidelines on how to proactively clean your restaurant during this time. These include a front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house cleaning checklist.
Front of the House
The front of the house gives off the first impression that your customers will get of your restaurant. Taking the following steps will ensure that their first impression is a good one and that you are taking the sanitization of your restaurant seriously.
Sanitizing tables, countertops, registers, floors, walls, and bathrooms. This will mitigate the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19. The virus can live on surfaces for hours. Wiping down surfaces and continually participating in restaurant cleaning help stop the spread of the virus.
Make sure you are using cleaning solutions that are proven to eliminate COVID-19. Not all cleaning solutions are effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. Make sure you use cleaning solutions that are certified to be effective in eliminating COVID-19.
Back of the House
The back of the house is where you are making the magic happen! Because there is so much going on, the back of the house also gets dirty. Food is being made; dishes are being taken out, and messy plates are being brought back in. Even now, while many restaurants are not fully open, the back of the house remains busy. Below are some steps that your restaurant can take for the back of the house cleanliness.
Sanitizing countertops, prep areas, cooking equipment, refrigerators, walk-in coolers, food storage areas, sink areas, floors, walls, and ceilings. These are the areas and surfaces where food is handled and prepared. It is imperative that they clean and sanitized regularly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ensure there is soap, clean towels (or paper towels), and accessible sinks. Your staff is working hard to make sure that your restaurant stays open, safe, and profitable. Make sure that they also have the tools needed to stay safe in the kitchen!
Cleaning with EPA-approved disinfectants.
At APS-Hoods, we can make this process easy and less time consuming for you by providing you with complete kitchen cleaning. This would include all kitchen items and surfaces mentioned above.
Your Kitchen Exhaust and Fire Protection Needs During COVID-19
Having your kitchen hood exhaust system professionally cleaned is something that is of the highest importance when it comes to maintaining your restaurant. Not only does it help keep your restaurant clean, but it also helps to prevent kitchen fires. Not having a properly cleaned hood system is one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires. At APS-Hoods we take this very seriously, and our goal is to make sure that your hood exhaust system is thoroughly cleaned if grease and other fire hazardous build. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the danger posed by the build-up of fire hazardous grease is still very much present.
Having your hood professionally cleaned is also a way to keep in line with fire protection codes and regulations. It is also required by insurance companies. Allow us to help you remain compliant with your local fire department, as well as your insurance company. We will clean your hood exhaust system from the atmosphere to the atmosphere. This includes the hood, filters, all areas of the grease duct (including opening any access panels), and the exhaust fan. We will make sure that the fire hazardous grease is cleaned out of your hood system.
Contact Us
APS-Hoods: Time-Tested Experts
We understand that deep cleaning your restaurant takes a lot of time and effort. With COVID-19 continuing to spread, taking on this endeavor can be even more nerve-wracking. So leave the complete commercial kitchen and restaurant deep cleaning to the professionals.
APS-Hoods are the experts when it comes to sanitizing, cleaning, and disinfecting your commercial kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have 20 years of experience providing restaurant kitchen cleaning, complete restaurant cleaning, and hood exhaust system cleaning. We are also National Fire Protection Agency affiliated, fully insured, bonded, and service Colorado and the surrounding states with our quality guarantee.
When you work with APS-Hoods, you work with a team that will go above and beyond to proactively address any of your commercial kitchen and hood exhaust system needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You focus on your customers; we’ll focus on the rest. Whether you’re looking for pressure washing, kitchen cleaning, hood exhaust system cleaning, or anything in between, we are here for you.
Are you ready to build customer trust and keep the health inspectors, fire departments, and insurance carriers happy? Contact APS-Hoods today for a free in-town quote for all your hood cleaning, grease duct, kitchen sanitization/cleaning, disinfecting, and restaurant cleaning needs.
There is no obligation when you call APS-Hoods for a quote on your commercial restaurant kitchen and hood exhaust system cleaning needs. We are here to give you the resources and information you need to make the best decisions for your business. So contact us today for help maintaining your commercial kitchen through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grease is one of those things that can harm your restaurant. No, not the musical. We’re talking about food-related grease, the hot liquid and cold solid material that can clog your drains and cause flames to rage out of control. The fact is, grease buildup is one of the top hazards that can affect restaurants and other commercial kitchen establishments everywhere. If you have accumulated grease, it’s only a matter of time before you face the trouble of your own.There is hope, however. Excess grease can be prevented once you know the proper steps to follow. Here is all you need to know about this food waste material and how to avoid expensive fines, closures due to fire, as well as bodily injury and death that can all be caused by the buildup of grease.
The average restaurant produces copious amounts of waste in the form of grease on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. While it’s easy to let grease management fall by the wayside, especially as you deal with all the stress that comes with running a busy restaurant, forgoing the grease cleanup is a mistake. These are some of the issues you are likely to run into if you allow the grease to pile up out of control.
– Enhanced Risk of Bodily Harm
Grease can easily find its way onto your tile floor. When that happens, watch out. Employees can slip and slide and even fall down, leading to an expensive liability issue. OSHA regulations for restaurant safety require you, as the restaurant owner or manager, to create a safe working environment that is free of hazards like the accumulation of grease that could then go on to cause injury or death. If an employee is injured on your greasy floor, all that person has to do is file a complaint with OSHA while claiming damages. Do you really want that expense or knowledge that you could have prevented the employee’s injury by cleaning up all the grease?The lesson? Keep the floors and entire establishment grease-free to prevent injuries and future lawsuits.
–Plumbing Backups
While it’s true that grease becomes liquid during the cooking process, the substance hardens when it cools. Before you know it, you have a gelatinous mess on your hands. If that mess finds its way into your plumbing system, you face a heavy clog. To make matters worse, when your business’s plumbing is affected, the problem could go on to clog the local sewer system, causing a stinky mess that isn’t easy to clean.Unless you want number two all over your commercial kitchen and dining areas, cleaning grease buildup should become your number one priority.
–FOG Fees
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) should all be disposed of properly. FOG programs around the country exist to monitor restaurants and other food establishments for the purposes of ensuring sanitary conditions and the appropriate disposal of FOG. These programs also require you to properly service and maintain all Grease Management removal equipment. If you don’t comply, you could be hit with expensive FOG build up fees.
–Environmental Damage
You might wonder how to grease buildup inside your business could possibly be an environmental concern. However, the cost to the local ecosystem becomes clearer when you consider the following. Your standard rooftop grease collector maintains about four quarts of grease. Your kitchen exhaust hood sends about a quart of grease to the rooftop collector each month. If you only change out the grease pad every year when the inspector comes around, you could find yourself dumping around eight quarts of grease onto your roof each year. The moment it rains, all that grease could flow off your roof and into your rain gutters, subsequently finding itself into your storm drain, and then into the streams and rivers. All that grease can quickly go on to kill plants, fish, and other wildlife. Keep the environment clean by keeping your restaurant free of excess grease.
–EPA Penalties
The unauthorized discharge of grease-tainted stormwater is against the law. You could be subject to fines from the Environmental Protection Agency if you don’t keep up with the buildup of grease in your rooftop collection system.
–Foul Odors
The longer grease remains in your kitchen, the worse it’s going to smell. Your goal is to keep a clean and pleasant-smelling environment for your customers to enjoy a meal. Having an unpleasant odor wafting from your kitchen isn’t going to cut it and could lead to declining business and negative reviews. Keep your restaurant smelling like the delicious meals you serve by keeping excess grease at bay.
–Pests
Lingering grease can attract mice, rats, drain flies, roaches, and other nasty vermin. The fact is, a buildup of heavy grease is a serious sanitation issue.
Increased Fire Risk
Aside from cleanliness, the heightened fire risk is by far the most important reason for Grease Management in your commercial kitchen. Grease is highly flammable. When it builds up, the risk of dangerous fire significantly increases. When a fire ignites, you face restaurant damage and injury, or even loss of life. The financial drain on your business could be enormous, not to mention the emotional toll on customers and staff. Your reputation could be harmed, and your bottom line could be affected for months, if not years, into the future. Keep the risk of fire at an absolute minimum by cleaning the grease inside your establishment on a regular basis.
The Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Excess Grease Buildup
You now have plenty of reasons to maintain a grease-free environment for customers and staff. Here are a few steps to follow to ensure that happens now and in the future.
Clean Your Grease Traps
Your kitchen’s grease trap doesn’t just catch grease, but it also catches oil and fat. Remember FOG? Oh yeah, your grease trap’s full of it. It’s up to you to empty it out every once in a while. If you fail to clean the trap, all that grease can find its way into the local sewer, and we’re right back to a sewer backup. You can clean a grease trap on your own. You can even get your staff to do the job for you. However, only a professional can ensure that the grease trap is opened, cleaned, serviced, maintained, and sealed properly. A wrong move can leave a grease trap that isn’t properly cleaned or that isn’t well-maintained, giving you problems sooner or later. Most grease traps have to be opened carefully, with specialized tools so that you don’t break the gaskets. All that gunk needs to be removed and then properly disposed of. You can’t just dump all that FOG down the drain, nor should you toss it into the garbage. You can get fined for that, which is another case for getting professionals to do the job on your behalf.Professionals can also repair parts and replace them as needed, making sure your FOG excess is always collected and that all the waste in the local sewer system stays right where it belongs.
How Often Should Grease Traps Be Cleaned?
Your restaurant’s grease trap cleaning frequency will vary depending on the size of your trap and the amount of grease your staff use in your kitchen. Most cities require restaurants to clean the trap so that they maintain less than 25% FOG accumulation. For most establishments, this equates to a thorough cleaning at least once per quarter and sometimes as frequently as once per month.
Grease Trap Buildup Warning Signs
You should be aware of indicators that can tell you when your grease trap should be cleaned and/or maintained. One warning sign to look for is a drain system that doesn’t go down as fast. Backed up drains are almost a sure sign that there is too much grease in your trap. Another warning sign is a strong and foul odor. FOG waste produces an extremely unpleasant odor after sitting stagnant for extended periods of time. You need to ensure you remove them frequently. Cleaning grease traps properly, and having professionals do the job, will prevent these foul odors from accumulating inside your restaurant. Finally, if your sewers are backing up, that could be an indication that your grease trap is full and needs to be cleaned out.
