How Often Should a Restaurant Hood be Cleaned?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for how often restaurant hoods need cleaning. The frequency depends on a few factors:

• Volume of cooking: Places that cook a lot, like 24-hour restaurants or fast food need cleaning more often – monthly is recommended.
• Type of cooking: Cooking with high heat or a lot of grease, like charbroiling or wok cooking, means more frequent cleaning, typically quarterly.
• Type of fuel: Wood or charcoal burning stoves require the most frequent cleaning, sometimes monthly.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Monthly: Wood-burning or charcoal-burning stoves, high-volume restaurants
• Quarterly: Above-average to high volume restaurants, cafeterias, hotels
• Biannually: Average volume restaurants
• Annually: Low-volume restaurants, seasonal businesses

Beyond these guidelines, it’s important to inspect your hood system for grease buildup monthly and have a professional clean the entire exhaust system, including the ductwork, at least once a year.

Remember, the best practice is to clean the hood as soon as it’s heavily greased up, regardless of the schedule. This can help prevent fires and keep your kitchen safe.

NFPA: Proper Restaurant Hood Cleaning Reduces Risk of Fire by 58%

It’s crucial to recognize that grease accumulation in kitchen exhaust systems is a major contributor to restaurant fires, representing around 5% of all fire incidents in the United States. Annually, these fires result in significant financial losses and personal injuries.

Research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association highlights the importance of diligent maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems. A notable study from 2017 found that proper restaurant hood cleaning resulted in a remarkable 58% reduction in the number of fire outbreaks. This data emphasizes the vital importance of a properly maintained exhaust system in safeguarding restaurants, their employees and patrons.

How Restaurant Hood Cleaning is Influenced by NFPA 96

NYC’s fire safety regulations, as overseen by the FDNY, are rooted in the local codes but also draw extensively from the national guidelines established by NFPA 96. This approach demonstrates the FDNY’s acknowledgment of NFPA’s authority in setting up effective fire prevention practices for kitchens. By integrating these standards into their regulatory framework, the FDNY ensures that restaurants in New York City adhere to both local and national safety standards.

Done Right Hood & Fire Safety helps ensure compliance with all FDNY and NFPA 96 regulations, ensuring the ongoing success of your restaurant.

Restaurants in South Florida have a New Partner in Restaurant Hood Cleaning!

After nearly two decades of exceptional service in the greater New York City region, Done Right Hood & Fire Safety is thrilled to announce our expansion into the vibrant and dynamic market of South Florida. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s history of providing top-tier Restaurant Hood Cleaning Services, Kitchen Hood Fabrication and Installation, Fire Suppression Systems, Grease Trap Cleaning, Waste Oil Recycling, FDNY Fire Code Violation Removal, and cutting-edge Electrostatic Precipitators.

A note from our Founder & CEO, Jacob Chechkov: “Our journey began nearly 20 years ago with a mission to offer the most reliable and efficient kitchen safety solutions in New York City. Today, we are excited to bring our expertise and passion for serving restaurants and commercial kitchens to South Florida.”

Being Prepared for a Restaurant Hood Cleaning Inspection

Restaurant hoods are subject to regular inspections by fire code officials. To ensure that your hood passes inspection, it is important to have it cleaned regularly by a NYPD certified professional. In addition to regular cleaning, you should also have your restaurant hood inspected by a fire code official at least once a year. This will help to identify any potential problems before they cause a fire.

In 2021 there were over 5,000 restaurant fires that caused over $172 Million in damages. By following a consistent restaurant hood cleaning & inspection schedule, you’ll ensure your restaurant hood clean, safe, and code-compliant.

Maintaining Code Compliance with Proper Restaurant Hood Cleaning

Navigating the complex landscape of fire safety regulations and FDNY fines can be daunting. From NFP 96 guidelines and NYC fire codes, choosing the right partner can make all the difference. Done Right Hood & Fire Safety specializes in ensuring businesses meet all necessary safety standards. Our expertise and dedication have made us the trusted choice for restaurants and commercial kitchens in New York, New Jersey, and Nassau County. Contact us today to find out why businesses rely on us to get it Done Right the first time, guaranteeing the safety and compliance of their establishments.

