How Often Should Kitchen Extraction Be Cleaned? (TR19 Guide)

How Often Should Kitchen Extraction Be Cleaned? (TR19 Guide)

03 Apr 2026

If you run a commercial kitchen, regular extraction cleaning isn’t optional—it’s essential for fire safety, compliance, and business protection.

According to TR19 Grease guidelines, kitchen extract systems must be cleaned at specific intervals based on usage. But how often is your system supposed to be cleaned?

In this guide, we break down the TR19 recommendations and explain exactly what your business needs to stay compliant.

What Is TR19 Extraction Cleaning?

TR19 is the UK’s leading standard for ventilation hygiene, developed to reduce fire risk caused by grease build-up in kitchen extraction systems.

For restaurants, takeaways, pubs, and catering businesses, TR19 compliance helps ensure:

•             Reduced fire risk

•             Safe working conditions

•             Compliance with insurance requirements

•             Protection from enforcement action

Without proper cleaning, grease can accumulate rapidly inside ductwork—creating a serious hazard.

TR19 Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

Cleaning frequency depends on how often your kitchen operates and the type of cooking you do.

Recommended Cleaning Intervals:

Kitchen Usage    Daily Hours         Cleaning Frequency

Heavy Use           12–16 hours       Every 3 months

Moderate Use   6–12 hours          Every 6 months

Light Use             2–6 hours            Every 12 months

These are minimum guidelines—some kitchens may require more frequent cleaning depending on grease levels

What Affects Cleaning Frequency?

Not all kitchens are the same. TR19 emphasises a risk-based approach, meaning your cleaning schedule should reflect your actual usage.

Factors include:

  • Type of cooking (deep frying vs. light cooking)
  • Volume of food production
  • Length of operating hours
  • Condition of ductwork and filters
  • Previous grease build-up levels

For example, a busy takeaway in Derby operating 14 hours a day will need far more frequent cleaning than a small café.

Why Regular Extraction Cleaning Is Critical

Fire Prevention

Grease is highly flammable. Without regular cleaning, it can ignite and spread rapidly through duct systems.

Insurance Compliance

Most insurers require proof of TR19-compliant cleaning. Without certification, your policy could be invalid.

Better Air Quality

A clean system improves airflow, reduces heat, and creates a safer, more comfortable kitchen environment.

System Efficiency

Grease build-up restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder—leading to higher energy costs and potential breakdowns.

Signs Your System Needs Cleaning Now

Even if you’re on schedule, watch for these warning signs:

  • Visible grease inside the canopy or ductwork
  • Strong lingering cooking smells
  • Poor airflow or excessive heat
  • Grease dripping from filters
  • Noisy or struggling extraction fan

If you notice any of these, your system may already be above safe grease levels.

What’s Included in a TR19 Extraction Clean?

A professional TR19 clean goes far beyond surface cleaning. It includes:

  • Canopy and filter degreasing
  • Full ductwork cleaning
  • Fan and motor cleaning
  • Access panel inspection
  • Before-and-after reporting
  • TR19 certification

The goal is to achieve a “bare metal clean”, removing all grease deposits from the system.

TR19 Extraction Cleaning in Derby & Across the UK

At Clean360, we provide professional TR19 kitchen extraction cleaning services for:

  • Restaurants
  • Takeaways
  • Hotels
  • Pubs and bars
  • Commercial catering facilities

We help businesses across Derby and the UK stay compliant, safe, and fully certified.

Get a Free Quote for TR19 Extraction Cleaning

If you’re unsure when your system was last cleaned—or want to stay compliant—it’s time to take action.

Book your TR19 kitchen extraction clean today with Clean360

 Fully compliant TR19 service
 Detailed certification for insurance
 Flexible scheduling to suit your business
 Competitive pricing

Visit: www.clean360.uk.com
Call us today for a FREE quote
Or request a callback online

Protect your kitchen, your staff, and your business—before grease becomes a risk.

Final Thoughts

So, how often should kitchen extraction be cleaned?

Every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on usage—but always based on risk.

Staying compliant with TR19 isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about preventing fires, protecting your business, and ensuring your kitchen runs safely and efficiently.

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