Running a busy commercial kitchen is no small feat. Between managing staff, serving customers, and keeping up with stock, it’s easy to overlook one silent but critical system — your kitchen extraction system.
Yet, neglecting kitchen extraction cleaning can lead to devastating fires, failed inspections, and lost revenue. At Lex Hygiene, we help restaurant owners, chefs, and facilities managers across the UK keep their extraction systems spotless, compliant, and safe — so they can focus on what they do best: running a successful kitchen.
Why Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Is Essential — and What’s at Stake
Let’s face it — your extraction system works harder than almost any piece of equipment in your kitchen. It’s constantly drawing out grease-laden air, smoke, and steam. Over time, thick layers of grease, fat, and carbon build up inside your ductwork, canopy, and fans.
That’s where the danger begins.
🔥 Pain Point #1: The Hidden Fire Hazard
Grease is highly flammable. Even a small spark from a cooker or fryer can ignite built-up grease deposits, turning your ventilation duct into a fuse that spreads flames rapidly. The result? Major property damage, business interruption, and potentially devastating injury.
The Lex Hygiene Solution:
Our kitchen extraction cleaning specialists perform thorough, NAAD compliant cleans that remove every trace of grease from your canopy, ducting, and fan systems. Using industry-grade degreasers, mechanical brushing, and high-pressure washing, we leave your system spotless and safe.
⚠️ Pain Point #2: Non-Compliance and Insurance Risks
Did you know that most insurance policies require proof of regular kitchen extraction cleaning? If a fire occurs and you can’t provide documentation, your claim could be rejected.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and fire authorities are equally strict — a dirty extraction system can result in fines, enforcement notices, or even closure.
The Lex Hygiene Solution:
We deliver a fully documented compliance service. After every clean, you’ll receive a digital Post-Clean Report with before-and-after photos, grease thickness measurements, and a certificate of hygiene compliance.
That means you’re always inspection-ready and fully protected.
😷 Pain Point #3: Poor Air Quality and Staff Health
A dirty extraction system doesn’t just look bad — it affects everyone in your kitchen. When airflow is restricted by grease buildup, smoke and heat linger in the workspace. The result is uncomfortable temperatures, odours, and potential respiratory irritation for your staff.
The Lex Hygiene Solution:
Lex Hygiene’s expert technicians deep-clean every part of your extraction system — from canopy filters to fan blades — restoring proper airflow and ensuring your team works in a cooler, cleaner, and healthier environment.
💸 Pain Point #4: Rising Energy Costs and Equipment Wear
When fans and motors are clogged with grease, they work harder to maintain suction — driving up energy bills and shortening their lifespan. Over time, this leads to breakdowns, expensive replacements, and unnecessary downtime.
The Lex Hygiene Solution:
Regular kitchen extraction cleaning keeps your system running efficiently. Fans operate at their intended speed, motors stay cooler, and your energy usage drops. Over the long term, it’s one of the smartest cost-saving measures you can implement.
What’s Included in a Professional Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Service
When you partner with Lex Hygiene, you get more than just a superficial clean. We follow a meticulous step-by-step process aligned with BESA TR19 and NAAD UK industry standards:
- Site Assessment & Survey – We inspect your system and measure grease build-up.
- Access Preparation – We safely isolate electrical components and create access points where needed.
- Degreasing Treatment – Using powerful, food-safe degreasers, we break down thick grease deposits.
- Mechanical Cleaning – Our technicians scrape and brush duct interiors to remove stubborn residues.
- Steam & Jet Washing – We pressure-clean ductwork, fans, and canopies to restore airflow.
- Residue Removal & Drying – All waste is collected and disposed of responsibly.
- Inspection & Certification – We document every stage and provide your compliance certificate.
This isn’t a quick surface wipe — it’s a deep system clean that eliminates risk at every level.
How Often Should Kitchen Extraction Cleaning Be Done?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often and how heavily your kitchen operates. Here’s a simple guide based on industry best practices:
| Usage Level | Typical Hours of Operation | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Use (Busy restaurants, takeaways) | 12–16 hours/day | Every 3 months |
| Moderate Use (Pubs, hotels, schools) | 6–12 hours/day | Every 6 months |
| Light Use (Cafés, occasional catering) | 2–6 hours/day | Once a year |
Lex Hygiene can create a tailored maintenance plan to suit your schedule — keeping you compliant without disrupting your operations.
The Real-World Benefits of Regular Kitchen Extraction Cleaning
When you invest in professional cleaning, the benefits go far beyond hygiene:
- Fire risk reduced by up to 80%
- Improved air quality and comfort for your kitchen team
- Lower energy bills thanks to efficient airflow
- Extended equipment lifespan — fewer repairs and replacements
- Insurance protection and compliance guaranteed
- Better hygiene ratings and improved customer trust
Every one of these benefits translates to profit protection and peace of mind.
Simple Daily Habits to Keep Your System in Shape
Professional cleaning is vital — but your team’s daily habits also make a big difference. Encourage these quick wins:
- Wipe down canopy surfaces at the end of each shift.
- Clean filters daily or every few days, depending on use.
- Inspect airflow regularly — if it feels sluggish, call us for a quick check.
- Keep a cleaning logbook — it’s a great tool for audits.
- Train staff on why grease control matters — it builds a safety culture.
Why Choose Lex Hygiene?
At Lex Hygiene, we’re not just another cleaning contractor — we’re your compliance and safety partner.
Here’s why kitchen managers across the UK trust us:
- ✅ NAAD UK Certified – Our work meets the highest industry standards.
- 🕓 Flexible Scheduling – We clean overnight or off-hours to minimise disruption.
- 💬 Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs, ever.
- 📸 Before & After Reports – Visual proof of your clean for insurance and audits.
- 📍 Nationwide Coverage – Fast response across Yorkshire and beyond.
- 🧑🍳 Hospitality Experts – We understand the fast-paced nature of commercial kitchens.
Don’t Wait for an Inspection or Fire to Take Action
The biggest mistake many kitchen owners make is waiting until it’s too late — when grease build-up has already caused a breakdown, or worse, a fire.
You don’t need to take that risk. With Lex Hygiene’s comprehensive kitchen extraction cleaning, you’ll not only meet your legal obligations — you’ll protect your business, your staff, and your customers.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Here’s how to get started:
- Book a free site survey — We’ll assess your system and provide a no-obligation quote.
- Schedule your clean — Choose a time that suits your kitchen hours.
- Receive your compliance certificate — Stay protected and ready for inspection.
Final Word
Your extraction system is the unseen hero of your kitchen — keeping air fresh, fire risk low, and your team safe. But like every hero, it needs proper care.
With Lex Hygiene, you get a trusted partner who understands your challenges and provides proven, compliant solutions that keep your business safe, clean, and profitable.