Emergency Response Planning in Restaurant Kitchens

While proper restaurant hood cleaning is critical to avoiding fines and fires, developing a robust emergency response plan remains an indispensable aspect of fire safety. Ensure all staff members are familiar with evacuation routes, fire alarm locations, and the operation of fire safety equipment. Conduct regular drills to reinforce these protocols. Staff vigilance is the first line of defense against kitchen fires. Encourage employees to report any potential hazards immediately. Often the need for restaurant hood cleaning goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Regular training sessions emphasizing the importance of situational awareness can make all the significant difference.

Businesses with vigilant staff are better equipped to prevent fires, reducing the likelihood of FDNY fines. By fostering a culture of safety and awareness, you create a safer environment for everyone.

Beyond Restaurant Hood Cleaning: Being Prepared for Inspections

Regular kitchen inspections are essential for safety and compliance. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of structure fires in the United States, and the FDNY requires all commercial kitchens to be inspected at least once a year by a qualified inspector. Failure to have an annual inspection can result in a fine of up to $500.

To avoid FDNY fines and kitchen hazards, businesses should schedule routine inspections of their kitchen’s equipment, electrical systems, and fire safety devices, while storing combustible materials away from heat sources.  Beyond restaurant hood cleaning, make sure that all fire extinguishers are properly serviced and inspected, keep grease traps clean and properly maintained and ensure electrical wiring is properly maintained.

By following these simple tips, New York City, New Jersey and Nassau County restaurants can keep their kitchens safe and compliant, and protect themselves from costly FDNY fines.

Inspect Your Hood After Cleaning

After your hood has been cleaned, don’t just assume it’s safe. Conduct a thorough inspection to make sure the job was done properly. Check for any residual grease, damage to equipment, or signs of mold growth. Pay close attention to the baffles, filters, and ductwork, as these are the areas where grease and dirt tend to accumulate the most. If you see any surface-level issues, it may be time to contact Done Right Hood & Fire Safety.

There’s a reason we call ourselves “Done Right”. We provide restaurants & commercial kitchens in New York City, New Jersey and Nassau County with a unique experience by going deep beneath the surface, removing buildup that can’t be seen. When it comes to restaurant hood cleaning, we’re here to ensure it’s done right the first time.

Understand the Risks of Improper Restaurant Hood Cleaning

A dirty restaurant hood is not just an eyesore; it’s a fire hazard that can have devastating consequences for your business and the safety of your staff and customers. Grease buildup in your hood can easily ignite, leading to a raging fire that can engulf your kitchen, spread to other parts of your building, and even cause structural damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 51,000 restaurant fires occur annually, causing an estimated $154 million in property damage.

In addition to the immediate risk of fire, improper restaurant hood cleaning can also compromise indoor air quality, leading to health problems for your staff and customers. Grease particles can clog ventilation systems, trapping harmful fumes and smoke inside your kitchen. These fumes can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even nausea. Prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to more serious health conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Contact us today to find out Restaurants and commercial kitchens in NYC, New Jersey, and Nassau County trust us to get it Done Right the first time.

Proper Restaurant Hood Cleaning and Coaching Your Staff Are Keys to Preventing Fires

Preventing kitchen fires requires a comprehensive approach that includes regular equipment inspections, staff training, and proper storage of flammable materials. Implementing a strict no-tolerance policy for unsafe practices is crucial. Did you know, a significant number of restaurant fires are caused by human error? Most often, there were clear warning signs that had been ignored. Beyond taking the necessary steps to keeping your restaurant hoods and exhaust systems clean, educate your staff about the risks and enforce safety protocols. By taking a proactive stance, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires and associated FDNY fines.

Preventive Restaurant Hood Maintenance That Safeguards Your Kitchen

Investing in your kitchen equipment is a crucial step in ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your culinary operations. One key aspect of safeguarding your investment is by implementing a regular schedule of kitchen hood cleaning services.

Statistics show that neglecting kitchen hood cleaning can lead to costly consequences. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that nearly one-third of restaurant fires are caused by grease buildup in kitchen hoods.  Moreover, the accumulation of grease and debris in your kitchen hood can reduce the lifespan of your other expensive kitchen appliances. When the hood is not working efficiently, the surrounding equipment is exposed to more heat and smoke, which can cause premature wear and tear. This can lead to frequent breakdowns, higher maintenance costs, and ultimately, the need to replace equipment sooner than expected.

Find out why restaurants and commercial kitchens in New York City, New Jersey and Nassau County trust us to get it Done Right the first time!