What is Kitchen Ductwork Cleaning?
Kitchen ductwork cleaning involves the removal of grease, smoke particles and airborne contaminants from the internal surfaces of your kitchen’s ventilation ducting. These ducts carry cooking fumes from the canopy through to the fan and outlet, and over time they accumulate a significant build-up of flammable residue.
This service is a critical part of maintaining a safe and compliant commercial kitchen. Carried out in line with TR19 fire safety and hygiene standards, regular duct cleaning helps reduce the risk of fire, improves airflow, and supports a healthier working environment for your team.
Why it's important
Kitchen ductwork is out of sight, but it should not be out of mind. When grease builds up inside these ducts, it creates a hidden fire hazard. If a fire starts in the kitchen, the ductwork can act as a channel, spreading flames quickly throughout the building.
Failing to maintain your ductwork can also lead to:
Poor kitchen ventilation
Unpleasant odours and higher temperatures
Reduced efficiency of your extraction system
Higher risk of pest issues
Non-compliance with fire safety and insurance requirements
Many insurers and safety inspectors refer to TR19 guidelines when assessing risk. Keeping your ductwork clean is an important part of staying compliant.
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TR19 Cleaning
TR19 is the established guidance for the cleaning and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, including ductwork. It was created by BESA to promote fire safety and hygiene across the food service industry.
While TR19 is not legislation, it is widely used as the benchmark by insurers, fire officers and environmental health inspectors. If a fire occurs and your ductwork has not been cleaned to TR19 standards, your insurance may be affected and you could face legal action.
We follow TR19 guidance for all ductwork cleaning, and every job includes full documentation to support compliance and inspections.
The Process
We carry out kitchen ductwork cleaning to a high standard, using professional equipment and following industry-recognised guidance. Every job starts with an assessment and ends with a clear report, giving you full confidence in your system.
System Inspection
We assess the layout and condition of your ductwork, identify access points and determine the level of cleaning required.
Preparation
All work areas are protected, and any necessary access panels are used to reach internal duct sections safely.
Mechanical Cleaning
Using mechanical brushes, extraction tools and degreasers, we remove grease and residue from inside the ductwork. Where necessary, we work section by section to ensure a complete clean.
Post-Clean Report
Once complete, we provide a report with photographs, detailing the areas cleaned and confirming the work meets TR19 guidance.
Ongoing Maintenance Planning
We can recommend a suitable cleaning frequency based on your kitchen’s usage and support you with future maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How often should kitchen ductwork be cleaned?
Can you clean large or hard-to-reach duct systems?
What happens if the ductwork is not cleaned?
Do you follow TR19 guidelines?
Will I receive a report after the cleaning?
Do I need to close the kitchen during cleaning?
Is duct cleaning required by law?
Do you offer regular maintenance plans?
Is ductwork cleaning the same as extract cleaning?
