Get Answers to Some of the Most Commonly Asked Questions About Flue Cleaning

Do you have questions about the process of flue cleaning? If so, you can read on to get answers. If you do not see your questions answered, or if you would like to invest in the best flue cleaning around, we welcome you to contact Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE for help.

What is a Flue?

Let us start with the very basics: what is a flue? It is an essential part of a commercial kitchen that works to remove hot exhaust cases that are created. It is essential for both safety and comfort.

What is the Importance of Flue Cleaning?

When food is heated up during the cooking process, oils and other fats turn into vapor and are drawn into the exhaust system. As much as 70% of this grease, which is now airborne, is trapped in the grease filter. The amount that remains passes through the grease filter and can attach to the walls of your exhaust duct and exhaust fan.

The fatty deposits pull in more grease, which makes the problem worse. Your exhaust system will no longer be as efficient when grease builds up, which causes the exhaust temperatures to rise. This can cause grease deposits to liquefy again and cause a flash fire. Cleaning the flue regularly helps remove these grease deposits and can reduce the chance of a flash fire.

How Are Flues Cleaned?

There are two methods that can be used. The first is hand scraping, which is the most common and the simplest option. As the name implies, it involves someone scraping the grease by hand. It can be fairly effective, but it is not perfect – especially because most flues cannot be fully accessed in this way.

The other option is steam cleaning. It does take more work, but it also gets far superior results. It involves steam equipment and high-pressure water cleaners, but they reach every inch of the flue and can therefore provide a much better clean.

How Often Do Flues Need to Be Cleaned?

We generally recommend having it cleaned every three months. However, it depends on the volume of food you sell and the type of food you prepare. Kitchens that do a lot of charbroiling or frying might need to have their flue cleaned every month. A common combination is having the exhaust system scraped monthly and steamed every three months.

Call Today for More Help

If you have questions or need help determining the best way to move forward with flue cleaning, contact Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE, and we can find the right services and schedule for you.