Vent Hood Cleaning
A dirty ventilation hood can be a major fire hazard. You can also get fined by your health inspector for having blocked or soiled ventilation components. Your staff should be engaging in nightly, weekly, and monthly cleaning duties. One of those duties is likely the cleaning of the grease filters on the vent hoods. But how well is your staff inspecting the hoods to ensure they are free of all grease and debris?You can maintain the cleanest vent hoods and keep the health inspector happy with regular vent hood cleaning by experienced professionals. A vent hood cleaning service will ensure that every inch of your unit is clean and well-maintained. Most importantly, the service will keep you code-compliant. Those codes exist to keep your restaurant, personnel, and customers safe from foul smoke and dangerous fire. For those reasons and more, you will sleep easier knowing that your vent hoods are cleaned by those who know the value of cleaner and more breathable air.
Cooking Oil Pickup
It’s not just grease you have to worry about. You also should think about any cooking oil your kitchen is producing to excess. It can be dangerous to leave used cooking oil just hanging around. Talk about a fire hazard! A single spark can pose a dangerous situation to your building, staff, and loyal customers. For this reason, ensure that you are removing used cooking oil on your premises and that you are following all local rules and regulations while doing so. You can ensure that your restaurant follows the law by calling on certified professionals who regularly work with FOG related removal. Removing used cooking oil doesn’t have to be a messy job. In fact, professional services exist whose reputation depends on fast, clean, and courteous pickups of all types of substances, including used oil and grease.
Clean Your Kitchen Floors
Grease doesn’t have to spill in a puddle to cause a fire or slip hazard. Grease can accumulate on your kitchen floors for a long time. This results in a sheet of grease that must be removed if you hope to leave your restaurant safe for staff and customers alike. Your kitchen floors are especially susceptible to grease buildup after the grease trap has been cleaned and maintained. While your staff is undoubtedly keeping your floors somewhat cleaned with their nightly sanitation duties, professional cleaning on a regular basis can give you much better peace of mind. Professional floor cleaners use powerful degreasing agents. They also use heavy duty machines like floor scrubbers and carpet steamers. Removing grease can be done with your wait and kitchen staff, but professional services will make sure your floors are always cleaned to your satisfaction.
Now, For Major Grease No-Nos
So far, we have covered steps you can do to keep grease buildup from becoming a problem. Now we are going to discuss a couple of things you should never do to keep your restaurant clean and free from grease buildup.
No Pouring Grease Down the Drains!
Everyone in your kitchen should know that you should never pour grease down the drain directly. However, you are essentially doing that very thing when you allow food waste of any kind to grace your drain system. All waste should be disposed of properly, in the garbage bin, particularly solid food waste. Don’t rely on garbage disposals and always empty your drain strainers. The goal of your kitchen staff should be to minimize at all costs the amount of food that sneaks into the grease trap.
If you recycle cooking oil and leave that oil stored in outdoor containers, make sure they are always properly secured. These containers should always be locked away and maintained so that they are far from wastewater systems. These protocols ensure that the grease and oils never enter the natural environment. Locking the containers also keeps thieves from stealing and selling your used oil and build-up grease.
Don’t Let the Grease Buildup Get Out of Hand
You now know the damage that can be done to your restaurant if you allow grease and FOG altogether to accumulate to excess. The restaurant cleaning professionals atAPS-Hoods want to talk to you if you have heavy amounts of grease and wish to make your establishment cleaner and safer for everyone involved. Your staff and customers deserve an environment that is sanitary and that prevents slips, falls, and deadly fires. Let us provide you with a free quote and we can ensure your grease stays at a minimum for maximum health and safety. Call now in Denver, Colorado.
Restaurant Cleaning Instructions – Denver, CO: Restaurant cleaning is no easy feat. Even on a slow day, crumbs could find their way into the carpet, a little grease could get splashed onto the walls, and the bathrooms could end up looking like a war zone.
That’s not even mentioning all the places there are to clean in your average restaurant. The floors, walls, ceilings, kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas will need to be scrubbed thoroughly. Because you know what happens if you don’t engage in the necessary cleaning. Your health inspector could become displeased.
No restaurant owner wants an unhappy health inspector. You could face foul marks that could make their way to the news, and you could be levied with fines or even be forced to shut your establishment down.
Let’s prevent any of that from happening, shall we? Here are some steps to take to ensure that the health inspector always gives you rave reviews for every future inspection.
Most restaurants have their staff clean the floors, tables, and kitchen on a nightly basis. Doing so prevents rodents and insects from becoming guests of your establishment and makes the place nice and presentable for the next wave of customers.
However, sweeping and vacuuming the floors and wiping down the tables, even giving the kitchen a complete scrub-down is inadequate at best for keeping your restaurant clean. For a more thorough job, you should consider hiring a restaurant janitorial company.
Advantages of Restaurant Cleaning by Professional Janitors
You may think you are saving money by having your staff do all the cleaning, but restaurants who choose to hire janitors get to enjoy the following benefits.
Safe & Sanitary Environment
Your staff may not have the training or experience to get all the grease off the floors, which can lead to slips and falls. If your staff misses some crumbs in the corner or fail to get the hidden grease off the walls, you could be inviting roaches, rats, and dangerous microbes into your restaurant. Learn more about: Restaurant Kitchen Deep Clean: How Long Will the Kitchen be Down and is It Worth It?
Professional janitors make your restaurant safer for staff and customers and will sterilize your environment to make it unappealing to pests while simultaneously making your restaurant inviting to customers.
Health Code Compliance
Most local health codes require you to get your restaurant professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This is necessary for safety and sanitation, which we have mentioned, but it’s also a good idea if you want to serve excellent food that won’t make your customers sick.
They Can Clean Hard to Reach Places
Professional janitors can clean the walls, floors, ceiling tiles, and every other area of your restaurant. They don’t cut corners like staff might when they’re trying to get off early. Janitors will clean in the corners and in every nook and cranny to ensure a complete restaurant cleaning job.
Complete Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Keeping the Back of House Clean
When we talk about “back of house” we are referring to the kitchen and other areas that customers aren’t readily exposed to.
Daily Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning
Clean the fryers until every remnant of food or grease is gone.
Sanitize all food preparation surfaces, including the cutting boards.
Brush and scour the grills until all the crusty gunk is removed.
Empty the trash cans and wipe them down with a damp rag and antimicrobial soap.
Take all the rags to the laundry to be professionally cleaned (unless you do this in-house).
Launder all the chef’s aprons and coats while you’re at it.
Sanitize the meat and cheese slicers.
Make sure all refrigerated food items are kept in air-tight containers and properly labeled.
Sweep and mop all floors, including the walk-in cooler and freezer.
Wipe down the outside of the ice machine.
Clean the grease traps.
Clean the ventilation hood filters by running them through the dishwasher.
Replace the tin foil liners on the grills and ranges.
Empty all the trash and recyclables.
Wash the floor mats.
Empty and clean the steam tables.
Sanitize the sinks, faucets, and soda dispensers.
Properly dispose of all grease and oil.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning
Clean the ovens by adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Empty, clean, and sanitize the walk-in cooler.
Clean the coffee machines.
Wash the walls.
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning
Wash behind the fryers, flat tops, stoves, and oven.
Remove all built-up grease, which can become a fire hazard.
Empty and clean the walk-in freezer.
Empty the ice bin, then clean and sanitize the inside.
Wash the ceiling tiles.
Check the equipment: Are the knives sharp? Is the thermometer calibrated?
Check the entire restaurant for signs of pests and rodents. If you notice droppings or other signs, call pest control immediately!
Contact Us
Keeping the Front of House Clean
The front of the house includes all the areas staff may come into contact with, including your entrance, dining areas, bar, and others.
Daily Restaurant Cleaning
Wash every surface of the restaurant (walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, bar, tabletops, chairs, and booths) with clean and sanitized rags.
Clean and sanitize the restrooms (you should also check them multiple times per shift and clean them as necessary).
Sweep and mop the floors.
Wipe down the condiment dispensers.
Check the menus for cleanliness and wipe them down as needed.
Weekly Restaurant Cleaning
Dust the blinds, ceiling fans, walls, picture frames, and anywhere else dust has gathered.
Clean the table and chair legs.
Wipe down the baseboards.
Restaurant Ceiling Cleaning
Even though the ceiling tiles are way up high doesn’t mean they can’t become caked with grease and other contaminants. The fact is, the ceiling is positioned above everything, including your cooking appliances. That means that everyday food is being cooked and prepared, and your ceiling tiles are absorbing everything, from fumes and oil to grease and odors.
Failing to clean your ceiling tiles can make your entire restaurant look old and dingy. On extreme bases, the ceiling tiles can begin to negatively affect the air quality of your restaurant, leading to a fire hazard and failed health inspections.
Whether you have your staff clean the tiles or you hire a professional janitorial service, make sure the following steps are performed. Missing even a single step can leave your restaurant susceptible to disaster, and you may end up turning off your customers.
Cover Everything in the Kitchen
Cleaning the ceiling tiles means that all those contaminants are going to come raining down on your tables, floors, cooking appliances, and everything else. Therefore, make sure you cover everything down below with plastic tarps or drop cloths. You can also use old sheets or butcher paper. While you’re at it, cover your eyes with protective eyewear before the cleaning begins.
Remove the Tiles
If your restaurant sports a drop ceiling or suspended ceiling tiles, you will first want to remove all the tiles from along the ceiling grid. Use a shop vac and clean all the areas that aren’t readily available, like the vents, corners, and light fixtures. If your shop vac has a dusting attachment, use it to get into the nooks and crannies. If the tiles are excessively filthy, alternate between vacuuming and dusting until the tiles look clean.
Whatever you do, don’t use disposable dusting cloths on ceiling tiles, as they will snag and tend to leave behind fibers. These fibers, in turn, will catch and attract additional dust and dirt. Use rags or towels instead.
Clean the Commercial Ceiling Tiles
With the dusting complete, you will next want to wash the tiles using a mixture of ten parts water and one-part dishwashing liquid. Next, use a wet sweeper to swab the tile’s surface. Don’t over-wet the tiles, as you can warp them or cause water damage. Make sure you wring your sweeper out before applying it to the tiles to avoid any water mishaps.
Instructions for Cleaning Permanent Ceiling Tiles
If you are tasked with cleaning restaurant tiles that are permanently set into the ceiling, use a static duster to first eradicate any loose dirt. From there, use the shop vac to get to all the hard to reach places, then use a wet sweeper dampened in the same dishwashing solution directly onto the ceiling tiles. Don’t get the sweeper too wet so that it doesn’t drip and cause a mess.
Finally, use a lint-free cloth to get the ceiling tiles as dry as possible.
The above advice is for standard restaurant cleaning, but what happens when the fire has reared its ugly head? Whether you suffered a small fire, or your restaurant has been gutted, there are strict protocols in place for how your restaurant should be cleaned.
