Frequently Asked Questions
Why is cleaning your entire kitchen exhaust system important?
Cleaning the entire system is important because flammable grease can contaminate ductwork throughout the system. Maintaining a clean exhaust system, free of grease is a risk mitigation strategy. Exhaust systems are designed to contain a fire for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the building and local fire codes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Standard 96 is the governing body for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning frequencies and provides a guide for determining the acceptable number of days a system can go between cleanings.
Consult Vortex Clean LLC to receive additional information on your kitchen exhaust system and how to keep it up to code and fire safe.
How often does my system need to be cleaned?
There are numerous factors which affect this answer:
1. Insurance Requirements (NFPA 96 Chapter 11 guidance)
2. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) enforcement procedures (guidance from portions of NFPA 96 that have been adopted by the AHJ’s)
3. Type of cooking equipment (fryers, griddles, broiler, flat top, charcoal, oven, etc)
4. Your menu and cooking times
5. Design and layout of the grease exhaust system
The key to answering this question is to work closely with your Vortex Clean service professionals. As a guideline for the minimum cleaning frequencies you can reference NFPA 96 Table 11.4: Schedule of Inspection for Grease Buildup.
Table 11.4 Schedule of Inspection for Grease Buildup
| Type or Volume of Cooking | Inspection Frequency |
| Systems serving solid fuel cooking operations | Monthly |
| Systems serving high-volume cooking operations, such as 24-hour cooking, charbroiling, or wok cooking | Quarterly |
| Systems serving low-volume cooking operations | Semiannually |
| Systems serving low-volume cooking operations, such as churches, day camps, seasonal businesses, or senior lefts | Annually |
In kitchens with multiple and independent kitchen exhaust systems, it is common to have each system on its own cleaning schedule. For example, a steam hood will have a different rotation than a broiler. However, a solid fuel broiler will have a different rotation than a gas fired broiler.
What exactly gets cleaned during a typical job?
Vortex Clean is dedicated to cleaning your entire commercial kitchen exhaust system to NFPA 96 Standards. This includes your hood from the filter tray up to the plenum, all connecting duct work included and the exhaust fan. Vortex Clean takes the time effort to degrease your complete system down to bare metal. Each exhaust being different in their own ways is why having trusted Certified professional is important for your commercial kitchen exhaust. Each team member at Vortex Clean is trained and certified to NFPA 96 standard.
How do I schedule an estimate and/or cleaning?
Estimates are free and we investigate your system while on site to determine your cleaning frequency based on NFPA 96 Table 11.4. Vortex Clean will provide you with a Kitchen Exhaust Proposal and Service Agreement for your unique system and your first cleaning can be scheduled at your convenience.
Vortex Clean will proactively contact each contracted customer prior to their recurring service dates. This means you no longer need to worry about your commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning schedule.
Table 11.4 Schedule of Inspection for Grease Buildup:
| Type or Volume of Cooking | Inspection Frequency |
| Systems serving solid fuel cooking operations | Monthly |
| Systems serving high-volume cooking operations, such as 24-hour cooking, charbroiling, or wok cooking | Quarterly |
| Systems serving low-volume cooking operations | Semiannually |
| Systems serving low-volume cooking operations, such as churches, day camps, seasonal businesses, or senior lefts | Annually |
Will my kitchen be clean after service?
ABSOLUTELY! At Vortex Clean we pride ourselves on leaving your commercial kitchen exhaust system as clean as it can be but also your kitchen will be found cleaner than you left it. We take extra measures to cover and protect anything close to the work area, we take before and after pictures to ensure all your cooking utensils are just as they were, and we mop ourselves out the door. You can trust Vortex Clean to take good care of your establishment.
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17 Ferncliff Dr., Russell, PA 16345
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Improving the health and safety of our community with certified professionals providing solutions for Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems.