Regular Flue Cleaning: A Must for Commercial Kitchens

Maintaining a commercial kitchen involves several critical tasks, one of which is ensuring the flue and exhaust system is cleaned regularly. The cleanliness of your kitchen’s flue is not just about hygiene; it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance.

This blog explores the importance of regular flue cleaning and how often it should be done to maintain a safe and efficient kitchen environment. Contact Flue Steam at 800-700-FLUE to learn about cleaning and other safety steps such as automatic fire suppression systems.

The Importance of Keeping Your Flue Clean

A clean flue is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it significantly reduces the risk of flash fires caused by built-up grease. These fires can lead to injuries, extensive damage to your kitchen, and a major interruption to your business operations. Secondly, a clean flue ensures that your exhaust system operates efficiently, removing smoke, heat, and odors effectively. Lastly, regular cleaning helps you comply with health and fire safety codes, which is crucial for any commercial kitchen’s operation.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of flue cleaning largely depends on the volume and type of cooking in your kitchen. Generally, for most commercial kitchens, hand scraping services are recommended on a monthly basis. This method involves manually scraping grease deposits from accessible areas of the flue and exhaust system. While hand scraping is effective for regular maintenance, it’s not as comprehensive as steam cleaning.

Steam cleaning, which uses hot, pressurized water to clean hard-to-reach areas, is recommended 2-4 times per year. This method ensures a deeper and more thorough cleaning, reaching every nook and cranny of your exhaust system. Combining monthly hand scraping with quarterly steam cleaning typically provides optimal results, keeping your kitchen safe and compliant.

Accessing Your Kitchen’s Flue

Many kitchen managers wonder how the cleaning process will be carried out, especially in terms of accessing the flue. Professional flue cleaning technicians from Flue Steam access the flue through exhaust hood and duct access panels. These panels are opened for cleaning and then sealed back using fire-rated caulking compound. Additionally, the exhaust fan is cleaned by tipping it over on its side, a process facilitated if it’s installed according to fire code requirements with a hinged base and extra electrical cable.

Ensuring Compliance with Code Obligations

When you choose Flue Steam for your commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning, you’re choosing peace of mind regarding code compliance. After each cleaning service, a “Certificate of Performance” sticker is placed on your system. This sticker indicates the date of service, the frequency of service, and any inaccessible areas within your system. It serves as proof that you’ve met your code obligations, which is crucial for inspections and insurance purposes.

Schedule Your First Cleaning Service

Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Ensure the safety and efficiency of your commercial kitchen by scheduling your first exhaust system cleaning service with Flue Steam. With a commitment to excellence and adherence to industry standards, Flue Steam is ready to help you maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment. Get in touch today at 800-700-FLUE to discuss your needs and schedule a service that suits your busy schedule. Keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely with regular flue cleaning services from Flue Steam.