Cleaning and Removing Smoke Odor
After a fire, your entire establishment could end up smelling like a giant ashtray. The first course of action is to give your restaurant a thorough scrubbing while eradicating the foul stench of acrid smoke.
Cleaning the Walls, Furniture, and Floors
To remove soot and smoke from surfaces like walls and floors, and from your furniture, use a mild soap or detergent. You can also mix four to six tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate and one cup of household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning up after a fire and be sure to rinse all the surfaces afterward with clear warm water before drying thoroughly.
Wash the walls one small area at a time. The best technique is to work from the floor up while taking care to prevent streaking. Rinse with clear water immediately after washing.
You should always wash the ceilings last. If you are considering repainting, only do so after the walls and ceilings are completely clean and dry. You can further reduce the chances of mold growth and mildew by wiping down all the surfaces with a solution comprised of one cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Always test the solution on small areas first to prevent unnecessary discoloring.
If you have drywall or insulation that was soaked by water from sprinklers or fire hoses, you should consult with a professional for assistance. You cannot dry these areas out and reuse them, as mold and mildew can result. The areas will have to be replaced completely by a professional before your restaurant can reopen.
Commercial Kitchen Fire Cleaning
Wash all the appliances and pots, pans, and utensils with soapy water. Then, rinse them down before polishing them. They can also be run through the dishwasher.
If any food or other items were damaged, they must be removed from the premises immediately, preferably before cleaning is conducted.
If your business is closed for renovation or repairs, your establishment will need to be reviewed and inspected by local authorities before you can reopen for business. This is why it is critical that you hire a fire restoration and cleanup service so you’re not handling everything on your own. A service can make sure all steps are completed for a faster and more efficient reopening. Learn more about: Restaurant Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist for Commercial Operations in Denver, CO
Construction Cleaning
There is one more aspect of cleaning a restaurant that we haven’t discussed, and that’s to clean up after new construction or a renovation project. Whether you recently built your establishment, or you remodeled it, you likely have a big mess on your hands.
Post-Construction Cleanup Checklist
Sweep and vacuum all the surfaces, including all the ceilings and walls.
Sweep, mop, and disinfect the floors.
Vacuum the upholstery.
Wipe down the doors, knobs, baseboards, moldings, and hardware.
Give a thorough wipe-down and sanitization of the bathrooms and kitchens, including the appliances, cabinets, and counters.
Dust and wipe down all the window interiors, including the sills and frames.
Dust the air ducts, grates, vents, ceiling fans, blinds, and lighting fixtures.
Clean hardware such as hinges and handles and clean the outside of all shelves and cabinets.
Cleaning inside all cabinets is essential.
You have to clean the inside of the cupboards.
Remove all trash and debris (though your construction contractor should have removed this already as part of your contract).
Why Not Trust the Restaurant Cleaning to the Experts?
Instead of putting your staff to work on these really tough jobs, call APS-Hoods in Denver, Colorado instead. We can perform restaurant cleaning, kitchen cleaning, fire cleaning, and construction cleaning. Not only will you have less stress, but you can keep the health inspector happy, preventing fines and potential shutdowns.
Call today for a free estimate and let APS-Hoods make your restaurant the cleanest in town.
Getting your restaurant professionally cleaned is important to uphold the level of professionalism you hope to convey to your loyal customers. A clean restaurant tells new customers that the owners take pride in exceptional presentation. When a restaurant is clean, customers tend to trust that the food is of the highest quality and that every effort has been made to appease customers with a sanitized environment.
Without pressure washing, you may inadvertently send a negative message to your customer base about your food quality and services, forcing them to choose elsewhere for their dining needs. Pressure washing gives the right message that your restaurant is always open and available for a fine dining experience.
Pressure washing offers a range of benefits for restaurant owners. A pressure washing team can begin with the exterior of the building, helping to clean gum and stains from the sidewalks and patio. If there are grease and oil spills, those defects will quickly become a thing of the past, no matter how old they happen to be.
Your building exterior can be cleaned of dirt and grime, breathing new life into your exceptional curb appeal, and the roof and windows can be sprayed until they look as good as new. Exterior cleaning can also include a deep-water scrub of your parking lot, awnings, entryways, and patio furniture.
One of the most important aspects of exterior cleaning is to ensure that your signage is always viewable and presentable. Pressure washers use a telescoping wand to reach ultra-high signs for enhanced customer attraction.
Only when the outside of your restaurant is completely cleaned will the team move to the interior of your building. Inside, the pressure washers can clean your kitchen appliances, ovens, and other equipment. All that built-up grease that occurs after numerous busy kitchen shifts can be easily scrubbed clean, making your kitchen much cleaner and less susceptible to dangerous fires. Finally, pressure washing can help to clean the walls and floors of food particles, grease, and caked-on dirt for a spotless kitchen the health inspector will love.
If your restaurant has experienced vandalism such as graffiti, pressure washing can take care of those pesky marks as if they were nothing but chalk on cement. The pressure washing team can even sanitize your dumpster areas and corrals for a thorough job well done.
Not only can pressure washing give your restaurant a sanitized appearance, but the environment will be healthier for your staff and customers. Pressure washing services can be used to clean your kitchen exhaust systems and other ductwork. Your kitchen exhaust collects all the hot air and grease that builds up during a typical kitchen shift. Over time, your exhaust system and connecting duct systems can become covered with old grease deposits. Not only can all that grease lead to the outbreak of fire, but it can also contaminate your food and the air your staff and customers breathe.
Another reason you will want to have your duct system cleaned is to rid your ventilation system of all signs of mold and mildew. Over time, mold and mildew can make your staff and customers sick, leading to horrible reviews, fines from the health inspector, and a potential shutdown.
Pressure washing your exhaust and duct systems improves your air quality and food purity while keeping your staff and customers safe. When it comes to cleaning your exhaust and duct systems, the pressure washers will focus on all your kitchen hoods, ducts, filters, and fans, ensuring they are free of grease and other particles for long-term safety and cleanliness.
Pressure Washing for a Safer Restaurant
An employee heading to the dumpster with a container of grease and oil can easily cause a spill on the sidewalk, setting the stage for a potential disaster. A customer slipping and falling could open your business to expensive lawsuits, making pressure washing an excellent investment.
Pressure washing can rid your restaurant of all sorts of risks, like fire caused by grease buildup, and accidents caused by slick food waste. With high-pressure water scrubs and superior cleaning agents that are designed for restaurant use, you can feel assured that your customers are safe, and your business protected, every time you order a pressure washing job.
Types of Pressure Washers Available
There are a variety of pressure washers on the market that can be used to sanitize your establishment. Gas-powered pressure washers are heavy-duty and used to clean a restaurant’s outdoor areas, including the awnings, patios, and the exterior of the building. You only want to use these washers outside as they produce carbon monoxide gas that can pose a danger to staff and customers. Electric power washers don’t produce carbon monoxide and thus can be used for indoor use, such as in the kitchen area. While not as powerful as gas washers, electric power washers generally have enough oomph to handle most grease-covered restaurant messes.
Contact Us
DIY Pressure Washing vs. a Professional Pressure Washing Service
You may be tempted to pressure wash your restaurant all on your own. You should know that the cost of renting a pressure washer may be lower than hiring a professional, but cleaning a restaurant isn’t so easy. You may find that there is a learning curve that goes along with using the pressure washer correctly. This may make the cleaning of the interior and exterior of your business more trouble than it’s worth.
Furthermore, you are required to clean the pressure washer all on your own before returning it. By the time you are finished, the time expenditure and frustration may make you wish you hired a professional pressure washing service, to begin with. We recommend focusing on what you do best, which is to run your restaurant while producing exceptional food. Leave the pressure washing to the professionals instead.
Professional pressure washers have years of experience and know how to use the equipment efficiently so that there is less of a mess and more cleanliness all around. Professionals are also well-versed in safety, which means there is a lowered likelihood of accidents and damage to your valuable equipment.
Finally, commercial equipment tends to be stronger than rented equipment, which means you may not get as much cleanliness out of a rental as you will when hiring professional cleaners. When you let professional power washers handle the job, you can ensure a clean restaurant without any of the hassles that can come with trying to pressure wash your restaurant all on your own.
Professional Restaurant Waste Removal
Attempting to power wash your restaurant on your own means you are responsible for grease disposal. Collecting grease is a messy job, and so is disposing of it. Furthermore, you need to ensure that you dispose of grease properly. The EPA has strict rules for disposing of restaurant grease. If these protocols aren’t followed, you leave yourself open to hefty fines by the health inspector if you are ever discovered. A professional service can not only get your kitchen free of grease but any grease that is removed will be properly thrown away. Professional power washers use commercial grease disposal equipment and law-mandated processes that keep your restaurant clean and keep your business health code compliant.
How to Prepare for Power Washing
When you hire a crew to pressure wash your restaurant, the technicians will prepare the interior of your building and your equipment before the cleaning begins.
Each appliance will be covered with quarter-inch heat boards to protect the cooking equipment from the high-pressure water. The appliances will also be covered with plastic to provide extra protection. The crew will shut off the power to your vent hoods, hood lights, and exhaust fans before removing all the grease filters, trays, and cups. If there are any electrical wires, outlets, or boxes nearby, these areas will be covered with tape. The exhaust system will be enclosed in a watertight film and draped in plastic to channel the water into a wastewater container.
The roof exhaust fan will be disassembled, with the crew being very careful with the electrical wiring. To aid in the cleaning of the exhaust fan, duct, and vent hoods, many teams will apply a degreasing chemical to each component before pressure washing begins.
Regular Pressure Washing Ensures Health Code Compliance
A professional pressure washing team can accommodate your schedule so that the cleanup-job offers minimal disruption to your business. With recurring pressure washing, your restaurant can remain sanitized while getting the professional maintenance your business needs.
A professional pressure washing service also knows what your restaurant needs to comply with all health and safety regulations. With commercial-grade equipment and powerful solutions that are safe to use around food, a pressure washing service can help you maintain a sanitary and health compliant business.
Qualities to Look for in a Commercial Power Washing Service
When it comes to cleaning your restaurant, you only want the best in your area. This means the service must demonstrate the following qualities.
Commercial-Grade Equipment:
When interviewing restaurant power washing services near you, find out what kind of equipment they use. Are the components gas or electric-powered, and how well do they cut through grease and grime? A professional service near you will have the very best equipment money can buy.
Quality Service:
The cleaning crew you hire should have excellent reviews from other business owners. Read through the reviews and look for phrases describing the quality of the cleaning job and the cleanliness of the restaurant after the power washing is done. An inexperienced crew might be able to cut through grease, but they might also leave water everywhere for you to clean up. A professional service will get everything clean and leave you with a spotless and dry interior and exterior.
