How Often Should Kitchen Extraction Be Cleaned

Kitchen extraction systems play a vital role in keeping cooking spaces clean, safe, and comfortable. Whether you're running a busy restaurant or cooking daily meals at home, the hidden dangers of a neglected extraction system shouldn't be overlooked. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your kitchen extraction system properly maintained.

Why Regular Cleaning of Kitchen Extract Systems Matters

The purpose of kitchen extraction is to remove cooking fumes, grease particles, and odours from the air. Over time, these systems collect grease and carbon deposits that not only reduce their efficiency but pose serious fire risks.

When airborne grease passes through an extraction system, it condenses and sticks to the surfaces inside ductwork, filters, and fans. This build up creates three major problems:

1. Fire hazard: Grease deposits are highly flammable. Statistics from the London Fire Brigade show that over 70% of commercial kitchen fires stem from grease and fat buildup in extraction systems.
2. Reduced airflow: Blocked or partially blocked systems can't effectively remove cooking fumes. The Building Engineering Services Association notes that grease and carbon build up can reduce airflow efficiency by up to 50%, leading to poor ventilation and lingering odours.
3. Hygiene concerns: Poor extraction allows airborne grease to settle on worktops and equipment, increasing cross-contamination risks and potential food hygiene breaches.

How Often Should Kitchen Extraction Be Cleaned

The required cleaning frequency depends on your kitchen type and usage patterns:

For Domestic Kitchens

Home kitchen extraction systems, including cooker hoods and filters, should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. This timeframe can vary based on:

• How often you cook
• What types of cooking processes you engage in (fat frying produces more grease)
• The visible grease build up

According to UK Home Fire Safety Guidelines, one in ten UK homes experience cooker hood grease blockages due to irregular cleaning, increasing the risk of smoke and fire hazards.

For Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens must follow stricter standards as defined by the TR19 guidelines from the Building Engineering Services Association. These guidelines specify cleaning schedules based on kitchen usage:

• Heavy use (12-16 hours per day): Clean every 3 months
• Moderate use (6-12 hours per day): Clean every 6 months
• Light use (2-6 hours per day): Annual cleaning is required

This isn't just best practice, it's a legal requirement. Commercial kitchens that fail to maintain extraction systems according to these standards risk fines up to £5,000 or even temporary kitchen closure under environmental health regulations.

The Risks of Inadequate Cleaning

Fire Risks

Grease is highly flammable, and build up in extraction systems creates a major fire risk. When a fire starts in a kitchen, the flames can quickly spread to the extraction system if it's coated with grease. This creates a chimney effect, allowing fire to rapidly travel through ventilation ducts to other parts of the building.

The risk of fire is so significant that insurance companies specifically require adherence to TR19 grease guidelines. Failing to follow these guidelines can void your insurance policy if a serious fire risk occurs.

Proper fire risk assessment should include regular inspection of kitchen extraction systems. This assessment helps identify potential hazards and implement measures for reducing fire risks throughout the premises.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Beyond fire safety, dirty extraction systems affect air quality. Without adequate ventilation, cooking fumes linger, which can:

• Cause respiratory issues
• Create unpleasant working environments
• Allow cooking odours to permeate throughout the building
• Create a health risk for staff and customers
• Turn ventilation systems into a breeding ground for bacteria

Efficiency and Running Costs

An often-overlooked benefit of regular cleaning and maintenance is the impact on efficiency. Clean extraction systems:

• Work more effectively at removing cooking fumes
• Place less strain on extractor fans and motors
• Use less electricity to achieve the same results

Kitchens that follow regular extraction cleaning schedules often report a 25-30% reduction in energy usage due to improved airflow and fan performance, according to the Carbon Trust.

What Parts of the Kitchen Extraction System Need Cleaning?

A complete kitchen extract system includes several components that require regular cleaning:

Filters

Filters are the first line of defence in your extraction system. They trap larger grease particles before air enters the ductwork. Most commercial kitchens use baffle filters (sometimes called maze filters) that need frequent cleaning, sometimes as often as weekly for busy kitchens.

Hood/Canopy

The extraction hood or canopy collects cooking fumes before they pass through the filters. The underside and interior surfaces collect grease and should be included in regular cleaning schedules. For thorough cleaning, all visible areas should be degreased and sanitised.

Ductwork

Ductwork runs from the hood to the exterior of the building. In commercial kitchens, this ductwork can be extensive and is often hidden from view, making it easy to forget. However, it's in these ducts that grease builds up over time, creating significant fire risks if not properly maintained. Ductwork cleaning requires specialised equipment and should be part of your full cleaning schedule.

Fans and Motors

Extractor fans draw air through the system. Grease can accumulate on fan blades, reducing their efficiency and creating potential mechanical problems. Deep cleaning of these components helps maintain working quality and extends equipment life.

