It's the question every Cardiff caterer eventually asks their insurer or fire-risk assessor: how often does the kitchen extract system actually need cleaning? The honest answer is "it depends on how hard the kitchen works" — but the TR19 standard gives a clear framework, and getting it right is what keeps your insurance valid.
The TR19 frequency framework
TR19 bases cleaning frequency on how many hours a day the kitchen is in use:
- Light use (under 6 hours/day) — every 12 months. A small café or community-hall kitchen.
- Moderate use (6–12 hours/day) — every 6 months. Most Cardiff restaurants, pubs and hotels.
- Heavy use (12+ hours/day) — every 3 months. Takeaways, fish & chip shops and busy city-centre kitchens.
What that looks like in Cardiff
A quiet Pontcanna brunch café might be fine on an annual clean. A Wind Street bar kitchen serving food from noon to midnight is heavy-use and should be on a quarterly schedule. A high-street takeaway running fryers all evening builds grease fastest of all — quarterly is the floor, not the ceiling.
Seasonality matters too. A restaurant that's moderate-use in winter can tip into heavy-use through a busy Cardiff summer, so it's worth reviewing the schedule rather than setting it once and forgetting it.
Why the interval matters
Grease build-up in extract systems is a leading cause of commercial kitchen fires, and your insurer treats documented cleaning as evidence the system is properly maintained. Clean too rarely and you risk both a fire and a refused claim. Our TR19 extract cleaning includes a certificate and grease readings so you can prove the right frequency was met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my kitchen's usage category?
Count the hours per day the cooking line is actively used. Under 6 is light, 6–12 moderate, 12+ heavy. We can assess this for you during a quote.
Can I clean less often to save money?
Cleaning below the TR19 interval risks a fire and can invalidate an insurance claim — the saving isn't worth it. The right schedule is the cheapest option overall.