If you’ve just opened a new restaurant or are in the process of doing so, you don’t need us to tell you it’s a hectic time. Between council approvals, building contractors and potential-staff interviews, there’s rarely a minute left in the day. Often just opening your doors or making that first coffee is a monumental achievement.
Because of this, kitchen exhaust system cleaning and grease filter exchange may be the last thing on your mind. We get it, your first priority is getting your business started and beginning to build that loyal base of customers.
However, this doesn’t mean that exhaust system cleaning and filter exchange can be passed on indefinitely. Effective cleaning of your kitchen’s filters, canopy, and exhaust system is vital for the safe operation of your business. And left unattended the consequences can be dire.
Why filter and exhaust system maintenance matters
Your kitchen filters and exhaust system work in-tandem to extract grease, steam, dust and particulates from your cook-line.
When they’re operating effectively they remove a wide range of contaminants from your kitchen, leaving you, your staff, and your customers only clean, fresh air to breath.
Over time however, these contaminants start to accumulate in your filters and exhaust system.
The most common build-up being thick deposits of grease. These build-ups block your system and lowers its efficiency. In some cases it can stop your exhaust system from functioning completely.
And if your system isn’t working or isn’t working properly the outcomes can be devastating.
What you can do about it (right now)
The only way to ensure that your kitchen’s exhaust systems are working properly is with regular cleaning carried out by a professional exhaust system cleaning company – such as Lotus Commercial.
Therefore the best way to keep your exhaust systems in order is by arranging a maintenance schedule, which once in-place will ensure the regular cleaning of your systems.
A regular exhaust system cleaning schedule should include the following.
It should also include how often each duty needs to be undertaken, as different businesses and kitchens will require more or less regular cleaning.
What to look for in a filter maintenance & exhaust cleaning company
Finding the right cleaning company can be tricky. However once settled upon, a chosen cleaning company can usually provide you with years of service.
To avoid the amateurs and to find a company, which will deliver effective and reliable cleaning year after year, insist upon the following.
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- International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) membership
- International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) membership
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- A solid knowledge of Australian kitchen cleaning standards
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- Written testimonials from previous customers
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- Proven experience working with Australian business & industry
Upon completion of any exhaust system cleaning work, your cleaning company should present you with a written certificate detailing the cleaning provided. This should be kept and stored for insurance purposes.
Can I or my staff clean my exhaust system?
The short answer is: no. Cleaning your exhaust system is a complex job, which requires work in high places and potentially dangerous areas – such as directly above cooking equipment.
Every year Australian workers are injured, some very seriously so, whilst attempting to clean their exhaust systems. Breaks from falls and burns are the most common injuries associated with self-cleaning.
At Lotus Commercial we say: you can clean your benches and floors – anything above eye-level though, leave that to a trained and experienced professional.
Additionally non-professional cleaning can damage your filters, meaning expensive replacement costs.
Want to know more?
To find out more about filter exchange, visit our filter exchange page here. To find out more about exhaust system cleaning, visit our exhaust system cleaning page here.