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Best Practices for Kitchen Canopy and Duct Cleaning in London
Quick answer: Best practice for kitchen canopy and duct cleaning in London is to treat the canopy, filters, plenum, ductwork, fan and discharge as one system. Clean it on the TR19 Grease schedule for your cooking hours. Measure grease before and after. Fit access panels so every section can be reached. Keep a photo report that shows exactly what was and was not cleaned.
These are the 10 practices Duct Clean London follows on every canopy and duct clean across London restaurants, hotels, schools and managed buildings.
10 best practices for canopy and duct cleaning
- Clean the whole route, not just the canopy. Most hidden grease sits in the plenum, the first bends and the fan. A shiny canopy over a dirty duct is still a fire risk.
- Follow the TR19 interval for your cooking hours. Every 3 months for 12–16 hours a day, 6 months for 6–12 hours and 12 months for 2–6 hours. See how often kitchen extraction should be cleaned.
- Measure grease, don’t guess. Take wet film thickness readings before and after at the same points. A mean over 200 µm means the interval is too long. See the TR19 grease thickness limits.
- Plan access before the visit. Find access panels, risers, ceiling voids and roof fans in advance. In London, shared risers and roof discharges often need landlord permission.
- Fit access panels where they are missing. A section with no access cannot be cleaned or certified. Panels should be fitted to suit the duct and its fire rating.
- Isolate and cool first. Appliances off and cool, gas and electrics isolated where needed, and the fan locked off before it is opened.
- Use the right method for the deposit. Soft grease can be scraped and wiped. Hard, baked-on carbon needs degreasers, steam or mechanical methods suited to the duct material.
- Look after the filters. Wash baffle filters daily to weekly and replace damaged ones. See grease filter cleaning and replacement.
- Work around the business. In London, most kitchens are cleaned after service or overnight. See after-hours extraction cleaning.
- Record everything honestly. Before and after photos, grease readings, a route sketch, and a clear list of any section not reached, with a recommended fix.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Canopy-only cleans sold as “TR19” | The duct and fan still hold the fire load, and the report will not satisfy an insurer. |
| No grease readings | Nobody can tell whether the interval is right. |
| Inaccessible sections not reported | Gives a false sense of safety. |
| Missing or bent filters | Grease goes straight into the duct. |
| Same interval after a menu change | More frying or longer hours means faster build-up. |
London-specific points
- Multi-storey buildings: ducts often run through risers shared with flats or offices above. Agree who cleans which section.
- Roof access: many central London fans sit on roofs with restricted access. Book permits early.
- Parking and loading: Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden and the City have tight loading rules. Plan the van and equipment drop.
- Landlord and lease terms: many restaurant leases require TR19 cleaning and a copy of each report.
Kitchen team routine between cleans
Daily canopy wipe-downs, regular filter washing and monthly checks make a big difference. Use our kitchen extraction cleaning checklist.
Explore our services: canopy cleaning, duct cleaning, extraction fan cleaning and full kitchen extraction cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
What is best practice for kitchen canopy and duct cleaning?
Clean the canopy, filters, plenum, ductwork, fan and discharge as one system on the TR19 Grease schedule, measure grease before and after, fit access panels where needed, and keep a photo report that lists any section not reached.
Is a canopy clean enough for TR19?
No. TR19 Grease covers the whole extract route. A canopy-only clean leaves grease in the duct and fan.
How often should kitchen canopies and ducts be cleaned in London?
Every 3, 6 or 12 months depending on daily cooking hours, and sooner if grease readings are over 200 microns.
Can canopy and duct cleaning be done overnight?
Yes. Most London restaurants have their canopy and ducts cleaned after the last service or overnight.
Book a measured clean in London
Duct Clean London cleans canopies, filters, ductwork and extract fans across North West, West and Central London (Zones 1–4), with grease readings and photographs in every report. Call 07843 141416 or send a booking enquiry with your postcode and a few photos of your system.
Related: Duct Clean London home · All services · TR19 cleaning London · All guides