Cleaning Schedule

How Often Should Kitchen Exhaust Systems be Cleaned?

There are many factors that determine the frequency of kitchen exhaust duct cleaning:
  • The type of cooking process (steaming, grilling, frying)
  • Usage per day
  • The type of oil being used
  • Grease filter maintenance
  • Amount of air flow
  • Ambient Temperature

A visual inspection of the exhaust hood, filters and behind the filters will give some guidance.

As a General Rule of Thumb

Kitchen Exhaust Systems are designed to pull smoke, Grease Vapours and cooking residues out of the kitchen area. The filters can never eiminate all residue from the inside of the ducts and fan surfaces.

Usage Hours Per Day Clean Frequency
Heavy Usage 12 -16 Hours 3 Times Per Year
Moderate Usage 6 - 12 Hours 2 Times Per Year
Light Usage 2 - 6 Hours 1 Time Per Year

Over a Short Period of Time, Enough Grease will accumulate to create a very serious fire hazard

When a Fire takes hold in the exhaust system above the cooking equipment the grease in the ducts acts as a fuse allowing the fire to spread rapidly through the ducts to other parts of the building.

When a duct system is cleaned regularly the chance of a duct fire is dramatically reduced.

VGL Group Ltd. will provide a comprehensice duct inspection and cleaning service tailored to meet your specific requirements.