Keeping Brisbane Kitchens Safe & Clean: The Importance of Exhaust & Component Cleaning

In Brisbane’s humid climate, commercial and residential kitchens often deal with a constant barrage of heat, steam, grease, and airborne particulate matter. Over time, kitchen exhaust systems — from hoods and filters to ducts and fans — accumulate grease, grease-laden vapours, soot, and grime. Unless properly maintained, this buildup can compromise hygiene, reduce efficiency, and pose serious fire and regulatory risks.

What Is a Kitchen Exhaust System — and Why Clean It?

A kitchen exhaust (or extraction) system’s role is to remove heat, smoke, steam, cooking odours, and grease particles from the kitchen to the outside. It typically comprises:

  • The hood or canopy above cooking appliances
  • Grease filters (baffle, cartridge, or mesh filters)
  • A plenum (space between hood and duct)
  • Ductwork (horizontal, vertical runs)
  • Exhaust fan(s), motor(s)
  • Roof termination / vent / flue

During cooking, grease in vapour form or aerosols travels with warm air; as the air cools, grease condenses and accumulates on internal surfaces of the system. Over time, that accumulation hardens and becomes difficult to remove.

Why cleaning matters:

  • Fire safety: Grease is flammable. Accumulated grease is often a primary contributor in commercial kitchen fires.
  • Regulatory & insurance compliance: Many legal standards and insurance policies require documented cleaning.
  • Operational efficiency: A clean system maintains proper airflow, avoids excess drag, reduces noise, and improves ventilation performance.
  • Hygiene & air quality: A dirty exhaust may allow contaminants into the kitchen or push grease-laden air back into occupied spaces.
  • Longevity: Proper maintenance prolongs the life of fans, motors, ductwork, and filters.

Components & Areas That Require Cleaning

  • A thorough exhaust-system cleaning should address all of the following:
  • Grease filters / baffles / cartridges — often removable and should be regularly de-greased.
  • Hood or canopy interior and underside, including grease gutters.
  • Plenum space between hood and ductwork.
  • Ductwork (horizontal & vertical runs): internal surfaces, elbows, access panels.
  • Exhaust fan and motor: blades, housing, supports, drive belts.
  • Roof termination or outlet vent/flue — internal & external portions.
  • Adjacent surfaces & splash zones — walls or ceilings near canopy may also build up grease over time.
  • Documentation & reporting: a cleaning certificate or report that describes what was cleaned, observed conditions, and recommendations for future maintenance.
  • A top-quality cleaning job doesn’t leave grease behind behind joints or in hidden pockets. It should also inspect for damage, corrosion, or loose hardware.

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