A Short Guide to Keeping Your Restaurant & Hood Clean Between Professional Cleanings

Maintaining a clean and compliant restaurant isn’t just about passing health inspections—it’s about ensuring safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. While professional cleanings from Southwest Cleaning and Virus Disinfection LLC are essential for deep cleaning and compliance, here are some practical steps to keep your kitchen and exhaust hood in top shape between services.

1. Follow a Daily Cleaning Schedule

Establishing daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines can prevent grease buildup and keep your kitchen sanitary.

Daily: Wipe down surfaces, clean grills and fryers, empty grease traps, and sweep/mop floors.

Weekly: Scrub walls, degrease stovetops and range hoods, and check for clogged filters.

Monthly: Inspect ducts and fans for excess grease, deep clean equipment, and ensure fire extinguishers are up to date.

2. Clean Hood Filters Regularly

Grease filters catch most of the grease before it enters the exhaust system. To prevent dangerous buildup:

Soak filters in hot, soapy water or a degreaser solution.

Clean them at least once a week, or more often in high-volume kitchens.

Replace worn-out or damaged filters promptly.

3. Wipe Down Exhaust Hoods Daily

While deep cleaning is necessary for fire safety, simple daily maintenance helps keep your hoods in better condition.

Use a degreaser spray to wipe down visible surfaces.

Avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage protective coatings.

Inspect for grease streaks or unusual buildup, which could indicate a clog.

4. Check & Maintain Exhaust Fans

A failing exhaust fan can lead to poor ventilation, smoke buildup, and increased fire risk. Regularly:

Ensure the fan is functioning properly and isn’t making unusual noises.

Clean the fan blades and motor to prevent overheating.

Schedule regular professional inspections to avoid costly breakdowns.

5. Keep Floors & Walls Grease-Free

Use anti-slip mats to reduce the spread of grease.

Mop floors with a degreasing solution to prevent buildup and slip hazards.

Regularly clean walls and ceilings near cooking areas.

6. Stay Compliant with NFPA 96 Regulations

Keep records of professional hood cleanings to show compliance.

Train staff on proper grease management and fire safety.

Schedule routine hood and exhaust system cleanings to prevent violations and fire risks.

Need a Professional Cleaning?

Even with regular maintenance, professional hood cleaning is essential to meet NFPA 96 standards, prevent fires, and pass inspections.

Call Southwest Cleaning and Virus Disinfection LLC today at [(941]-204-0801 to schedule your next cleaning!