How to Clean a Kitchen Exhaust Fan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Extractor Fan Maintenance

Running a commercial kitchen without a properly functioning extractor fan? That’s like trying to run a bath with the plug out – pointless, and messy! These essential bits of kit work tirelessly to whisk away grease, smoke, steam, and those questionable cooking smells that would otherwise linger for days.

But here’s the thing − your extractor fan needs some TLC to keep doing its job properly. And a neglected fan isn’t just inefficient; it’s a ticking time bomb when it comes to fire safety. That’s not to mention the effect on your energy bills and those stern looks from health inspectors.

In this no-nonsense guide, we’ll walk you through how to keep your kitchen exhaust fan (or as we like to call it in the UK, the extractor fan) in tip-top condition. So roll up your sleeves − things might get a bit greasy…

What’s What in the World of Extractor Fans

The Anatomy of Your Kitchen’s Lungs

Think of your extractor fan as your kitchen breathing apparatus. It’s constantly inhaling in all the nasties so your staff don’t have to. Here’s what makes up this essential system:

Extractor Hood: That big metal umbrella hanging over your hob, capturing rising grease and steam.

Hood Filters: Those mesh grates that trap airborne grease before it can escape into the ductwork. (They’re usually silver. If yours are golden brown, we need to talk.)

Fan Unit: The heart of the operation, with fan blades and a motor that sucks everything up and out.

Ductwork: The hidden passages that channel all that extracted air outside, preventing it from hanging around in your kitchen.

Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Cleaning

Fire Risk: Not Just Hot Air

Fact: grease build-up in extractor systems is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. That thick, sticky grease coating your ductwork is basically fuel waiting for a spark. And trust us, extractor fires are not the kind of flambé you want on your menu.

Air Quality: Because Breathing Matters

A clogged extractor fan is about as effective as a chocolate teapot. When it can’t do its job properly, your kitchen air quality takes a nosedive. This means your staff are breathing in rubbish air, and those delicate flavours you’re trying to perfect? They could end up tainted by lingering cooking odours.

Energy Bills: Watching the Pennies

An extractor fan struggling against layers of grease works harder than a steakhouse chef on Valentine’s Day. This means it’s guzzling electricity and sending your energy bills through the roof. A clean fan is an efficient fan, and your accountant will thank you for it.

The Rule Book: Keeping Inspectors Happy

In the UK, fire safety and hygiene regulations aren’t just friendly suggestions − they’re legal requirements. If your extraction system isn’t regularly cleaned, you could be looking at fines, closure notices, or even invalidated insurance (and nobody wants that conversation with their insurer after a fire). Have a food safety management system in place to ensure you stay on the right side of legal regulations. 

Equipment Lifespan: Making Your Investment Last

Extractor fans aren’t cheap, are they? A dirty system puts extra strain on motors and components, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular cleaning is like an insurance policy for your equipment − a small investment for a longer lifespan.

Your Cleaning Arsenal: What You’ll Need

Before you get stuck in, make sure you’ve got the right cleaning supplies, such as:

• Protective gloves and safety goggles (unless you fancy a grease facial)
• Degreasing solution or good-old soapy water
• Scrub brush, plastic scraper, and scouring pads
• Bucket of warm water
• Microfibre cloth or paper towels
• Vacuum cleaner (for ductwork)
• Stainless steel polish (if your system is stainless steel)

Rolling Up Your Sleeves: The Cleaning Process

Step 1: Safety First, Always

Turn off and unplug the extractor fan before you start. Electricity and water are about as compatible as cats and swimming pools − best kept apart, right?

Step 2: Tackle Those Greasy Filters

• Unclip and remove the hood filters from the hood. If they’re stuck, that’s not a good sign!
• Soak them in hot soapy water with a bit of baking soda for at least 30 minutes. (The longer, the better if they look like they’ve been collecting grease since the 90s.)
• Give them a good scrub with your brush to remove all that build-up of grease.
• Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry before replacing them.

Step 3: The Hood and Fan Blades Need Love Too

• Use your scraper to loosen any thick grease deposits inside the hood. (Sometimes you can practically sculpt with this stuff!)
• Apply your degreaser to the fan blades and interior surfaces to remove grease and grime.
• Scrub everything with a non-abrasive brush or sponge − think firm but gentle, like training a new chef.
• For stubborn grease, mix dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe down surfaces.

Step 4: Make the Exterior Shine

• Wipe the outside of the hood with soapy water and a microfibre cloth.
• For stainless steel hoods, use a proper stainless steel cleaner or a cleaning solution made from bicarbonate of soda.
• Polish with a soft cloth until it’s shining brightly.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Ductwork

• Scrape away any visible grease build-up inside the ducts. (You might be surprised − even horrified − by what you find.)
• Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up loose dust and debris.
• For a proper deep clean of the ductwork, you might want to call a professional cleaning service company, like us. Some places are harder to reach than the last prawn in a paella.

Step 6: Put It All Back Together

• Re-attach those squeaky-clean grease filters.
• Turn the power back on and test the fan to make sure it’s working properly. It should sound healthier and more efficient.

Keeping on Top of Things: Maintenance Tips

Daily: Give the exterior of your appliance a quick wipe down at the end of service. It takes 30 seconds but makes a world of difference.

Weekly: Clean an extractor fan’s filters before they start resembling deep-fried tea towels.

Monthly: Check the fan blades and vents for the early signs of build-up.

Every 3-6 months: If you have a recirculating extractor, replace those carbon filters.

Annually: Bite the bullet and get a professional deep clean for the entire system. Trust us, it’s worth every penny.

Common Cleaning Blunders: What Not To Do

Neglecting filters: That’s like ignoring the warning light on your car − it’ll end in tears.

Using harsh chemicals on stainless steel. You’ll turn a shiny surface into a dull, pitted mess faster than you can say “corrosion.”

Not having a regular cleaning schedule and then wondering why the annual deep clean costs a fortune. Little and often is the way to go!

Not turning off the power before cleaning. Unless you fancy a new hairstyle courtesy of 240 volts, always switch off at the mains.

Only cleaning what you can see and forgetting about the hidden ductwork. Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind.

Leaving components damp after cleaning. That’s just inviting rust and mould to the party.

When to Call in the Cavalry

While your kitchen team can handle routine cleaning, there are times when you need professional help:

• When the grease in your ducting is thicker than your chef’s recipe book
• If your fan sounds like it’s auditioning for a heavy metal band
• When the air flow is weaker than a trainee’s handshake
• If you’ve been neglecting the system longer than you care to admit
• When your insurance or fire safety certification requires professional cleaning

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At KDC Food Hygiene Ltd, we’re the experts in commercial kitchen deep cleaning, including those tricky extractor systems. Our team will ensure your system meets TR19 guidelines for kitchen ducts to meet UK fire safety laws and leave your kitchen ventilation working like new. No job is too greasy, no duct is too dirty!

The Final Course

Learn how to clean an extractor fan the right way, for a safer, more efficient, and healthier working environment. Regular maintenance prevents grease build-up, improves air quality, and extends the life of your equipment.

By following this guide, you’ll keep your kitchen’s extraction system in peak condition. But remember, for those deep cleans and hard-to-reach areas, it’s worth calling in the professionals.

Want your extractor fan to shine brighter than your head chef's reputation? Give KDC Food Hygiene Ltd a call today for a professional deep clean that'll leave your system looking and working like new. Your kitchen (and your insurance company) will thank you for it!