“Why do I need my kitchen extract system cleaned?” - Cafe and Restaurant Owners
If you manage a commercial kitchen, you might be asking yourself: do I really need to clean my kitchen extraction system? The short answer is yes. Here’s why regular SS9 system cleaning is not just a legal requirement, but an essential part of keeping your business safe, compliant, and insured.
1. Reduce Fire Risk
Grease builds up quickly in kitchen extract systems. This grease is highly flammable and can create a serious fire hazard if it’s not removed regularly. A single spark can ignite grease deposits, putting your kitchen, staff, and business at risk. Regular cleaning ensures that grease is removed from the canopy, ducting, filters, and fan. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of a kitchen fire.
2. Maintain Compliance and Avoid Fines
In New Zealand, commercial kitchen extract systems are classified as specified systems under the Building Act 2004. To stay compliant, your system must be inspected and certified annually through a 12A certificate submitted for your Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF). Failing to clean your system properly can result in:
Non-compliance with local council regulations
Fines of up to $20,000
Notices to fix that may temporarily shut down your kitchen
Regular professional cleaning ensures your system passes inspections and keeps your BWOF valid.
3. Protect Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies require proof that you’re actively managing risk. If your kitchen extraction system isn’t cleaned and maintained properly, your insurance claim may be denied if a fire occurs due to grease buildup. Having up to date cleaning records, before and after photos, and valid 12A certificates shows insurers that you’ve taken all reasonable precautions, protecting both your business and your financial investment.
4. Improve Efficiency and Hygiene
A clean kitchen extraction system also helps maintain proper airflow and removes unpleasant odours, improving the working environment for your staff and the experience for your customers. Grease buildup can reduce the efficiency of your fan, leading to increased energy costs and potential equipment damage.
5. Why National Hood Clients Keep Coming Back
At National Hood, we provide full, no-corners-cut cleaning using industry-approved methods, including:
Power brush cleaning of ducting
Installation of access hatches where needed
Canopy-to-fan cleaning
Documentation to support your 12A certificate
We also offer quotes within 24 hours and complete your clean within 5 working days, ensuring you stay compliant quickly and efficiently.
Cleaning your kitchen extraction system isn’t optional, it’s essential for fire safety, compliance, insurance protection, and operational efficiency. With National Hood, you get thorough, fast, and reliable service that keeps your kitchen safe, compliant, and running smoothly.
Book your kitchen extraction clean today and ensure your system is fully compliant and safe.