What Are The Signs You Need To Clean Your Extractor Fan Now?

Alongside the cooking equipment you need to operate a commercial kitchen, one of the most important pieces of equipment in your establishment, and the one that needs to be kept clean the most, is your extraction system.

As the core system to pull smoke, fumes and harmful gases from a busy kitchen whilst it is in action, a ventilation and extractor fan is required to keep your kitchen safe, but the nature of your kitchen means that it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained for safety reasons.

Here are the most common signs that your extractor fan needs cleaning and why it is urgent to do so.

Noticeable Greasy Residue

Over time, oil, butter and ghee used for frying will rise up as smoke and be sucked out of your kitchen through the extractor fan. However, as it cools down, it will solidify again, eventually building up around your extractor fan.

If you notice this greasy buildup, it is usually a sign you need to clean sooner rather than later in order to avoid a severe breakdown in functionality and a need to not only clean but also replace your fan system.

Rattling Sounds

In general, appliances are not supposed to loudly rattle, and this is typically a sign of a blockage, a loose part or that something has broken off the fan. An extensive clean will be required to see the scale of the issue.

Weak Suction

You should be able to notice the suction of an extractor fan when you are near it, so if you notice it is weaker or inconsistent, that could be a sign that it has been partially blocked or there is a problem with the motor.

Odours That Will Not Go Away

An extractor fan does not just take away smoke but also smells and odours, so if they linger, especially if there is a stench of damp or mould, it could be a sign of a serious blockage.