How Regular Exhaust System Cleaning Can Keep Your Commercial Kitchen Safe and Efficient

Running a commercial kitchen comes with numerous responsibilities, from managing staff to adjusting the menu and ensuring food quality. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the maintenance of the kitchen’s exhaust system. A clean exhaust system is essential for both safety and efficiency, and that’s where Flue Steam can help.

By keeping your kitchen exhaust system in top condition, you reduce the risk of dangerous flash fires and ensure your kitchen remains compliant with safety regulations.

Hand Scraping: The First Line of Defense Against Grease Buildup

Hand scraping is one of the primary services offered by Flue Steam to help keep your kitchen exhaust system free from grease buildup. This simple yet effective process involves using a hand scraper to remove grease from all accessible parts of the exhaust system. Over time, grease accumulates from the cooking process, creating a serious fire hazard if not regularly cleaned.

Scheduling routine hand scraping services is an easy way to prevent grease from accumulating to dangerous levels. Grease is highly flammable, and failing to remove it increases the risk of flash fires that can devastate a kitchen. Flue Steam recommends monthly hand scraping services to keep your system clear and safe. Each cleaning also includes a “Certificate of Performance” sticker, showing that your kitchen is in compliance with fire safety regulations.

The Power of Steam Cleaning for a Deeper Clean

While hand scraping is effective, adding steam cleaning to your maintenance routine ensures a thorough clean that reaches the hard-to-access areas of your exhaust system. Steam cleaning uses hot, pressurized water to break down and remove grease, dirt, and debris that may be stuck in crevices that hand scraping can’t reach.

Steam cleaning is typically recommended 2-4 times per year, depending on how often your kitchen is in use. While this service costs more than hand scraping, the added benefit is a deeper clean that greatly reduces the risk of fire and ensures the exhaust system operates at peak efficiency. Like hand scraping, after every steam cleaning, Flue Steam will provide a “Certificate of Performance” sticker to prove compliance with NFPA codes. This certificate may even help lower your insurance premiums, as many providers offer discounts for maintaining proper fire safety.

Additional Services to Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly

In addition to hand scraping and steam cleaning, Flue Steam goes the extra mile by offering a range of additional services that improve the safety and efficiency of your kitchen. During each cleaning, our technicians will inspect key components of your exhaust system, including belts and the exhaust fan. Regular checks of these parts help identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.

We also lubricate fan bearings to ensure that your exhaust fan operates smoothly, extending its lifespan and keeping your kitchen well-ventilated. If we find that a belt is worn out and you have a replacement on hand, our team will install it at no extra charge. These added services make sure your exhaust system stays in optimal condition, reducing downtime and expensive repairs in the future.

Why Partnering with Flue Steam Makes a Difference

The benefits of a well-maintained exhaust system in your commercial kitchen go beyond safety. A clean system runs more efficiently, improves air quality, and ensures compliance with safety regulations. By partnering with Flue Steam, you’re investing in the long-term functionality of your kitchen while minimizing the risks associated with grease buildup and exhaust system malfunctions.

Whether you’re looking to schedule regular hand scraping, add steam cleaning services, or simply need an inspection to ensure everything is running smoothly, Flue Steam is here to help. Contact us today at 800-700-FLUE to schedule your first service and keep your commercial kitchen safe and efficient year-round.