Professionalism:
Start grading the power washers near you from the very first encounter, even if that meeting occurs over the phone. Are you treated with respect? Are all of your questions answered promptly and thoroughly? Professional power washers prioritize customer service. From the very first phone call to the time when the technicians show up to perform a quality job, you should feel confident at all times that you have found the right power washing service for your budget and needs.
Honest Quotes:
When it comes to giving you an estimate for professional power washing, ensure that your quote includes all the fees you can expect. You don’t want hidden fees or other surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. Make sure there is transparency at all times, whether you are discussing the work to be done or the amount you have to pay. A professional power washing service holds honesty as a primary tenet, giving you the ultimate peace of mind.
Power Washing on Your Schedule:
The act of power washing your restaurant doesn’t have to disrupt your normal operations. The power washing company you select should be able to work during times when customers are scarce, allowing for the proper cleaning before you open or after you close. A professional service should also be able to schedule consistent cleaning, such as monthly or bi-yearly, to keep your restaurant looking attractive for customers all the year through.
Schedule Power Washing for Your Restaurant Today
How clean is your restaurant, really? If your exterior shows caked-on dirt and your kitchen equipment is getting a little greasy, a power washing is just what your business needs. With a full-power washing of your parking lot, patio, entranceway, kitchen, vent hoods, and ventilation ducts, you’ll have no trouble maintaining a positive reputation your customers are sure to love. Schedule a free estimate by calling APS-Hoods, now serving restaurant owners like you in Denver, Colorado. For power washing that’s always done right, APS-Hoods has you covered.
Air duct cleaning is important for commercial businesses of all types. Whether you have a bookstore, a pet supply store, a restaurant, or a dental clinic, your vents likely need cleaning. When is the last time you had the proper work done?
Even if you keep a spotless establishment, even the cleanest commercial operations can end up with dirty vent ducts.
Six reasons for keeping your air vents cleaned
Depending on the type of business you operate, you have at least six reasons for keeping your air vents cleaned.
Better Air Quality:
Over time, commercial air ducts can become filthy and coated in dust. All that gunk can find its way into the air your staff and customers breathe. If you don’t put effort into keeping the air breathable, illnesses could result. Employees could call in sick and customers might stop coming. You might also get a nasty writeup from commercial reviewers or on customer review sites. A clean establishment is a customer draw and that requires squeaky clean ventilation ducts.
Cleaner Environment:
Not only could the air become contaminated with dirty ducts, but dust and grime can find its way on your store shelves. For restaurants, greasy air ducts can contaminate the food, leading to poor customer experience.
Healthier Staff:
Your staff show up daily and work hard to fulfill your business interests. Reward your staff by keeping all of your vents free of dust and debris. Otherwise, your staff can be forced to inhale contaminants like dust, spores, mold, and microbes on a regular basis, leaving them susceptible to illness and expensive time off.
Pleased Customers:
Your customers won’t want to spend much time in your establishment if your air ducts are mucking up the air and throwing dust everywhere. Instead, customers prefer a pristine environment, and keeping sanitized air vents is an excellent first start.
Reduced Costs:
It is much easier to keep your commercial air ducts clean if you do a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Soiled ducts also force your HVAC system to work overtime, putting a strain on the system leading to potential burnout and replacement. Your energy costs could also potentially skyrocket even though your environment never really gets comfortable. An efficient HVAC system keeps your costs low, and that’s where a clean air vent comes into play.
Happy Health and Safety Inspector:
If your commercial business gets regular visits by health and fire inspectors, you can avoid hefty fines and keep your business healthy and safe by keeping your air ducts squeaky clean.
Now that you know the importance of duct cleaning, here is how to gain all the benefits of spotless ducts with a few well-placed tips.
Cover All Supply Registers:
It is recommended that you clean the supply air registers, which are the openings that supply heat into the rooms, with paper towels before you begin the process of cleaning your vents. You can cover the vents by lifting the register and wrapping paper towel on top before replacing it.
Turn on the Fan:
It is best to keep the fan running while your vents are being cleaned. As you vacuum and brush away the dust, you want it moving along so that it can be collected easily. Set your thermostat to “fanon” and turn off the “heat/cool” mode so that only the fan runs. If your HVAC system doesn’t have a fan-only option, run the heat or install a new, more modern thermostat.
Change the Furnace Filter:
Over time your filter can throw up a lot of dust and debris. Changing the filter ensures that your air ducts are kept clean while the system runs.
Shop Vac the Air Ducts:
Use a shop vac with a heavy-duty and decent hose to collect dust, dirt, rodent droppings, mold spores, and anything else that can collect inside commercial ventilation ductwork.
Brush the Ducts Clean:
Vacuuming the inside the ventilation ducts is only the first step. You should always follow up on the shop-vac work with a toilet brush or similar employment. A stiff-bristled paintbrush could also work for heavier duty debris that won’t readily vacuum away.
Clean the Supply Registers:
Now you can start sweeping the dust that has collected in the supply registers. Keep the vacuum running and the end of the hose pointed toward the register, then lift the register. The hose should catch any dust that is being pushed out by the fan. You can then sweep the dust and debris into the hose using the brush. Then, sweep out the return air registers, which are usually fastened in place with screws. Try to get as far back into the register piping or cavity as possible.
Shut Off the Fan:
Once the registers are clean, shut the fan off at the thermostat and turn off the power to the furnace via the breaker switch panel.
Clean the Blower Compartment:
Once the HVAC system is turned off, remove the panels on the front to access the blower compartment and return air boot. Using the shop-vac, sweep up the dust that has built up inside the blower, and return air boot. While you are at it, clean the furnace fan to ensure your system is free of dust that can then find its way into your clean air vents.
Access the Main Ducts:
There are likely duct compartments that cannot be accessed with a shop-vac hose and toilet brush. For those areas, you can remove the end caps from the rectangular ductwork to access the inside of the air vents. Slide the drives down the duct and pull the cap out of the slips. Use a flashlight to look inside the old ducts for dirty areas, but the majority of dust will be in the easily accessible areas and inside the HVAC unit.
Clean the Basement Registers:
If you have registers installed throughout your HVAC system to distribute air to the basement, you will want to remove and clean these registers as well. Use the same procedure you did for the upstairs registers. You will soon find that cleaning the basement registers has the added benefit of giving you further access to the main trunk line.
Follow these steps regularly for air vents that are always clean for happier customers and staff and better savings.
3 Expert Tips for Vent Cleaning by Air Duct Specialists
1. Break Contaminants Loose
For a thorough job, you need to be able to locate the sources of any and all contaminations. For an accurate visual, use a flashlight and look for unusual spots along with the inner ductwork. Then, work these spots clean using vigorous hand-brushing and contact vacuuming. For stubborn contaminants, you can even use compressed air nozzles, which is how the experts clean stubborn air vents.
2. Collecting Contaminants
Each stroke of your brush or sweep of the shop-vac is likely to kick up dust and debris, sending them airborne. Professional ventilation duct cleaners use negative pressure by way of heavy-duty vacuums to prevent the spread of contaminants. Using room ionizers can usually remove airborne particles that may result from a proper vent duct cleaning.
3. Sanitize Ductwork with Antimicrobial Chemicals
A good way to put a final seal of approval on your duct cleaning project is to apply an antimicrobial solution to keep mold and microbes from spreading. A good cleaner can also help to control odors, giving your environment a professional shine your customers are sure to love. Look for chemicals that are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA.
Is It Worth Hiring Air Duct Cleaning Companies?
Absolutely! Only a professional commercial air vent cleaning company will have the tools, know-how, and experience to ensure your business remains sanitized and protected.
A company like Aps-Hoods, for example, will not only ensure the air ducts stay clean, but will also inspect and scrub the coils, drain pans, registers, grills, air plenums, blower motors, air filters, heat exchangers, and air cleaners. This allows the vent duct cleaners to potentially maintain and replace components as needed for clean and efficient airflow.
Average Price for Air Duct Cleaning
The price you can expect to pay for air duct cleaning can range between $400 and $1000, depending upon several factors. These figures come from studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
When looking for commercial vent hood cleaners, you have several to choose from, no matter where you operate your business across the country. Aps-Hoods, for instance, has locations in both Denver, Colorado. Both of those locations have several competitors each to contend with.
However, our customers continue to turn to us for proper ventilation cleaning because we possess the following qualities.
Licensed:
Our duct cleaning technicians are all bonded, licensed, and insured by the state they operate in. If you are in Denver, you can ensure that your ventilation service will be conducted with the utmost skill and precision as mandated by the federal, state, and local regulations.
Experienced:
Each of our technicians has vast experience cleaning all types of HVAC systems and ventilation ducts. We can get access to even the most hidden-away places to eradicate contaminants to keep your business healthy and safe.
Professional:
Each of our technicians shows up in the appropriate company issued uniform and is prepared to demonstrate a solid work ethic until the duct cleaning job is complete. You can be assured a job well done, which means that your vent hoods will be free of dust, dirt, mold, and microbes after every cleaning, guaranteed.
Affordable:
We provide all of our customers with fair pricing that is based on industry averages. We also work with manufacturers directly to deliver parts at a discount, in case any components are seen to malfunction during the vent cleaning process. Our goal is to help you maintain a clean and healthy environment for staff and customers while saving you in cleaning fees and energy costs.
All-in-One Vent Hood Cleaners:
We can clean, maintain, and replace any components during the ventilation duct cleaning process. If fans aren’t working, wires are frayed, or we notice that your HVAC system is running inefficiently for any reason, we will sniff that reason out and provide you with affordable repairs for a clean and well-maintained business.
Free Estimates:
Our customers always know that there is no obligation when they call Aps-Hoods for commercial duct cleaning services. We show up to assess your system and offer free quotes for all work and no surprises, giving you all the information you need to make an educated decision when hiring our air duct specialists.
Call Now for a Free Estimate and Green Clean Duct Cleaning
Whether you live in the greater Denver area, Aps-Hoods is your local leader in professional ventilation duct cleaning. We can assist you with any level of cleaning, even if your ducts have been left to fester for quite some time. We can help with all sizes of commercial operations and all industries, from retail and restaurants to industrial warehouses and office buildings. Your vents deserved to be cleaned by the experts. Call Aps-Hoods today for a free estimate and let us do the job for you when you want clean ducts and immense savings.
