How Often Should Kitchen Ventilation Be Cleaned?

Clean ventilation systems are essential for maintaining a safe and efficient environment, particularly in commercial kitchens where grease, smoke, and heat can quickly accumulate. Regular cleaning not only ensures good air quality and fire safety but also maintains compliance with UK regulations, helping to avoid legal and insurance issues. Let’s take a closer look at kitchen extract cleaning and how often it should be carried out.

Regulations for Kitchen Ventilation Cleaning

In the UK, commercial kitchen ventilation systems must comply with fire safety and hygiene standards set out by regulations like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and food safety laws. These regulations highlight the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of kitchen extraction and ventilation systems to minimise fire risks and health hazards.

The TR19 Grease specification, created by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), is particularly important for ensuring compliance in commercial kitchens. This specification sets the industry standard for the cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extraction and ventilation systems. It specifies how and when systems should be cleaned, with a focus on reducing fire risks and maintaining a safe, hygienic environment.

Who Is Responsible for Kitchen Ventilation Cleaning?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the legal responsibility sits with the “responsible person”. This is usually the business owner, employer, or managing agent in control of the premises.

Their duties include ensuring that ventilation systems are:

• Cleaned at appropriate intervals
• Maintained by competent contractors
• Supported by accurate, up-to-date documentation

Delegating cleaning to a specialist does not remove responsibility. Ensuring the work is completed correctly and records are retained is essential for compliance.

Recommended Cleaning Frequencies for Kitchen Ventilation Systems

How often commercial kitchen ventilation systems should be cleaned depends largely on how frequently the kitchen operates and the level of grease, smoke, and heat generated during cooking. The TR19 Grease specification sets the standard for how regularly these systems should be cleaned to minimise fire risks and ensure hygiene. According to these guidelines:

• • Heavy use (12-16 hours per day). For kitchens that operate for over 12 hours per day, such as large restaurants or hotels, ventilation systems should be cleaned every 3 months. This ensures that grease build-up, which increases the fire risk, is kept under control.
  • Moderate use (6-12 hours per day). Kitchens operating between six and 12 hours per day, such as those in pubs and smaller restaurants should aim to clean their systems every 6 months. This helps to maintain air quality and reduce the risk of fires caused by grease build-up.
  • Light use (2-6 hours per day). Smaller businesses like cafés and takeaways should have their ventilation systems cleaned at least once a year. Even though usage may be lower, grease can still accumulate over time, posing potential hazards if not addressed regularly.

Following these recommended cleaning frequencies not only helps to ensure a safe and efficient working environment but also maintains compliance with fire safety regulations. Adhering to these schedules reduces the risk of fires and promotes better air quality, creating a healthier space for both staff and customers. Regular cleaning also prevents breakdowns in ventilation systems, improving overall performance and extending the lifespan of the equipment.

If you require kitchen ventilation duct cleaning services, get in touch with Swiftclean. Thorough cleaning by our experienced team ensures that your systems are up to standard and meet the necessary legal requirements.

What is Included in a Professional Kitchen Ventilation Clean?

A compliant kitchen ventilation clean involves more than cleaning visible surfaces. A professional service should include:

• Inspection of the full extraction system, including canopies, ductwork, filters, and fans
• Removal of grease deposits from internal ductwork to TR19 Grease cleanliness levels
• Degreasing of fans and airflow components to maintain system efficiency
• Safe access to hard-to-reach areas using appropriate equipment
• Post-clean reporting with photographic evidence and compliance certification

This level of detail ensures systems are safe, efficient, and fully compliant with industry standards.

Choosing a Competent Kitchen Ventilation Cleaning Provider

To remain compliant, cleaning must be carried out by a competent specialist with experience in commercial kitchen environments. A suitable provider should be able to:

• Work in line with BESA TR19 Grease guidance

• Provide clear pre and post-clean reports

• Advise on cleaning frequency based on your kitchen’s usage

• Schedule works to minimise disruption to operations

Using a recognised specialist, like Swiftclean who are AXA Approved, gives confidence that your system meets both safety and compliance requirements.

Speak to a Specialist

Keeping Your Kitchen Safe, Compliant, and Efficient

If you require kitchen extract cleaning or duct cleaning services, Swiftclean’s experienced teams can assess your system, advise on the correct cleaning schedule, and deliver fully documented, compliant cleaning tailored to your level of kitchen use.