How to Effectively Clean Your Commercial Kitchen Hood Filter

Introduction

Commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems play a crucial role in maintaining clean and safe restaurant environments. They work tirelessly to capture grime, dust, and grease from the air, ensuring that your kitchen remains free of airborne contaminants. Stainless steel hood filters are instrumental in this process, but over time, they require proper cleaning to maintain peak performance. Neglecting their maintenance can compromise your exhaust system's efficiency, lead to increased energy consumption, and even cause damage to the entire system. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to clean your exhaust hood filter, ensuring your kitchen remains a safe and efficient workspace.

Step 1: Remove the Filter

Start by removing the filter from your exhaust hood system. Take a close look to check for any damage. If you notice any issues, such as tears or holes, consider replacing the filter before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare a Soaking Station

Fill a kitchen sink or a large container with extremely hot water. The hot water will help loosen the accumulated grease and grime on the filter.

Step 3: Create a Natural Cleaning Solution

For an effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solution, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough dish soap to create a paste. Feel free to double the recipe if needed to cover all your filters.

Step 4: Soak the Filters

Add the paste to the hot water and thoroughly mix it in. Place the filters into the solution, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking time will help break down the stubborn grease and dirt.

Step 5: Scrub with a Non-Abrasive Brush

After the soaking period, remove the hood filter and use a non-abrasive cleaning brush to scrub it thoroughly. This step should effectively remove any remaining filth and grease buildup. If necessary, repeat the process to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the cleaned filter with water to remove any residual cleaning solution and dirt. Make sure the filter is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 7: Reinstall

Once the filters are clean and dry, you can confidently reinstall them back into your exhaust hood system. Ensure they are securely in place, ready to continue their essential role in maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

Keep Your Kitchen Fully Functional With Regular Maintenance

To keep your filters performing optimally, aim to clean them every 6 to 8 weeks. This routine maintenance will ensure that your filters remain effective and reduce the need for costly replacements. It's also recommended to include filter cleaning as part of thorough hood cleanings conducted by professional hood cleaning services. By following these steps for proper exhaust hood filter maintenance, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your commercial kitchen equipment. Regular cleaning not only improves air quality but also extends the lifespan of your exhaust system, saving you money in the long run.

About HoodMart

HoodMart is your trusted source for a wide range of commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems, including Compensating (Short Cycle) and Perforated Supply Plenum (PSP) models. We also offer an extensive selection of exhaust hood accessories, such as no-weld grease ducts, hood filters, canopy hood lights, and curbs. Additionally, we provide walk-in refrigeration systems to meet all your commercial kitchen needs. If you have any questions or need assistance in purchasing your hood system, our experts are available to help. Contact us today at 1.855.334.8563 or reach out through our convenient live chat system. We are committed to ensuring your kitchen operates smoothly and safely.

For any inquiries or to explore our range of products, contact the experts at HoodMart today.