A restaurant kitchen deep cleaning is necessary for three primary reasons. For one, a dirty kitchen may produce lackluster food. A messy kitchen can also have contaminated air, which can seep out into the eating areas, leading to a less-than-stellar dining experience. Then there are all the fines you face by allowing your kitchen to reach the kind of cleanliness level health inspectors loathe.
Keep your food tasting delicious and your customers happy while ensuring your health inspector only gives you the best marks by putting the following checklist into action.
Here is the restaurant deep cleaning checklist all commercial kitchens should follow. If you need help cleaning your kitchen, call Aps-Hoods, now serving restaurants like yours in Denver, Colorado.
The Deep Clean Checklist for All Restaurant Kitchens
Daily Cleaning
•Clean Grills & Change Foil
Each day of operation, your cooking appliances can produce food and grease buildup. Not only does this affect the quality of the food you cook, but all that Food, Oil, and Grease (FOG) can cause the breakout of fire.
To keep your cooking appliances clean, scrub the grill, range, and flattop by following the manufacturers’ recommendations. In most cases, you will want to scrape food from the flattop or grill slats before scrubbing the cooktops with a degreaser.
Don’t forget to clean behind and underneath each cooking unit, as grease tends to hide in the peskiest of places. While you’re at it, be sure and change out all foil liners, which can also keep a potentially dangerous fire at bay.
•Clean Grease Trap
All the grease your commercial kitchen produces can build up, causing overflow and a potential fire hazard. Your staff should be instructed on how to open and empty the grease traps to keep them at safe volumetric levels. With most models, the trick is to open the lid before removing the water with a bucket or small pump. The grease can then be scooped out to prepare the grease traps for the following day.
Grease trap cleaning is a job better left to the experts, as only professional grease trap cleaners have the necessary equipment and training to not only remove but dispose of the built-up grease properly.
•Disinfect Surfaces
All food preparation areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and food-borne pathogens.
To keep your commercial kitchen clean, and prevent customers from getting sick, use a commercial-grade disinfectant that is safe for use in commercial kitchens.
Pay special attention to the surfaces where the food touches during each shift, including grills, cooktops, salad prep areas, meat slicing areas, and all others for a complete kitchen deep clean.
•Wash Food Prep Appliances
During busy shifts, non-cooking appliances can become coated with sauces, oils, and other substances. Use a professional disinfectant to thoroughly scrub down all your can openers, mixers, meat slicers, blenders, and grinders. Units with multiple missing parts may need to be disassembled before cleaning to perform the most thorough job.
•Wipe Down Walls
The walls of a restaurant can easily become coated with oil and grease, which lead to mold, fungus, and illness-causing pathogens. Keep your walls spotless by cleaning them with the appropriate disinfectant. Scrape any food that may have accumulated on the walls but be sure and clean that debris off the floor afterward.
•Mop Floors
While every effort has been made to make commercial kitchen floors as non-slip friendly as possible, unfortunately, falls happen. Rubber mats can help, but so can keeping the cleanest floor possible.
First, sweep all the debris and collect the piles into a dustpan. Ensure no solid waste falls down the floor drains, as clogs and overflow can result, making your job much harder. Mop the floor with a powerful commercial kitchen floor cleaner. Make sure you get into every nook and cranny, everywhere food and grease may want to hide.
•Wash Beverage Dispenser Heads
Caked up soda dispensers make drinks taste foul while throwing the pour mixture off balance. To keep your beverage dispenser heads flowing freely with just the right mixture, remove the heads and soak each one in a sanitizer solution. To be extra thorough, hand-wash each one with a dedicated brush, then dry and towel dry.
While you are cleaning the dispenser heads, empty out the drip pan and sanitize every side, front and back the same way. Wipe down the entire surface of the dispenser to keep it free of smudges, buildup, and bacteria. And finally, empty the ice bin and clean the sides of the interior before cleaning the ice chute inside and out.
•Disinfect Waste Disposal Area
Commercial kitchen garbage disposal areas and dishwashing stations must be cleaned every day. Your staff should be vigilant about following a strict protocol when it comes to the garbage disposal and commercial washing areas, as doing so will very much please the health inspector.
All spills must be cleaned up as soon as they happen, as stagnant water can lead to all sorts of health issues. Wipe down the sinks as often as possible using a commercial-grade disinfectant and remove all trash the moment the bins are full.
After each trash change, clean the garbage cans with chlorine to kill any bacteria and pathogens left behind. Sweep and mop the floors and thoroughly clean the dishwasher. The dishwashing unit should be cleaned of all debris before the interior is sprayed with regular water to rinse food, oil, and grease away.
•Clean Hood Filters
Your range hood filters are bound to become grease-city before the end of every long shift.
To clean the filters, remove each one from the main housing, and gently wipe off any excess grease with a paper towel.
Most filters easily slide or pop out of the underside of the unit. Slip the filters into a sink or bucket filled with hot water. Add to the water a non-corrosive, metal-safe cleaner that is designed for hood filters. Usually, this amounts to a cup of granular or 4 ounces of liquid cleaner for every gallon of water.
Soak the filters overnight, then rinse them clean the following morning. The hoods will then be ready for immediate use.
Staff members tend to enter and exit the cooler and freezer multiple times on a daily basis, and sometimes food gets spilled around. Your staff should always be trained to keep the doors to the walk-in cooler and freezer closed. The door should never be propped open for any reason, for example, nor should anything be blocking either door.
The condenser coil and fans can be cleaned at least twice per year, but they should be checked weekly for the best results. Cleaning the walls of the walk-in units is easy, as a simple solution of soap and water works best. Never use harsh chemicals in your cooler and freezer, as those substances can harm the metal surfaces.
Make sure all surfaces are thoroughly scrubbed, including the doors and floors, to keep mold, debris, and pests away.
•De-Lime Sinks
Your sinks may look clean after a thorough scrubbing, but they may have accumulated limescale. To de-lime, a sink means to clean that white-colored deposit that tends to build on the inside of pipes, kettles, and pots.
Limescale is caused by the minerals leaching from the water and will have to be cleaned. While the sinks should be cleaned daily, the weekly cleaning regimen will involve using a non-abrasive cleaner and all-purpose cleaning spray to give the sink a thorough deep clean.
•Clean Ovens
Your commercial ovens pull a lot of weight each week. Therefore, each one should be cleaned of all food particles, grease, and other debris. If this cleaning isn’t performed on a weekly basis, smoke and fire can result, not to mention costly heating inefficiencies.
To clean your ovens, use a dedicated hand brush to sweep out any crumbs from each unit’s interior. Remove the racks and wash them separately by dunking them in soapy water.
For stubborn debris, use a scouring pad or wire brush to keep the racks clean. Wipe down the walls and doors of the oven with warm water or an industrial-strength oven cleaner. Finally, clean the doors and fans to promote maximum airflow. Some oven doors are removable, making them much easier to clean.
•Clean Floor Drains
Floor drains are easy to miss when performing a weekly deep cleaning, which is why keeping a restaurant deep cleaning checklist is so handy. Above all, instruct your staff to keep the drains free of as many solids as possible. Many people are unaware, but mop water filled with particles is one of the most common causes of commercial kitchen drain clogs. Make sure all particles are filtered out before the mop water is dumped down the drain.
To keep your drains clean every week, begin by flushing out loose debris using hot water. For best results, stay away from chemical-based drain cleaners. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which works to break down built-up materials within the pipes.
If a drain becomes clogged, you can eliminate the problem with a snake drain or drain auger, which may require the services of a professional plumber or commercial kitchen deep cleaning service.
Over time, a coffee machine can develop buildup, gunk, and grime. This can affect the taste and quality of the coffee, leading to poor customer experience. Descaling can help your coffee maker produce the choicest blends. Use a white vinegar and water solution by filling the coffee pot with one-third vinegar and two-thirds distilled water. Turn the machine on and allow the coffee maker to fill the pot with the heated solution.
Dispose of the brewed byproduct, then remove the spray head. Use a soft-bristled brush with warm water to scrub the spray head until all debris is gone. While you are at it, scrub the funnel and filter it in a similar manner.
Poor a pot of warm water into the coffee maker and brew a pot, then repeat the process until all traces of vinegar are gone. Reattach the spray head and give the exterior of the machine a thorough cleaning with a food-grade disinfectant.
For any grime that is built-up on the outside of the maker, use a baking soda and water solution along with a microfiber cloth before wiping the machine down and drying to remove any trace of moisture.
•Empty Grease Traps
Grease traps can be located inside or outside your kitchen, depending on the size of your commercial kitchen operation. Deep cleaning your grease trap can prevent the local water supply from becoming contaminated. You can also avoid potentially hefty fines by keeping your grease trap as clean as possible.
You know it is time to clean your grease trap when 25% of the liquid consists of grease or oil. This is usually once per month for a restaurant-style layout.
It is recommended that you hire a professional to clean the grease trap, as the job can get extremely messy. If you are doing the job yourself, make sure you empty and clean the trap thoroughly.
While you are at it, go on a grease hunt by washing behind all the fryers, flat tops, stove, and oven with a degreasing agent. When you are finished, use a polishing agent on any stainless-steel units for a healthy sheen.
•Clean Ice Machine
Failing to clean your ice machine could put a hefty dose of bacteria into each customer’s drink. A deep clean of the ice maker is more than a simple empty and scrub down.
To ensure the best job, we recommend that you hire the services of a professional kitchen cleaning service who can scrub down each individual component of your ice machine, and some disassembly may be required.
If you are doing the job yourself, turn off the machine, unplug the water supply and power connection, then discard all the ice. Drain the water from the ice maker while you’re at it.
Check your manufacturer’s instruction manual for which cleaner to use inside and outside the machine. Some require scrubbing with a nickel-safe cleaner, while others need a mild phosphoric acid solution.
Flush all the water from the system and clean all the condensers to ensure they remain free of food and grease.
Finally, clean all parts that touch water or ice with a commercial kitchen deep cleaning solution or bleach to kill any microorganisms that remain. Be sure and rinse the machine thoroughly after this deep clean and allow it to air dry.
You can then wipe down the exterior before plugging the unit back in and allowing the ice maker to resume its regular operation.
•Wash Ventilation Hoods
Your monthly deep clean is never complete until your ventilation hoods are sparkling clean.
Vent hoods are designed to keep exhaust fumes from permeating throughout your kitchen. The stainless-steel units also collect grease and debris. Over time, the buildup can occur, leading to a smoky kitchen and risk of fire.
To clean your greasy ventilation hoods, unplug the unit and then remove the grease receptacles, which are usually located on the sides of the hood.
Do not throw the collected grease in the trash, but instead, store it in a dedicated container for later disposal.
