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Gaylord Exhaust Hood Cleaning & Maintenance

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Gaylord exhaust hoods provide commercial kitchens with quality ventilation solutions. These systems are under constant use, so proper maintenance is important. To help you care for your unit, this guide on Gaylord exhaust hood maintenance and cleaning gives clear instructions on how to improve your unit’s performance and extend its longevity. 

These directions are for EL, ELX and ELX-UV series models.

Supplies

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

At the end of each day or at periodic intervals, the filters/extractors must be removed and cleaned. Formula G-510FE is the only cleaner approved for cleaning Gaylord exhaust hoods, so be sure to use it so you don’t damage the unit.

  • Step 1. Prep the kitchen - Before removing the filters/extractors, be sure that the exhaust fan is off, the cooking equipment is cool and the fryers are covered properly.
  • Step 2. Remove the filters/extractors - To take out the filters/extractors, lift up, pull out from the bottom and then straight down. The filters/extractors can either be removed by hand or with a filter/extractor removal tool.
  • Step 3. Clean the filters/extractors - Either wash the filters/extractors in a dishwasher or in a deep well sink. If using the deep well sink method, wash the filters/extractors with warm water, degreasing detergent and a soft sponge or clean cloths (instructions for soaking the filters/extractors are later in this article). 
  • Step 4. Clean the back wall and the underside of the exhaust plenum - Once the filters/extractors are removed, inspect the back wall and underside of the exhaust plenum. If necessary, clean with warm water, degreasing detergent and a soft cloth. After cleaning, remember to rinse the area with a clean, wet cloth and then dry thoroughly.
  • Step 5. Wipe the grease gutter - Clean the grease gutter with warm water, degreasing detergent and a soft cloth. Be sure to then rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. If there’s excessive buildup of grease, be sure to empty the gutter and dispose of the grease properly before cleaning.
  • Step 6. Clean the grease drawer - Remove the grease drawer and clean it with warm water, detergent and a soft cloth. Next, rinse the grease drawer, dry it and return it to the unit. If there’s excessive accumulation of grease, drain the drawer and dispose of the grease before cleaning.
  • Step 7. Reinstall the filters/extractors - Return the filters/extractors to the hood. Remember that the filters/extractors must be installed with the openings in the vertical position.
  • Step 8. Clean the hood exterior - Wash the exterior of the hood with warm water, approved degreaser and clean cloths. Remember to then rinse and dry the exterior.
  • Step 9. Resume normal operations - Once the cleaning procedure is complete, uncover the fryers and resume normal kitchen operations.

Cleaning the Filters/Extractors

Although the filters/extractors can be washed in a dishwasher, they may also be cleaned in a deep well sink.

  • Step 1. Soak the filters/extractors - Once the filters/extractors are removed, place them in a deep well sink. 
  • Step 2. Add the degreasing detergent - Pour in 2-3 cups of degreasing detergent.
  • Step 3. Fill the sink - Turn on the faucet and fill the sink with warm water until the filters/extractors are covered.
  • Step 4. Soak the filters/extractors - Let the filters/extractors sit in the sink for 15-30 minutes.
  • Step 5. Scrub the filters/extractors - Once 15-30 minutes have elapsed, drain the sink and scrub the filters/extractors with warm water and a soft sponge.
  • Step 6. Rinse the filters/extractors - Wash away any remaining grease, dirt or degreaser with clean water.
  • Step 7. Repeat if necessary - If the filters/extractors are still dirty, go through the above process again.
  • Step 8. Dry the filters/extractors - Use a clean, dry cloth to soak up any remaining moisture.

For more information on maintaining your Gaylord exhaust hood, take a look at the extensive library of Gaylord manuals on our site.

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with these specific units and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.

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