Well-maintained, hygienic and clean restaurants trust commercial kitchen exhaust hoods that work tirelessly to keep the kitchen fresh, whisking away smoke, steam, and strong odours. But even the most powerful exhaust hood needs timely maintenance and cleaning. If you’re looking for ways to keep it spotless and clean, continue reading.
We have shared six tips to ensure your rangehood remains in top-notch condition, maintaining a clean and inviting kitchen atmosphere. But before that, you should learn:
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How Do Integrated Rangehoods Work?
Integrated range hoods are essential kitchen appliances designed to keep your kitchen clean and free of unwanted odours, smoke, and grease. They capture airborne particles and direct them away from your kitchen space. But how do these devices achieve this functionality?
Commercial exhaust hoods operate by using a combination of filters, fans, and ducting. The process begins when you turn on the range hood while cooking. The fan inside the range hood absorbs the air, containing smoke, steam, and grease.
There are two main types of filters:
- Grease filters
- Carbon filters
Metal grease filters trap greasy messes, letting you clean and reuse them. Next, the air passes through carbon filters, designed to absorb odours and impurities. Unlike grease filters, these need periodic replacement.
After air filtration, it is either expelled outside through ductwork (ducted range hoods) or recirculated back into the kitchen after passing through additional filters (ductless range hoods). Ducted range hoods are more effective at removing heat and humidity from the kitchen, while ductless range hoods are easier to install and more flexible in placement.
6 Tips to Maintain Your Rangehoods and Keep Your Kitchen Fresh and Clean
Maintaining your rangehood is crucial to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively. Here are six proven tips to help you keep your rangehood spotless and your kitchen cleaner and fresher.
1. Regular Filter Cleaning
The filters in your rangehood play a vital role in trapping grease and particles. They can become clogged, reducing the efficiency of your commercial kitchen exhaust hood after a certain period. Clean the grease filters regularly to avoid the issue.
How to Clean:
- Remove filters and soak them in hot, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft brush to remove any remaining grease.
- Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before reinserting.
For carbon filters, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement, which is every 6-12 months.
2. Check Ventilation Ducts
If your range hood is ducted, the ducts can accumulate grease and debris over time, reducing airflow and the efficiency of the kitchen ventilation system. Regularly inspect and clean the ducts to ensure unobstructed ventilation.
How to Clean:
- Disconnect the ducting from the range hood.
- Use a flexible brush or vacuum attachment to remove debris from the ducts.
- Reattach the ducting securely.
3. Clean External Surfaces
Grease and grime can build up on the exterior surfaces of your commercial kitchen exhaust hood, making your kitchen look dirty and damaging the appliance.
How to Clean:
- Use a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent to wipe down the exterior.
- Pay special attention to the areas around the controls and edges.
- Use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel range hoods to avoid streaks and maintain the finish.
4. Maintain Exhaust Fan Blades
The fan blades inside your commercial exhaust hood can also collect grease and dust, hindering their performance and creating unpleasant odours.
How to Clean:
- Turn off and unplug the range hood.
- Access the fan blades according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dry the blades completely before reassembling.
5. Check and Replace Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are essential for absorbing odours in ductless range hoods. However, they eventually lose their effectiveness and need to be replaced.
How to Replace:
- Consult your rangehood’s manual for the location and removal process of the carbon filters.
- Replace with the appropriate size and type recommended by the manufacturer.
- Regularly check the filters and replace them every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
6. Schedule Professional Servicing
Even with regular maintenance, it’s beneficial to have your rangehood professionally serviced periodically. Technicians can thoroughly inspect and deep clean internal components to ensure everything works properly.
When to Schedule:
- Annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- If you notice a decrease in performance, unusual noises, or persistent odours despite regular cleaning.
Conclusion
Integrated commercial kitchen exhaust hoods are indispensable in maintaining a clean and fresh kitchen environment. Understanding how they work and implementing regular maintenance practices are crucial to ensuring their efficiency. Regular upkeep not only enhances functionality but also promotes a healthier cooking environment. Investing a little time in rangehood maintenance goes a long way in ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant kitchen experience.
Ensure your kitchen stays fresh and clean with professional range hood maintenance from Wired Air. Contact us today at 0429 612 624 to schedule a service and experience the difference our expert care can make.
