Running a professional kitchen in Elizabeth, New Jersey demands discipline, speed, and consistent cleanliness. A clear, practical checklist helps your team maintain the exhaust system that protects them every shift. Use the following guide to organize daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks so your hood, filters, ducts, and fan work together as designed. Whether you operate a high-volume quick-service concept near the port or a neighborhood café with a steady breakfast rush, this checklist will help you reduce fire hazards, stabilize airflow, and prepare for inspections. For system-level maintenance beyond staff reach, plan for periodic professional kitchen exhaust hood cleaning to keep ductwork and fans performing as intended.

Daily tasks

• Verify exhaust and makeup air turn on with the first equipment start. Listen for unusual fan noise.
• Wipe the hood exterior and light lenses with a degreaser-safe towel before service to remove overnight film.
• Check baffle filters for heavy soil. If saturated, swap with a clean set to maintain capture velocity.
• Inspect grease troughs and cups; empty and wipe clean.
• Confirm that fire suppression nozzle caps are in place and unobstructed.
• Ensure nothing blocks hood front edges—keep pans, boxes, and tools away from the capture zone.

After-shift tasks

• Wipe the hood face, control panels, and nearby walls to remove splatter.
• Remove and soak filters if production was heavy. Allow to dry overnight on a rack.
• Empty and clean grease cups, then replace liners if used.
• Sweep and mop under the line; grease tracked on shoes can end up on the roof via stairwells.

Weekly tasks

• Perform a deep clean of all baffle filters with measured chemistry and hot water.
• Brush the plenum area behind the filters (if accessible) to dislodge loose film.
• Inspect the hood interior seams for drips or streaks that indicate misaligned filters.
• Clean make-up air diffusers to prevent dust and grease from reducing flow.
• Check light lenses and gaskets for yellowing and cracks; replace as needed.

Monthly tasks

• Examine fan belts and pulleys for wear; listen for squeal on startup.
• Verify the fan hinge kit operates smoothly for safe roof access.
• Check rooftop grease containment pads or boxes; replace saturated media.
• Inspect duct access panels; ensure gaskets seal and screws are intact.
• Test hood switches and interlocks so the fan runs whenever cooking equipment is on.

Quarterly tasks

• Schedule a full system inspection to evaluate duct cleanliness and fan housing condition.
• Review cleaning logs and adjust frequencies based on seasonal volume changes common in Elizabeth.
• Train or re-train staff on safe filter handling and chemical use.
• Confirm fire suppression service intervals and verify tags are current.

Tools and supplies

• Food-safe degreaser labeled for hoods and filters
• Soak bin or large sink with hot water
• Non-abrasive brushes and scrapers
• PPE: gloves, sleeves, eye protection
• Absorbent pads, rags, and floor protection
• Grease containment pads for roof units
• Log sheets or a digital checklist app

Sample daily/weekly checklist

1. Turn on exhaust and makeup air; confirm airflow at the hood face.
2. Empty grease troughs and cups; confirm liners are properly seated.
3. Check filters for soil load; swap or soak if needed.
4. Wipe hood face and undersides of canopies.
5. Clean nearby walls, floors, and splash zones.
6. End-of-day: soak, rinse, and dry filters; reinstall before opening.

Inspection and documentation

Elizabeth inspectors appreciate clear documentation. Maintain a binder or digital record with daily initials, weekly deep-clean notes, and quarterly review summaries. Add photos after major cleanings and any corrective actions taken. This record becomes your story during audits, showing a consistent, risk-aware culture.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping make-up air cleaning. Dust-laden diffusers reduce capture at the hood and overload the exhaust fan.
• Over-concentrating degreaser, which can discolor metals and leave residue.
• Reinstalling wet filters, which drip into grease cups and track streaks down the hood face.
• Ignoring roof containment. Saturated pads allow grease to wash onto rooftops and into drains during storms.
• Letting storage encroach on the hood capture zone. Boxes and utensils at the edge disrupt airflow.

Role assignment and training

Define responsibilities by shift. Opening checks include airflow verification and quick wipe-downs; closing handles soak and dry. Weekly, assign a lead to inspect plenum surfaces and update the log. Monthly, a manager confirms roof and fan conditions with photos. New hires receive hands-on training that covers PPE, chemical handling, and filter orientation so mistakes are minimized during busy service periods.

When to bring in professionals

Even the most thorough in-house program cannot reach deep into horizontal and vertical ducts or the fan housing. If you notice persistent odors, smoke lingering at the cookline, or grease reappearing quickly after cleaning, it is time to schedule comprehensive kitchen exhaust hood cleaning. Professional technicians use hot-water pressure systems, access panels, and grease containment best practices to restore full-system performance and reduce risk.

FAQ

Q: How often should filters be cleaned in Elizabeth restaurants? A: High-volume fry and grill operations often clean daily; moderate operations clean multiple times per week. Let soil load and airflow be your guide.

Q: What should be logged for inspections? A: Date, initials, observed condition, actions taken (e.g., soaked filters, replaced roof pads), and any issues requiring follow-up.

Q: Can I use the dishwasher for filters? A: Dishwashers typically lack the dwell time and chemistry for heavy grease. A soak-and-brush process works best.

Q: What indicates the duct needs professional cleaning? A: Grease at duct access panels, reduced airflow, odors, or roof fan imbalance suggest internal buildup that requires specialized service.

Q: Are aluminum filters acceptable? A: Stainless baffles are preferred. If you use aluminum, select an aluminum-safe cleaner and lower concentrations to avoid etching.

Ready to keep your kitchen compliant and comfortable

With a disciplined checklist, your team can protect airflow, reduce hazards, and present a clean, professional kitchen every day. For complete system care that goes beyond staff reach, schedule trusted kitchen exhaust hood cleaning so your hood, ducts, and fan operate safely and efficiently through every rush in Elizabeth, New Jersey.