If you own or manage a restaurant kitchen, keeping your extraction system clean is essential for fire safety, efficiency, and TR19 compliance. But how often should it actually be cleaned?
Neglecting your kitchen extraction system leads to grease buildup, fire hazards, and insurance claim denials. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ TR19 cleaning frequency guidelines
✅ Why regular duct and extraction fan cleaning is crucial
✅ How to tell if your kitchen extraction system needs a clean
✅ The best ways to stay compliant and avoid penalties
👉 Not sure if your kitchen is compliant? Take our TR19 Compliance Quiz to find out!
Why Is Regular Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Important?
Your kitchen’s extraction system (canopy, ducts, filters, and fan) plays a vital role in removing airborne grease, smoke, and heat. But over time, grease and dirt accumulate inside the system, leading to:
🔥 Fire Risks – Grease is highly flammable, and buildup in ductwork can ignite.
🚨 TR19 Non-Compliance – Failure to clean regularly can lead to fines, insurance claim denials, or even forced closure.
💨 Poor Ventilation – Blocked ducts reduce airflow, making your kitchen hot and uncomfortable.
💰 Higher Costs – A dirty extraction system runs inefficiently, increasing energy bills and wear on fan motors.
TR19 Guidelines: How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Extraction System?
According to TR19 Grease, kitchen extraction and ductwork must be cleaned based on usage levels:
| Kitchen Usage Level | Hours per Day | Minimum Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Use | 12+ hours/day | Every 3 months |
| Moderate Use | 6–12 hours/day | Every 6 months |
| Light Use | 2–6 hours/day | Every 12 months |
✅ Regular cleaning ensures your system remains TR19 compliant and reduces fire risks.
✅ Not sure what category your kitchen falls into? Take our TR19 Compliance Quiz to check!
How to Tell If Your Kitchen Extraction System Needs Cleaning
Even if you follow TR19 guidelines, some signs indicate your extraction system needs cleaning sooner:
🔴 Grease dripping from vents or hoods
🔴 Unpleasant smells or smoke lingering in the kitchen
🔴 Increased kitchen temperatures and poor airflow
🔴 Loud or struggling extraction fan
🔴 Visible grease deposits inside ducts
Ignoring these signs increases the risk of fires, equipment failure, and TR19 penalties.
What Parts of the Kitchen Extraction System Need Cleaning?
Your kitchen’s extraction system includes several key components that require regular cleaning:
1️⃣ Canopy & Grease Filters
- Daily wipe-down of canopy surfaces
- Weekly deep cleaning of grease filters (soaking in degreaser solution)
2️⃣ Extraction Ductwork
- Needs TR19-certified deep cleaning every 3, 6, or 12 months
- Internal duct grease must not exceed 500 microns (half the thickness of a credit card)
3️⃣ Extraction Fan & Motor
- Monthly checks for grease buildup
- Full cleaning during TR19 maintenance visits
✅ Professional TR19 extraction cleaning services ensure all components are thoroughly degreased, reducing fire risks and insurance issues.
The Cost of Ignoring TR19 Extraction Cleaning
Many restaurant owners underestimate the risks of skipping regular cleaning. But failure to maintain your system can result in:
❌ Fines & Legal Action – Local authorities can shut down non-compliant kitchens.
❌ Insurance Claim Denials – If a fire occurs and your extraction system wasn’t cleaned, your insurance may not pay out.
❌ Kitchen Downtime & Expensive Repairs – Grease buildup damages fan motors, leading to costly breakdowns.
Avoid these risks by following TR19 cleaning schedules and booking regular professional cleaning.
How to Keep Your Restaurant’s Extraction System Clean & Compliant
✔ Follow the TR19 cleaning schedule based on your kitchen’s usage level
✔ Book professional TR19-certified extraction cleaning at least every 3-6 months
✔ Regularly inspect grease filters, ducts, and fans for buildup
✔ Keep records of all cleaning services to provide proof for insurance and compliance
📢 Need a TR19-compliant cleaning service? Our expert team at BMAH Air Hygiene provides certified kitchen extraction cleaning to keep your restaurant safe and compliant.
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🚀 Not sure if your kitchen is compliant? Take our TR19 Compliance Quiz and find out in seconds!