The extractor fan is the heart of your kitchen extract system. It drives the airflow that removes heat, steam, smoke and cooking odours from your kitchen. When grease builds up on fan blades and in the motor housing, performance drops, energy consumption rises, and the risk of mechanical failure increases.
A grease-contaminated fan motor also presents a fire risk in its own right. Fan cleaning is an essential component of a complete extract system clean — not an optional extra.
What does extractor fan cleaning involve?
Specialist contractors will safely isolate the fan unit before cleaning, removing grease deposits from the impeller blades, housing, bearings and motor area using appropriate degreasers and methods. The condition of the fan and motor is assessed during cleaning, and any concerns about wear or maintenance requirements are noted.
For fans located in roof-mounted or high-level positions, specialist access equipment is required. Contractors will confirm access requirements when quoting.
Signs your extractor fan needs attention
A grease-contaminated fan often shows reduced airflow despite the unit running normally. Unusual noise, vibration or motor heat can indicate significant build-up. In some cases, grease may be visible on surfaces near the discharge point or on the rooftop around the discharge grille.
Part of a complete system clean
Fan cleaning should always be considered as part of a complete extract system service — from canopy through ductwork to fan and discharge — to ensure full compliance documentation covers the entire system.