How to Clean Your Kitchen Extractor Fan: A Complete Guide

Running a commercial kitchen is not easy, and keeping it clean is vital for a safe and efficient operation. One area that often gets overlooked is the extractor fan—a workhorse in your kitchen that quietly manages grease, smoke, and odours while you focus on cooking.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to clean your commercial kitchen extractor fan step by step. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or manager looking to keep up top-notch kitchen standards, this guide will help you improve your fan’s performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure your kitchen remains compliant. So, let’s learn how to clean and maintain your extractor fan!

Why Keeping Your Extractor Fan Clean is Essential

Maintaining a clean extractor fan isn’t just about appearances; it’s an important part of running a safe and efficient commercial kitchen. Here’s why:

1. Improved Efficiency

A clean extractor fan is an effective extractor fan. As it removes grease, smoke, and odours from your kitchen, it keeps the air fresh and ensures proper ventilation. When the fan is clogged with grease, it has to work harder, which can lead to overheating or mechanical failure over time.

2. Fire Hazard Prevention

Grease build-up in your extractor fan isn’t just unsightly—it’s a serious fire risk. Grease is highly flammable, and even a small spark from your kitchen equipment can ignite a blaze. Regular cleaning removes this potential, keeping your kitchen and everyone in it safe.

3. Compliance with Health and Safety Standards

Commercial kitchens are held to strict health and safety regulations, and dirty extractor fans are a common red flag during inspections. Failing to maintain your extractor fan can result in hefty fines, closures, or damage to your reputation.

4. Cost Savings

Neglecting your extractor fan can lead to costly repairs or replacements down the line. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also reduces energy costs. A clean fan runs more efficiently, meaning it uses less energy to do its job—saving you money in the long run (it’s a win-win).

How Often Should You Clean a Commercial Kitchen Extractor Fan?

When you should clean your commercial extractor fan depends on how much activity there is in your kitchen and the type of food you prepare. However, here are our general guidelines:

1. High-volume kitchens: If your kitchen is constantly busy, such as a fast-food restaurant or a high-turnover establishment, aim to regularly clean your extractor every 3 months. The high grease output demands regular attention to prevent build-up and fire risks.
2. Moderate-volume kitchens: Cleaning every 6 months should be more than enough for kitchens with a moderate level of activity, such as casual dining restaurants.
3. Low-volume kitchens: If your kitchen has limited activity or doesn’t operate every day, like catering services or seasonal establishments, clean your extractor fan every year.

Our advice? Keep a detailed cleaning log. Regularly record cleaning dates so you can stay consistent but also ensure compliance with health and safety inspections. These records serve as evidence during audits and can help you keep on top of cleaning.

How To Clean A Commercial Kitchen Extractor Fan

While we would love to give you a step by step guide to cleaning a commercial kitchen extractor fan yourself - there is no point. Why you may ask? Because of TR19. And thanks to that, professional help is the only option for cleaning your commercial extractor fan.

What is TR19?

TR19 is the gold standard for ventilation system cleanliness, set by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). It's not just about ticking boxes; it’s about safeguarding your business, your employees, and even your customers.

Properly cleaned ducts reduce the risk of fire and improve indoor air quality, creating a safer, healthier workspace. Plus, regular cleaning makes your staff happier and more productive—who doesn’t want that?

How Does TR19 Work?

TR19 sets measurable benchmarks for grease and debris levels in ductwork. It also specifies how often systems should be cleaned, tailored to your business's specific needs. For example, a busy commercial kitchen needs more frequent cleaning than a smaller operation.

By following TR19 standards, you’re ensuring that grease buildup is managed effectively. This not only reduces fire risk but also ensures proper airflow for a more comfortable working environment.

TR19 Air and TR19 Grease: What’s the Difference?

• TR19 Air focuses on the cleanliness of ventilation systems to improve air quality and prevent health risks. It’s especially relevant post-COVID, as maintaining clean air ducts has never been more critical.
• TR19 Grease zeroes in on fire risk management, ensuring grease deposits in kitchen extraction systems are kept under control.

Both are essential for creating safer, healthier spaces while meeting legal and insurance requirements.

Why TR19 Compliance Matters

Ignoring TR19 standards isn’t just risky—it’s expensive. If a fire occurs due to poor duct maintenance, you could face massive financial and legal repercussions. On top of that, non-compliance can harm your reputation and put employees’ health at risk.

4 Benefits of Professional Cleaning Services

Hiring a professional kitchen cleaning service like KDC, with years of extraction cleaning experience, offers many advantages:

• Expertise: KDC’s team specialises in commercial kitchen cleaning, meaning they understand the unique challenges of extractor fan maintenance.
• Efficiency: Professionals work quickly and effectively, minimising downtime in your kitchen.
• Advanced tools: Equipped with industry-grade tools and cleaning agents, professional services can take your fan to a new level of cleanliness.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations: Health and safety standards require thorough and consistent cleaning of extractor fans in commercial kitchens. Professionals not only ensure compliance but also provide documentation, which can be invaluable during inspections.

Bringing in professionals like KDC can save you time, effort, and potential fines.

Fan-tastic Results Await!

As we’ve said, keeping your commercial extractor fan clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance. Neglecting this task can lead to fire hazards, subpar ventilation, and costly penalties during inspections.

Think about the grease build-up slowing down your fan, the rising energy bills, and the looming risk of health and safety violations. Not to mention the stress of managing it all on top of running a busy kitchen.

Regular maintenance can change everything. But unless you want a hefty fine, you should let the professionals handle it for you.

Need help cleaning your commercial extractor fan? Contact KDC for expert cleaning services tailored to your kitchen’s needs. With KDC by your side, you’ll keep your kitchen safe, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next!