Soak the receptacles in hot water with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner, then remove the filters and spray them with a chemical degreaser or all-purpose cleaner.
Scrub the exhaust hood with a degreaser and soft cloth and be sure and clean the fan blades.
This is another job we recommend that you leave to a professional, as restaurant vent hood cleaning can be tedious. Furthermore, all grease must be removed, which is sometimes tough for a do-it-yourselfer, leading to the risk of fire down the road.
By hiring professionals to do the job, you can protect your investment while keeping your commercial kitchen sanitized all year long.
Professionals can also inspect and provide HVAC cleaning services to ensure your restaurant is always well ventilated for a healthy and customer-friendly environment.
Get Regular Commercial Kitchen Cleaning from the Denver, CO Experts
This commercial kitchen deep cleaning checklist should give you some idea of how extensive the process can be. The fact is, while a deep clean of your restaurant sounds simple enough, all the hard work may be too much for you and your staff to manage. There is a lot that can go wrong, and your main goal should always be to keep both your customers and the health inspector happy.
Aps-Hoods can help you do both with complete commercial kitchen deep cleaning by experienced professionals. We service in Denver, Colorado. If you are located in either of those areas and you want a commercial kitchen that is always clean, we have the training and equipment to get any sized job done. Call us now for a free estimate.
Restaurant Equipment – Denver, CO: Commercial kitchen restaurants should be cleaned and inspected regularly, which includes appliances. For best results, a schedule should be devised so that all stoves, fridges, deep fryers, ovens, and ventilation hoods are assessed for defects and damages. Those appliances should also be put on a regular cleaning schedule. This keeps your commercial kitchen operating as it should, no matter how busy you get. All it takes is for one component to shutting down or malfunction and you could have a big and expensive mess on your hands. Restaurants that have a plan in place for repairs, for example, tend to spend half as much as other restaurant owners who don’t plan ahead. To help you save, we’ve devised a list of ten things to think about when determining how often to maintain and clean your commercial kitchen appliances.
1- Make Cleaning a Priority
If your commercial kitchen isn’t cleaned adequately, your staff could get sick, customers could fall ill, and pests could pose as unwanted guests. While your staff may do most of your cleaning, especially during their night closing duties, it is very easy to forget about cleaning a deep fryer or meat slicer. For this, we recommend hiring a professional commercial kitchen company like APS-Hoods, which can ensure every appliance is adequately cleaned for bacteria and virus removal. And so that you can remain in the health inspector’s good graces.
Monthly cleaning would ensure that your kitchen appliances always remain sanitized for when the health inspector rolls through. Even quarterly deep cleaning services can keep grease from building up and appliances from getting too overloaded to work efficiently. At most, you should schedule a professional appliance cleaning service to come once yearly, as doing so will keep your restaurant and all your appliances in tip-top shape.
3- Hire a Cleaning Staff to Assess Appliance Damage & Defects
If you manage to hire a commercial kitchen appliance cleaning company, have that same company check your equipment for any and all problems. A wire that appears frayed on a vent hood fan, for instance, could cause acrid smoke to fill your restaurant, which can, in turn, taint your food and put your customers off. By having your cleaning crew also provide regular inspections, you can keep your appliance maintenance ongoing while saving money on costly repairs.
4- Wipe Down Your Appliances Nightly
All of your kitchen equipment should be wiped down inside and outside. Make sure you use a powerful degreaser that cuts down on any films left behind. Any amount of grease can cause a fire, so pay special attention to your ventilation hoods and other components that tend to collect grease over time. Make sure you get up any moisture around the sinks and faucets by using a soft, dry rag, as that will prevent rust from collecting on your kitchen appliances. While you’re at it, unassembled your beverage machine faucets and soak them to prevent buildup. Finally, make sure you get up any grease from off the floor. While this isn’t technically appliance cleanup, it can also help prevent deadly fires.
5- Check All Equipment Monthly
Every month, you and your staff should check the refrigerators and freezers for cold air leaks, as well as cracks or punctures. You will also want to check your refrigerators, as well as your ovens, for any cracks or leaks. Check the hinges on your cooler and freezer doors, as well as your ovens, and test the suction on your ventilation hoods to ensure they are pulling the right amount of bad air out of your kitchen. While you’re at it, ensure you clean all the fan blades, including your make-up air fans, vent fans, and any others your restaurant employs. A commercial kitchen can use tons of fans, and each one should be cleaned and inspected at least monthly to ensure all components are working as they should.
6- Outsource Your Restaurant Equipment Maintenance & Repairs
At least once a quarter, we recommend hiring a company like APS-Hoods to come to your restaurant and inspect your vent hoods, ovens, refrigerators, and all other commercial kitchen equipment. This inspection will check your components for wear, which can be an indication that they may need to be replaced. Regular maintenance of your equipment will extend its life, but sometimes replacements do become necessary. A professional commercial kitchen cleaning and repair service like APS-Hoods can ensure you are always notified when equipment is faulty and needs to be switched out with the latest brand.
7- Schedule Service & Repair at Least Every Two Years
If you don’t opt for monthly or quarterly commercial kitchen equipment cleaning and maintenance, consider having a service arrive on your property at least every two years. This check can be as thorough as you prefer, including inspecting all your HVAC systems and ducting to ensure it’s free of grease and debris, as well as taking apart your ice makers and cleaning every internal component. These checks, once again, can save you loads in future replacement costs.
8- Get Replacements Based on Professional Recommendations
For a restaurant that runs optimally, you never want to base your equipment replacements on the look of an appliance or the cost. Instead, get a professional’s opinion based on your kitchen layout, your normal levels of business, and other important factors.
9- Replace Your Ventilation System Exhaust Belt Each Year
So that your commercial kitchen is always clean and fresh smelling, ensure you change out the exhaust belts of your ventilation system every year. This is a minor investment that can save you loads in the future.
10- Call APS-Hoods for Regular Equipment Maintenance & Repairs
If you operate a commercial kitchen, you may not know where to turn for monthly, quarterly, or annual cleaning and maintenance of all your appliances. Aps-Hoods is the qualified leader in commercial kitchen cleaning and repairs, and we serve both Denver, Colorado, for your convenience. Call now to schedule a free consultation.
A commercial kitchen needs powerful equipment to vent smoke, heat, grease, and food particles away from food and personnel so that they are out of harm’s way. Too much smoke can make the air unbreathable and can lead to poor food quality. Your customers also won’t want to stick around if there is too much soot in the air. Likewise, too much grease and oil can lead to a breakout of fire. This makes a ventilation hood a wise investment for commercial kitchen owners.
Not only is a commercial hood system necessary for safety and health, but you need the proper ventilation equipment to comply with National Fire Protection Association Standard #96, otherwise known as NFPA #96). That’s because commercial vent hood systems are one of your first lines of defense against deadly fire.
Here is all you have to know about how commercial hood systems work so you can remain up-to-code and protected from fire and poor air quality.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.
The primary use of a commercial kitchen vent hood is to remove the foul air and replace it with good, breathable air. The hood itself is located above the cooking appliance. As the appliance does its thing cooking the food, powerful fans will waft all that smoke and debris up through the hood and into the shaft. That is where the magic happens.
From Hood to Fan and Back Again
Every commercial hood system has a powerful exhaust fan that helps to remove the bad air and effluent, which is a fancy word for smoke, grease, heat, and cooking by-products.
The type of fan you have will depend on the appliance you are using, the type of food you cook, and the position of your cooking appliance. Most hoods are positioned overhead, but they can also be wall-mounted. Ask your ventilation system installation team for details on the type of hood system that is ideal for your commercial kitchen layout.
When the exhaust fan removes the air away from the building, a return air fan will be used to supply make-up air. This is the air that replaces all the cooking effluent so that the air stays breathable, balanced, and safe for customers and staff alike.
As you can imagine, the fans you use have to be powerful enough to remove and replace the air at the proper volumes. Not only that, but your commercial hood system, fans, and ducts help your HVAC system work more easily. After all, can you imagine how much power would be required to force your heating and air conditioning system to fight against grease and smoke to keep your restaurant cool or warm?
All these fans and ducts and your commercial vent hood must work together to keep grease and harmful vapors at bay. As you can imagine, these systems can become soiled and overloaded with grease over time. Most hoods contain grease traps on either side of the hood, and these filters must be cleaned regularly.
You must also ensure that your commercial hood and the vents connected to your hoods and fans are cleaned regularly. Not cleaning your commercial vent hood components can lead to buildup and, eventually, malfunction.
Do you leave the cleaning up to your commercial kitchen staff and possibly your wait staff, as well? You can and many restaurant owners do. However, it is recommended that you combine your staff’s cleaning with professional commercial hood cleaning services. Only then can you be assured that the proper degreasing solutions and equipment will be used to keep your equipment clean and working as it should for years to come.
The Necessity of Commercial Hood Cleaning
You will know that your commercial vent hood system is backed up or not functioning normally when you see more smoke in the air than normal. You may smell foul odors from outside the building, and your HVAC system may seem to be on the fritz.
If you are keeping your restaurant’s grease trap clean, that can help against backups. But make sure you are also keeping your vent hood traps clean. Clean all fan components and use a powerful degreaser on the equipment and in all the interconnecting ducts.
If the front door of your vent hood opens easily without a suction feeling, that is an indication that your commercial hood system is clogged with grease or other debris. Or that your fans aren’t working properly. Either way, it may be time to contact a commercial kitchen vent hood service, who can repair your components and provide you with a full cleaning job, whichever you prefer.
Benefits of Professional Vent Hood Cleaning
Not only will cleaning your commercial hood system keep your kitchen safe and air breathable-clean, but you will save money. An efficient vent hood system uses less energy than one that is clogged and forced to work overtime.
Therefore, to save time, money, and future frustration, contact APS-Hoods, now serving commercial kitchen owners throughout Denver, Colorado. Using the proper equipment and years of experience, we can keep your vent hood system working optimally and cleaned professionally.
Your customers will thank you and you will remain health code and fire code compliant. When your air is pure, the food is untainted and tastes terrific, and you are able to show code inspectors that you have been keeping up with all the necessary ventilation protocols, you’ll be doing yourself a great service for your restaurant’s success.
Are you ready to keep your kitchen safe and the health inspector at bay? Contact us today to receive a free quote in Denver.
Restaurant Cleaning Services: Most commercial kitchens resemble a shimmering chrome wonderland on opening day. All that equipment like your vent hoods gleaming in the fluorescent lighting invoke mouth-watering images of all the delicious meals set to be prepared for years to come.
