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Product & Maintenance Resources

Establishing Cleaning Intervals for Fans & Ducting

A solid cleaning schedule isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about performance and safety. Grease build-up in exhaust fans and ductwork can reduce airflow, throw out balance, increase noise, and shorten the life of the motor. Left too long, it can also pose a serious fire risk.

At Cyclomade®, we recommend cleaning intervals based on process cooking types—the way a kitchen operates, and what’s being cooked—not just generic kitchen size. This approach helps ensure you’re servicing your system based on real-world conditions.

Process Cooking Type Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Solid fuel (e.g. charcoal, wood)Monthly
High-use (e.g. BBQ, wok, 24-hour)Every 3 months
Standard commercial cookingEvery 6–12 months
Low-use or seasonal cafésAnnually

What needs attention (and when):

Filters: Check monthly. Clean or replace quarterly—or more often for greasy setups.
Impeller and motor: Inspect quarterly. Clean every 6–12 months depending on use.
Ductwork: Inspect every 3 months. Clean at least once a year.
Grease containment systems: Empty and clean regularly, based on volume.

Cleaning tips:

Remove the impeller and motor before a full clean
Scrape off built-up grease manually
Avoid any water entering the motor housing
Let everything dry completely before refitting

Pro tip:

Use qualified kitchen exhaust cleaners for ducting and hard-to-reach areas. Not only will they clean more thoroughly, but they’ll also provide documentation many insurers require to demonstrate compliance with AS 1851-2012.

Keeping Filters Clean and Airflow Efficient

Filters play a frontline role in controlling grease and protecting your exhaust system. We recommend aligning filter maintenance with your process cooking type to match the level of airborne grease and operational hours.

What to watch for:

Greasy or blocked filters
Sagging or signs of heat stress
Reduced airflow or increased fan noise

Recommended filter maintenance:

Inspect weekly to monthly, depending on cooking intensity
Clean or replace filters every 1–3 months for high-output setups
Choose filters suited to your canopy and cooking process

Proper filter care helps stop grease from entering your fan and ducting, keeps noise down, and supports airflow efficiency.