Professional vs. DIY Cleaning

For Domestic Kitchens

Homeowners can usually handle basic extraction cleaning:

1. Filters: Most domestic cooker hood filters can be removed and either:
   • Washed in hot, soapy water
   • Placed in a dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe)
   • Replaced entirely (for carbon filters)
2. Hood surface: Regular wiping down with a degreasing cleaner prevents build up
3. Fan units: These generally require more thorough cleaning less frequently

For Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens should rely on professional cleaning services for several reasons:

1. Thoroughness: Professionals have specialised equipment to clean areas that are difficult to access
2. Certification: After cleaning, professionals provide certificates proving compliance with TR19 standards, essential for your insurance policy and regulatory purposes
3. Safety: Professional cleaners are trained to work safely with potentially hazardous materials and in confined spaces
4. Expertise: They can identify potential issues or damage that might otherwise go unnoticed

Signs Your Kitchen Extraction Needs Cleaning

Don't wait for problems to arise, look for these warning signs that you need a clean extraction system:

• Visible grease dripping from filters or hood
• Poor ventilation despite the system running
• Unusual noises from the extraction fan
• Unpleasant cooking odours lingering in the kitchen
• Grease or carbon deposits visible on external surfaces

The Cleaning Process

Professional kitchen extraction cleaning typically follows these steps:

1. Assessment: Examining the entire system to identify problem areas
2. Protection: Covering kitchen equipment and surfaces to prevent contamination
3. Chemical application: Using specialised degreasers to break down accumulated grease
4. Mechanical cleaning: Scraping, brushing, and pressure washing to remove loosened deposits
5. Inspection: Checking that all parts of the system meet cleanliness standards
6. Certification: Providing documentation of the cleaning for insurance companies and regulatory purposes

Legal Requirements and Standards

Commercial kitchens must comply with several regulations regarding extraction cleaning:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to maintain safe working environments
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Places responsibility on the "responsible person" to minimise fire risks
• TR19 Grease: The industry standard and most widely accepted standard for grease hygiene in kitchen extract systems
• Food Safety Act 1990: Requires food preparation areas to be kept clean and maintained in good repair

Environmental health officers from local authorities can inspect commercial kitchens at any time, and inadequate cleaning can result in improvement notices, fines, or even closure orders.

Benefits of Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining a clean kitchen extraction system delivers numerous benefits:

• Reduced fire risk: Lower chance of kitchen fires and their spread
• Insurance compliance: Meeting the requirements specified in your insurance policy
• Energy efficiency: Systems run more efficiently, using less electricity
• Extended equipment life: Less strain on motors and components
• Better air quality: Improved working environment for staff
• Legal compliance: Meeting legal requirements and avoiding fines
• Improved food quality: Less risk of cooking odours mixing between dishes

Cost Considerations

While regular professional cleaning represents an ongoing expense for commercial kitchens, it should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. Consider:

• The potential cost of fire damage and business interruption
• The possibility of insurance refusing to pay out if maintenance schedules weren't followed
• Regulatory fines for non-compliance
• Energy savings from more efficient ventilation systems
• Extended equipment lifespan reducing replacement costs

For domestic kitchens, the cost is primarily your time for regular cleaning, with perhaps occasional professional servicing for the full system.

Choosing a Professional Cleaning Service

When selecting a company to clean your commercial kitchen extraction:

1. Verify credentials: Ensure they follow TR19 guidelines and provide proper certification
2. Check experience: Ask about their experience with systems similar to yours
3. Request references: Speak to other clients about their experiences
4. Compare quotes: But don't simply choose the cheapest, quality matters
5. Confirm insurance: Ensure they have adequate coverage

A widely accepted standard for cleaning services is membership in professional trade organisations. This helps ensure that you're dealing with reputable companies who follow best practice guidelines.

Reducing Fire Risks Through Proper Maintenance

One of the primary goals of kitchen extraction cleaning is reducing fire risks. Regular maintenance helps:

• Remove flammable grease deposits
• Ensure proper ventilation
• Identify potential issues before they become serious fire risks
• Maintain compliance with fire safety regulations
• Reduce the risk of insurance claims being rejected

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of kitchen extraction systems goes beyond just cleaning. It includes:

• Checking for mechanical issues with extractor fans
• Ensuring all components are functioning properly
• Verifying that the system provides adequate ventilation
• Identifying areas where deep cleaning may be necessary
• Maintaining records for compliance purposes

Conclusion: Prioritise Your Kitchen Extraction Cleaning

Whether you're running a busy commercial kitchen or cooking at home, regular extraction cleaning is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance. By understanding the requirements and implementing a proper cleaning and maintenance schedule, you can:

• Protect your property from fire risks
• Maintain a healthy environment
• Comply with regulations
• Save money through improved efficiency

Don't wait until problems arise. Establish a regular cleaning schedule appropriate for your kitchen type and usage patterns, and stick to it diligently.

For commercial kitchens in particular, remember that professional cleaning isn't just recommended, it's required by regulatory bodies and crucial for your insurance validity.

Need help establishing a cleaning schedule or arranging professional cleaning for your kitchen extraction system? Cleanup Team specialises in kitchen extraction cleaning for both commercial and domestic properties. Contact us today for a free quote and ensure your kitchen stays safe, clean, and efficient.