However, it only takes a single busy shift for all your commercial kitchen equipment to become covered in grease, grime, soot, and debris. In some cases, scrubbing your kitchen equipment, and especially your ventilation hoods might seem like a useless act. The chrome will only get tarnished with every new lunch or dinner rush.
You might want to make the appearance of your commercial kitchen a priority, however, and particularly with regard to keeping a pristine exhaust hood finish. The finish of your vent hood matters, and not only for cleanliness.
Here are ten reasons why the finish of your vent hoods is of the utmost importance, and how to keep your commercial kitchen spotless and constantly performing for your loyal customers.
Call APS-Hoods for a free estimate on your Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning & Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning needs.
As a rule, you should strive to keep your exhaust hood finish and all associated equipment looking as clean as the day it was initially installed. The alternative is to allow your equipment to become caked with grease and other flammable materials, which could cause dangerous and expensive problems later.
There are two rules: First, after each shift, train your employees to protect their hoods, stoves, and other appliances from any contamination. This may require some elbow fat, but your equipment will be more durable and therefore perform better. The second rule is to use restaurant cleaning services periodically, which can improve the performance of your equipment, such as the opening day.
2. The Proper Chemicals & Cleaning Equipment
Ensure your staff is using the proper grease-cutting equipment that is safe to use on your equipment. Harsh chemicals and even abrasive equipment could cause scratches in your exhaust hood finish. While that sounds like more of an aesthetic issue, marring the finish can strip your hoods of any protective layers they were issued during the fabrication process. Speak to your vent hood manufacturers to determine which cleaners and equipment you should be using to keep your commercial kitchen clean.
3. Keep Your Exhaust Hoods Grease-Free
The finish on your commercial exhaust hood may look great, but looks can be deceiving. Ensure your staff consistently checks the grease filters and trap to keep your restaurant protected from back-ups and deadly fire. While keeping your exhaust hood finish gleaming is a priority, always check “under the hood” and keep the grease to a minimum.
4. Check the Drip Tray
While you are checking filters and your grease trap, make sure the drip tray isn’t overflowing. That drip, drip, drip could end up on the floor and in the unlikeliest of nooks and crannies. Errant grease can cause slips, falls, and fires. This is another vent hood cleaning component you must be mindful of when keeping your chrome equipment always looking its best.
5. Check the Exhaust Fans
Commercial kitchens need clean air in addition to grease and soot removal. Exhaust fans carry out both and need to work optimally in order to keep your staff safe and all prepared meals tasting delicious. While you are keeping the exhaust hood finish so clean you can see yourself in it, ensure your fans are working properly. Test the fans and call in a kitchen fan maintenance crew at the first sign of slow down, strange noises, or other issues. These are all indicators that your fans are not working properly, much to the detriment of your air quality.
6. Pressure Wash Vent Hood Exteriors
Your employees do not have to clean the air conditioning hoods to reduce grease. High-pressure hoses can be used to wash all food, oils, and fats (FOG) so that your system is thoroughly clean and suitable for inspectors. Many Restaurant Cleaning Services offer vent hood pressure washing services because nothing is more effective in contaminating your equipment.
7. Your Exhaust Hood Finish Matters to Inspectors
Speaking of inspectors, both the fire and health department professionals will be very interested in just how clean your exhaust hood finish happens to be. Of course, inspectors will also check the grease traps, ducts, and the cleanliness of your grease filters. This should serve as another reminder to keep your hood finish clean along with all components attached and underneath.
8. Test the Lighting & Wiring
Commercial vent hood cleaning should always involve a check of the associated electrical components. We mentioned checking your exhaust fans, but what about the wiring that keeps those fans operational? What about the lighting? Lighting that is out or bad lighting can also contribute to staff members missing grease or debris in out-of-reach places. Inspect the lights and wires while keeping your exhaust hood finish spotless to ensure optimal function, even during the busiest of times.
9. When the Finish Goes, Consider Replacement
In some cases, no matter how hard you scrub your ventilation hoods, nothing will get them clean. When that happens, it might be a good sign that you are due to a complete commercial ventilation hood replacement. Venting out the bad air is critical, as is keeping your kitchen free of grease and other flammable materials. A vent hood installation service can give your kitchen equipment the immense gleam you remember from opening day.
10. Maintaining Your Fire Protection System
Fire will tarnish your exhaust hood finish more than anything else. That is why you should always test your fire suppression equipment while you are engaged in kitchen exhaust cleaning. Whether you have an Ansul fire protection system, wet or chemical fire suppression equipment, you want to ensure that the slightest spark will be extinguished. With your fire suppression in good working order, you will keep your staff and customers safe and your business under constant protection.
How is the work done on your exhaust hood? You can trust Aps-Hoods for restaurant cleaning services, where you will always receive exhaust hood cleaning, installation, and fan hood services that you can trust throughout Denver, Colorado. Call to get a free offer.
Hood Exhaust Cleaning – Denver: Every restaurant owner strives to maintain a clean restaurant, but this task becomes even more difficult the busier your eatery gets. Keeping your HVAC system clean is a significant aspect of restaurant cleanliness, and this holds especially true for your commercial kitchen exhaust hood system.
Having proper ventilation in your restaurant’s kitchen is critical for employee and customer health, but also food sanitation. When grease, soot, and debris are ventilated safely from the kitchen and out of harm’s way, the results are myriad: Lower utility bills, increased employee productivity, and even calmer employees and customers. Food quality will also be improved, leading to a restaurant that is always highly reviewed and visited.
The Dangers Posed by a Dirty Vent Hood System
A poorly ventilated kitchen, on the other hand, poses numerous risks to personnel and customer health, and it can hinder foot traffic. After all, who wants to spend time in a restaurant where the air is arid, unhealthy, and stinky? Few, if anyone, will want to spend time in a bistro, café, or another type of restaurant with that type of air quality. Let your HVAC and vent hood exhaust system go uncleaned and unmaintained for too long, and your local health inspector might just penalize you or shut-down your restaurant entirely.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Exhaust Hood System to Improve Restaurant Quality
Scrub Your Vent Hoods & Ducts
Your vent hoods and ducts are responsible for whisking away all the impurities produced by the heavy cooking your kitchen is accustomed to engaging in daily. To properly clean the vent hoods and all the ductwork they’re attached to, it helps to disassemble the system as much as you can. This lets you get to the minuscule parts for a thorough and detailed cleaning. Whatever you do, make sure you unplug all equipment before cleaning. This helps you prevent any surprises, such as a dangerous electric shock, during the cleaning process. Once the power source is disconnected, remove the grease receptacles on either side of each hood, as well as the filters. Soak the receptacles and filters in hot water that has been treated with a degreasing agent and leave them to soak while the cleaning process is ongoing. Apply the same degreasing agent to a soft cloth and give the vent hoods themselves a good scrubbing. You may have to spend some time getting the vent hoods and ducts free of all grease and debris. However, this meticulous job is necessary if you want a clean vent hood system that’s free of grease and safe from the outbreak of fire.
Degrease the Exhaust Fans
When we refer to exhaust fans, we’re talking about any fans that are responsible for directing grease and debris away from your kitchen, which includes all fans on the rooftop. The fan blades and motors that power those blades must be treated with the same attention-to-detail that you used on the ventilation hoods. Any grease that’s left behind on the fan blades themselves or within the motor casing can cause a potential shutdown in the future. At the very least, your system can run inefficiently with caked up grease on the blades and motors, leading to more expensive energy costs and the deadly risk of fire. Don’t take the risk. Instead, spend lots of time ensuring the fan blades and motors are spotless before continuing on to the next stage of proper vent hood cleaning and maintenance.
Clean Your Grease Trap
A busy kitchen is never without a full grease trap. For optimal results and to prevent the outbreak of fire, it’s best to clean your grease trap every four to six weeks. If you let your grease trap go too long between cleanings, not only can grease and food particles clog the sewer or septic system, causing an inconvenient and very expensive shut-down, but the grease trap can overflow, leading to sewer backup and a very messy commercial kitchen cleanup job. Proper grease trap cleaning requires the necessary equipment. All personnel should wear a gas mask, coveralls, or at least clothing that covers the skin, and rubber gloves. In order to clean a grease trap, it helps to understand how they work. The baffles inside the trap effectively separate the flow of wastewater from fats, oils, and grease (otherwise referred to as FOG). The FOG rises to the top of the tank, which allows the cleaner water to pass through the trap before it enters the sewer system. Now that you know how the grease trap works, you’re ready to begin cleaning. First, empty the water from the 3-compartment sink or automatic dishwasher and wait for the water inside the grease trap to cool, which usually takes around ten minutes. Next, remove the lid, which in most cases involves a crowbar. In some cases, a wrench will be necessary to remove the bolts in order to open the grease trap so that the inside can be emptied and cleaned. Using a scraper, begin removing the grease sludge from the top of the tank. This layer can grow to be up to two inches thick in some cases. Once all the sludge has been removed, the remaining contents of the grease trap must be bailed out. A shop-vac can be used to clean out the remaining sludge in the bottom of the trap, then do your best to clean all grease and debris from the pipes within the trap.
Once cleaned, the lid can be replaced, and normal activity can resume. The sludge will need to be thrown away properly. In some cases, this requires a double garbage bag and kitty litter to solidify the material before disposal.
Perform a Deep Fat Fryer Inspection
If your restaurant uses a deep fat fryer, a thorough inspection should be made to ensure your unit is performing optimally. As a general rule, you should inspect and deep clean your fryer every three to six months. The cleaning of a deep fryer is referred to as a “Boil out,” which is the term for emptying out and replacing the old oil with fresh, new oil.
To begin, drain the deep fryer and discard all the oil, grease, and fat into an oil caddy or pre-approved oil discharge container. A fryer cleaning rod can then be used to remove any remaining debris from the drain line. Before refilling the fryer, rinse the fryer with hot water to remove the excess undrained oil and fat.
Fill the fryer with cool water to ¾” from the top. Next, add a deep fryer cleaning agent, which will work to scrub the rest of the fat away. Boil the solution for twenty minutes, then drain the fryer slowly. Once the water has completely drained, use a long-handled brush to clean the sides, top, and each of the heating elements. Rinse the fryer thoroughly to remove any oil residue, then add your new oil. While you’re at it, add fry powder or oil stabilizer to the fresh oil, which will help the solution last longer between cleanings.
