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John Lafantaisie, supervisor with Reliable Cleaning Services, has seen a danger most restaurant owners haven’t – exhaust systems so clogged with grease they risk igniting with a single spark.

It’s a risk that companies like Reliable Cleaning Services confront daily. The Northern Ontario business specializes in kitchen hood and vent cleaning, a trade that has become a safety requirement for restaurants from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie.

The danger, Lafantaisie says, is real. 

Across Ontario, restaurants have been fined or even closed for failing to maintain their systems, while insurers increasingly demand inspection-ready documentation. That has made hood and vent cleaning an essential — but often overlooked — part of running a kitchen.

“Every day, I go to different restaurants and clean their kitchen exhaust systems, including the hoods and vents,” Lafantaisie said. “These areas can get greasy and dirty from all the cooking, and if they're not cleaned regularly, they can become a serious fire hazard. So, in a nutshell, my job is all about making sure that restaurant kitchens are safe, clean, and healthy.”

A common misconception, he said, is that if a kitchen looks clean on the surface, it’s safe for cooking

“Many owners believe that if the kitchen looks clean and the equipment is functioning, everything is fine,” he said. “However, the hidden areas within the exhaust system, such as the ducts and fans, can accumulate significant amounts of grease over time. This grease is highly flammable and can ignite from the high temperatures generated during cooking, leading to a dangerous and potentially catastrophic fire.”

Some operators also underestimate how often their systems should be inspected and cleaned. 

“In my experience, it's not unusual to find systems that haven't been cleaned in over a year, which significantly increases the risk of fire and health hazards,” Lafantaisie said.

Reliable operates with certification, training and equipment designed specifically for this work. The company is Phil Ackland certified, an industry standard that sets safety and thoroughness benchmarks for exhaust system cleaning. Its technicians focus solely on hoods and vents, not general janitorial services.

“Fire inspections are another critical aspect,” he said. “Regular inspections by fire authorities ensure that businesses are following the necessary safety protocols. These inspections often include checking the condition of kitchen exhaust systems, ensuring that they are free from grease buildup and other potential fire hazards. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or even temporary closure of the business.”

The work itself is demanding and detail-oriented. Lafantaisie said a day’s shift begins with a full inspection of the system, followed by disassembly of parts like filters and grease traps. 

The team then sets out with specialized tools and high-pressure steam to scrape and sanitize ducts, fans and hidden corners most owners never see. 

“After cleaning, we reassemble the exhaust system and conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything is in proper working order,” he said. “We document our work and provide a detailed report to the restaurant owner or manager.”

What makes his approach effective, and what’s earned him rave reviews from clients are his Reliable co-workers. 

“My crew is a dedicated team who brings a wealth of skill, knowledge, and commitment to every job,” he said. “They are well-trained in the latest cleaning techniques and safety protocols, ensuring that every exhaust system we work on is cleaned to the highest standards.”

The pride, he added, runs deep in the company’s culture. 

“Our technicians take immense pride in their work for several reasons,” he said. “Firstly, they understand the critical role they play in ensuring the safety and well-being of restaurant kitchens. Knowing that their efforts directly prevent potential fires and protect lives gives them a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.”

Beyond safety, there’s also a health and comfort factor. 

“By keeping the exhaust system clean, we not only reduce the risk of fire but also improve the overall health and safety of the restaurant. A clean kitchen environment helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and ensures that the air quality remains high, creating a safer and more pleasant space for both staff and customers,” he said.

But what separates Reliable from other firms? Lafantaisie says it’s all about recognizing what works for the task at hand, and problem solving it with laser-like attention. 

“Reliable Cleaning Services stands out because of our strong focus on safety, expertise, and customer satisfaction,” he said. “Our team is highly trained in the latest cleaning techniques and safety protocols, ensuring thorough and safe cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems. We also educate our clients about the importance of regular maintenance, building trust and partnership. Our professionalism, excellent customer service, and dedication to going the extra mile make us exceptional in the industry.”

And it’s good to have steady hands at the wheel, especially as the industry itself faces changes and increased customer expectations. 

“There will be a greater focus on education and training within the industry,” he said. “Companies will invest more in training their staff on the latest safety protocols and cleaning techniques to ensure high standards are maintained. This emphasis on continuous learning will help in addressing the evolving challenges and risks associated with kitchen exhaust systems.”

Northern Ontario’s restaurants are also becoming more dependent on the work. 

“Companies like Reliable Cleaning Services play a vital role in supporting Northern Ontario's restaurants by ensuring that kitchen environments are safe, clean, and compliant with local regulations,” he said. 

“Our services help prevent potential fire hazards by thoroughly cleaning kitchen exhaust systems, which reduces the risk of grease buildup. This not only protects the restaurant's staff and customers but also helps maintain a positive reputation for the establishment.”

For Lafantaisie, that contributes to a sense of satisfaction, day in, day out.

“The most rewarding part of working with Reliable Cleaning Services is knowing that our efforts directly contribute to the safety and well-being of restaurant kitchens,” he said. 

“Our team takes immense pride in preventing potential fires and protecting lives, which gives us a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.” 

This article was originally published as sponsored content on Sudbury.com, SooToday.com, and NorthernOntarioBusiness.com in partnership with Village Media.Sudbury.com.