Why Your Commercial Kitchen Needs Regular Extractor Fan Cleaning
At Lex Hygiene, we specialise in restaurant extractor fan cleaning, helping kitchen owners across the UK protect their staff, customers, and reputation.
In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, keeping your equipment running smoothly is vital. Yet one crucial component often overlooked is the extractor fan—a key part of your kitchen ventilation system. If you operate a restaurant, takeaway, or catering business, regular extractor fan cleaning is not just good practice—it’s essential for safety, hygiene, and compliance.
The Hidden Danger in Your Ventilation System
Every time you cook, your extractor fan draws in hot air, grease particles, and smoke. Over time, grease and oil residues build up inside the fan and ductwork. This build-up poses several risks:
- Fire hazard: Grease is highly flammable. Without regular cleaning, your kitchen becomes a ticking time bomb.
- Reduced air quality: A blocked extractor system struggles to remove smoke and odours, affecting staff health and customer comfort.
- Poor performance: Dirty fans and ducts make your extraction system work harder, leading to higher energy costs and potential breakdowns.
Legal and Insurance Requirements
Did you know that under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is your legal duty to reduce fire risks in your commercial premises? That includes maintaining clean ventilation systems.
Additionally, most insurance companies require proof of regular extractor fan and ductwork cleaning. If a fire occurs and there’s no cleaning record, your claim could be rejected.
By partnering with Lex Hygiene, we ensure your extractor system complies with NAAD 21 standards – the industry benchmark for kitchen extract cleaning.
The Benefits of Regular Extractor Fan Cleaning
Keeping your extractor system in top condition brings a wide range of benefits:
1. Fire Prevention
A professional clean significantly reduces the risk of fire caused by grease build-up. Our team inspects and cleans your fans, filters, and ductwork, giving you peace of mind.
2. Improved Airflow and Ventilation
A clean extractor means better airflow. That translates into a cooler, more comfortable kitchen and improved staff morale.
3. Longer Equipment Lifespan
Fans clogged with grease strain your system. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your extractor and reduces costly repairs.
4. Health & Hygiene Compliance
Grease and grime are breeding grounds for bacteria. A clean ventilation system supports your Food Hygiene Rating and ensures you meet EHO expectations.
5. Energy Efficiency
Blocked systems consume more power. With clean ductwork and filters, your system operates at peak efficiency—saving you money on energy bills.
Is your Business Clean and Compliant?
How Often Should You Clean Your Extractor Fan?
The frequency depends on your kitchen’s usage. Here are some general guidelines:
- Heavy use (12-16 hours/day) – Clean every 3 months
- Moderate use (6-12 hours/day) – Clean every 6 months
- Light use (2-6 hours/day) – Clean annually
At Lex Hygiene, we offer tailored cleaning schedules based on your kitchen’s needs, ensuring you never fall out of compliance.
Why Choose Lex Hygiene?
We’re specialists in restaurant extractor fan cleaning, trusted by food businesses across the UK. Our technicians are fully trained, insured, and work to industry-leading standards. After every clean, you receive a full hygiene report, complete with before-and-after photos and a certificate of compliance.
We understand that downtime is costly. That’s why we offer out-of-hours appointments, minimising disruption to your business.
Book Your Free Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a fire inspection—or worse, a kitchen fire—to take action. Protect your staff, your customers, and your business with a professional clean from Lex Hygiene.
👉 Book a free inspection today and let our experts assess the condition of your extractor fan system. We’ll give you honest advice and a no-obligation quote.