Clean the Floors, Walls & Ceiling
FOG can also land on the floor, where it can hide in all the nooks and crannies. It can splatter on the walls and even get onto the ceiling tiles. Most restaurants have specific cleaning protocols for staff to follow at night. The same establishments may have cleaning crews that come and do a regular and more thorough job. Still, it pays to be vigilant to keep your restaurant and personnel safe, as well as to keep the health and fire inspectors at bay. It is important to instruct staff and your cleaning crews to use a degreasing agent on the floors, walls & ceiling, along with their usual cleaning solutions. Any emulsified grease that results from this cleaning should be squeegeed down the drain. A professional commercial kitchen cleaning team may repeat this process five to seven times, depending on how much grease is produced by the degreasing process.
Maintain Your Equipment to Keep Your Restaurant Clean & Safe
In addition to making sure your kitchen is debris and grease-free, it helps to check and maintain your commercial kitchen equipment. Inspecting your exhaust hoods, fans, grease trap, and the deep fryer is necessary to prevent malfunctions and downright shutdowns. If parts or entire appliances need to be replaced, you’ll want to discover the fact during one of these checks and not during a lunch or dinner rush. You have been forewarned. When it comes to the installation, maintenance, and cleaning of your exhaust hoods and all associated equipment, you should only trust Aps-Hoods, now serving clients throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Centennial. Contact us now for a free estimate and keep your restaurant clean, safe, and busy all year round.
Your restaurant hood system controls the ventilation in your commercial kitchen and keeps grease buildup to an absolute minimum. If your vent hood system is not properly maintained, all that grease, debris, and other dirty materials can get kicked into your kitchen’s atmosphere, leading to foul odors permeating your otherwise family-friendly environment while increasing the risks posed by dangerous and deadly fires. Proper maintenance of your systems is key to protecting what’s so very important. Here is all you need to know about vent hood cleaning from time-tested professionals.
When discussing proper restaurant hood maintenance, it’s important to know about each individual component. These are the elements that will need to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected to ensure proper maintenance is performed.
Extractor Hoods:
These components are otherwise referred to as exhaust or range hoods. They’re those devices that look like chimneys and hang over the stovetop. Inside the extractor hood is a fan that works to remove all those contaminants that tend to appear in a commercial kitchen, like grease, odors, smells, smoke, and steam. Along with the cleaning and maintenance of the extractor hood, the grease traps of the establishment should also be cleaned thoroughly.
Hood Filters:
Also inside the extractor hood lies the hood filter, which also captures airborne particles. Without the filter in place, all those particles would just be kicked back into your kitchen and the air your staff and customers breathe.
Extractor Fans:
In many cases, extractor fans will be located within the hood, but that’s not always the case. The fans are tasked with removing old and contaminated air from your kitchen, whereby the stale air will be vented outside and away from the building. These fans are responsible for proper ventilation, which keeps your kitchen at the proper temperatures and limits the risk of fire.
Exhaust Ducts:
Otherwise known as grease ducts, these components take the grease, vapors, fumes, and other nasty contaminants outside and away from the building, usually from the rooftop.
Rooftop Containment Systems:
When grease accumulates enough, it can get onto and negatively affect the integrity of your restaurant’s roofing. Too much grease can lead to water leaks and fire hazards, just to name two. This means that a rooftop containment system is necessary, as is the maintenance of such a device if you hope to protect your investment. Within the rooftop containment system, you will find a grease runoff system along with a grease trap. These must be emptied out regularly to prevent grease overflow. Ensure the system is waterproof, as well, since rain getting into the grease trap can cause eventual flooding. Your ventilation hood system may contain different parts than the ones listed here. However, the basic concepts will be similar, no matter what type of system your restaurant employs to keep grease and other contaminants at bay. Check with the manufacturer of your vent hood components to get actual figures and dates for proper restaurant hood maintenance. However, the following checklist should give you an excellent guideline to follow.
Scheduling and hiring a crew to maintain your hood system is critical for your business. Here are just three reasons to convince you.
Avoid Future Repairs:
When your stove hoods are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, a professional crew can look for faulty components during every scrub down. You want detail-oriented hood maintenance personnel watching out for your kitchen equipment, which you likely spent big money on. Regular maintenance cuts down on unnecessary repairs and any downtime that may occur if a breakdown happens and you were otherwise completely unaware.
Enhance System Performance:
With the expense of owning and maintaining kitchen equipment, you want the most out of each machine and appliance you operate. Proper maintenance ensures there’s no grease build-up that can muck-up even the most powerful of machinery. You’ll keep your fans, vent hoods, and ducts operating at peak efficiency, which has the added benefit of contributing to more energy savings.
Prolong System Replacement:
Even well-maintained equipment will need to be replaced ten, fifteen or twenty years down the line. New and better equipment will have been developed by then, so it makes sense that you’d want to remain current with all technology. Not maintaining your equipment, however, can actually shorten the life of your equipment, adding to your expense. You can get peak efficacy and longer life out of all commercial kitchen vent hoods and related equipment by employing professionals who are experienced in restaurant hood maintenance. Here is the schedule the professionals at APS-Hoods.com recommend for the average commercial kitchen establishment.
Remain Fire Code Compliant
By engaging in the proper maintenance of your restaurant hood system, you will lower the risk of fire. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual inspections, depending on the volume your restaurant is accustomed to producing. Heavy volume restaurants, for example, such as 24-hour establishments, require quarterly maintenance schedules. Meanwhile, low-volume cooking operations, like day camps and churches, can get away with vent hood maintenance checks once per year.
For Best Results, Engage in Daily Maintenance
You can enhance the output and life of your kitchen equipment by making a maintenance schedule part of your staff’s nightly closing protocols. While kitchen staff is mopping floors and cleaning dishware, your personnel can also follow a daily vent hood maintenance checklist. A ventilation hood daily maintenance checklist would begin with the removal of all hood filters. The filters should be soaked in a sink or moved through the dishwasher until all buildup has been removed. All stainless-steel surfaces should be wiped down carefully so that no hard surfaces scratch any of the appliances. The cleaner’s job should be to remove all accumulated grease, especially on those surfaces comprising the ventilation hood system. Using a detergent solution, the vent hood system, including the extractor hood, should be wiped down until cleaned thoroughly. A rinsing cloth should then be used, followed by a dry cloth to remove any excess liquid. If this schedule can be maintained on a nightly basis, you’ll save more at the meter while getting the most out of your vent hood equipment, contributing to your business success.
Monthly Maintenance Schedule
Each month your business should be in the habit of disposing of any contained grease. Check with your local city to ensure you’re following the proper and legal methods of grease disposal. After the grease has been disposed of, check the container for potential leaks. When you become accustomed to checking for leaks and other defaults on a monthly basis, you cut down on a number of business hazards, including the risk of fire. Your rooftop containment system will need to be checked monthly, as well. This ensures that there is no grease buildup on the roof, which we have already established can be detrimental to your investment. Your duct systems will also be checked for grease buildup and mold growth.
Quarterly Maintenance Schedule
A deep clean by a professional restaurant hood maintenance crew is recommended every three or four months. During this cleaning, your vent hood systems will be scrubbed with powerful agents that will simultaneously protect your equipment. The crew will pay special attention to your ducts, grease traps, fans, and filters. The latter will be soaked in heavy degreasing agents or completely replaced to ensure optimum equipment efficiency. A professional crew will also check the bearings in your fans to ensure they are well-lubricated. If the bearings do require lubrication, grease will be added to ensure the fans replace the bad air in your establishment as needed. The crew will clean your vent hood system from roof to kitchen and every inch of duct in-between. The crew will inspect the wiring, fan components, and hood filters to identify potential issues before they get out of hand, leading to potential business shutdowns.
Yearly Maintenance Schedule
During a yearly restaurant maintenance inspection, the professional crew will inspect your belts, bearings, and grease. If something needs to be replaced, this is the time to get it done. Learn more about: What Do Commercial Grease Trap Cleaning Services Entail?
Many business owners, in an effort to save money, ask why their staff can’t perform the necessary maintenance checks. It is possible for staff to do all the degreasing and other dirty work, but you’re putting your business at a distinct disadvantage by trying to cut costs. For one, your staff may not know how each of your vent hood components works. And with how intricate some of those systems can be, only knowing how they all work together can someone properly clean the systems for optimum health and safety.
Here is how the typical cleaning checklist should go:
Disassembly:
In order to clean your restaurant vent hoods and all associated components properly, your entire system should be taken apart. Grease, soot, and debris can hide in the unlikeliest of places, which means that buildup can occur without you realizing how bad it’s getting. The result could be equipment slow-down, breakage, or a dangerous grease fire. A maintenance crew will disassemble all pieces to check for and clean grease.
Fan Removal:
All mounted fans will need to be removed in order to clean the shroud and blades of each unit.
Fan Inspections:
The fans and their individual components will then be inspected to determine if any blades are loose or belts are worn out. Most of all, every aspect of your vent hood wiring will be inspected to check for frays or otherwise search for problems. A faulty wire could cause your fans to break down. In worse cases, a frayed wire could cause the outbreak of fire.
Degreasing:
Each vent hood and fan component, along with will all other stainless-steel appliances, will be thoroughly cleaned until all grease is removed. Even a light sheen of grease could pose a problem down the line. When the cleaning and maintenance crew is finished, you should be able to run a finger along any stainless-steel area of your kitchen without feeling the slightest hint of grease.
Polish All Ductwork:
If your staff aren’t keen on cleaning your restaurant’s duct-work, all that grease buildup can lead to contaminated air and deadly fires. Moisture accumulation can also cause mold to grow, putting your staff and customers at further risk. A maintenance and cleaning crew will polish your ductwork so that it’s free of grease and looks as clean as it is.
Cleaning Certificate:
A professional crew will sometimes provide you with before and after photos that prove that your ductwork has indeed been cleaned thoroughly and on-schedule. Most if not all companies will provide you with a certificate showing that your ventilation system has been systematically dismantled, scrubbed, de-greased, and maintained. You will have dates and signatures that you can then show to health and fire inspectors.
Do You Have a Professional Restaurant Vent Hood Maintenance Company in Mind?
As a business owner, you have a ton invested into your restaurant and the appliances that produce the food that in turn keeps your customers happy. The health of your equipment can spell the difference between business success and one that bleeds money. When you allow grease to build up and equipment to run faulty, you run the risk of breakdowns, business delays, and business-destroying fire. You also put your staff and customers at risk. A professional restaurant hood maintenance crew like APS-Hoods offers impeccable service, the ability to remove grease from every hood component, and peace of mind that comes from knowing that your business is always protected. When you want to maintain a restaurant maintenance schedule you can always count on, contact APS-Hoods in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Centennial, Colorado for a free quote.
![Exhaust System Cleaning](https://www.aps-hoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keeping-Your-Restaurant-Up-to-Code-with-Regular-Inspections-2.jpg")
