How to Clean a Wells WVU Ventless Hood
Wells WVU ventless hoods are designed for versatility, making them important additions to many foodservice kitchens. Since proper maintenance of these essential units is important, this guide on how to clean a Wells WVU ventless hood covers daily and monthly procedures for the ventilator surfaces and filtration components to remove residue buildup, improve regular operation and ensure proper sanitation.
These instructions are for WVU48 and WVU96 models.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Mild Detergent
- Cleaning Cloths
- Heatproof Container (to hold drained grease)
- Dishwasher (optional)
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
- Step 1. Power down the hood - Turn the power switch to the OFF position.
- Step 2. Disconnect the unit from power - Use the building’s circuit breaker to cut power to the machine and minimize the risk of electric shock.
- Step 3. Cover cookware/equipment under the hood - Place lids on any pots and pans sitting on cooktops under the hood so that residues don’t fall into them during the cleaning process. If the hood is located over a fryer, cover the vat(s) to protect the oil from contamination.
- Step 4. Allow the unit to cool - Minimize the risk of burns by letting the machine cool before cleaning. Although cooling time can vary, 20 minutes is usually a safe general guideline.
Daily Cleaning
- Step 1. Remove baffle filters and grease cup(s) - Take out the baffle filters and grease cup(s).
- Step 2. Empty the grease cup(s) - Drain the oil from the grease cup(s) into a heatproof container that’s appropriate for collecting used cooking oils and residues.
- Step 3. Clean baffle filters and grease cup(s) - Wash the baffle filters and grease cup(s) either by hand with warm water, mild detergent and soft cloths or in a dishwasher. Remember to then rinse them with a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining suds or residues.
- Step 4. Dry the uninstalled components - Use a soft cloth to dry the baffle filters and grease cup(s) completely.
- Step 5. Clean exterior surfaces of the ventilator - Wipe the exterior surfaces of the ventilator with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth.
- Step 6. Dry the ventilator - Use a soft cloth to dry the outside surfaces of the ventilator thoroughly.
- Step 7. Return uninstalled components to the hood - Reinstall the baffle filters and grease cup(s).
Monthly Maintenance
- Step 1. Remove the filtration components - Take out the baffle filters, grease cup(s) and filter pack(s).
- Step 2. Clean interior surfaces of the ventilator - Wipe the inside surfaces of the ventilator with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth. Remember to not spray anything inside the ventilator as the moisture may drip down onto the equipment below or damage the blower.
- Step 3. Dry the ventilator - Use a clean cloth to dry the inside of the ventilator thoroughly.
- Step 4. Reinstall filtration components - Return the baffle filters, grease cup(s) and filter pack(s) to the machine. If needed, replace the hood the filter pack(s).
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Uncover cookware and/or units - Remove lids or protective coverings from pots, pans and any cooking equipment located under the hood.
- Step 2. Restore the power supply - Use the building’s circuit breaker to reconnect the unit to power.
- Step 3. Power on the hood - Turn the power switch to the ON position.
- Step 4. Resume normal operation - You may now use the unit normally.
Wells WVU Ventless Hood Cleaning FAQs
What Safety Concerns Are There When Maintaining the Unit?
To maintain safety during maintenance, allow the unit to cool down before cleaning to minimize the risk of burns. Also, don’t splash water or grease onto the control panel or wiring since these electrical components pose a shock hazard when wet.
Can I Wash Wells WVU Ventless Hood Filters During Cleaning?
No—Never wash the filters as the manual warns that doing so will clog them and disable the installed cooking appliance. Instead, inspect them after removal during the monthly maintenance procedure and replace the filters if they’re saturated with residues.
How Can I Avoid Damaging the Hood During Maintenance?
Avoid damaging the Wells WVU ventless hood by never spraying liquid in the ventilator interior since moisture can damage the internal components like the blower and proofing system. Excessive moisture can also drip down onto pots, pans and cooking equipment underneath, so it’s best to wipe interior surfaces with a damp cloth.
If you found these instructions helpful, take a look at the large library of Wells manuals and diagrams on our site.