If you run a restaurant, cafe, pub or any other hospitality business that serves food to the public, you know how important it is to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic. Not only does it ensure the safety and quality of your food, but it also helps you comply with the food hygiene regulations and standards set by the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).
While regular cleaning tasks such as mopping the floor and wiping down the countertops are essential, they are not enough to maintain a pristine and sanitary kitchen. You also need to perform a thorough deep cleaning of your kitchen at least once a week, or more often depending on the activities carried out in the area and frequency of use.
A deep cleaning of your kitchen involves cleaning every nook and cranny of your kitchen that might otherwise be overlooked or neglected. It also involves using specialised equipment and products to remove stubborn grease, dirt, and bacteria from hard-to-reach places.
What tasks should be included in a deep cleaning of your kitchen?
A deep cleaning of your kitchen should cover all the areas, surfaces, equipment, and appliances that are used for food preparation, storage, and service.
Here are some of the tasks that you should include in your deep cleaning routine:
Refrigerator and freezer: Remove all the items from your refrigerator and freezer and dispose of any expired or spoiled food. Wipe down the shelves, drawers, and doors with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Clean the seals and gaskets with a soft brush or cloth. Dust the coils at the back or bottom of the refrigerator with a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled brush. These coils help regulate the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer, so keeping them clean can improve their efficiency and performance.
Oven and stove: Clean the oven interior using a specialised oven cleaner or a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions carefully. Remove the stove grates, knobs, drip pans, and burner caps and soak them in hot soapy water. Scrub them with a sponge or a wire brush to remove any grease or food residue. Wipe down the stovetop with a damp cloth or a non-abrasive cleaner.
Dishwasher: Remove and clean the filter with warm water and soap. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to descale and deodorise your dishwasher. Wipe down the door, racks, and spray arms with a damp cloth.
Microwave: Remove the rotating plate and wash it separately with warm water and soap. Wipe down the interior with a mixture of water and white vinegar to eliminate any lingering odours. You can also heat up a bowl of water with lemon slices in your microwave for a few minutes to loosen up any stains or spills.
Range hood: Thoroughly clean the exterior of your range hood with a non-abrasive cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Check the filters for replacement or cleaning, depending on the type. If you have baffle filters, you can run them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand. If you have charcoal filters, you need to replace them periodically.
Small appliances: Don’t forget about your toaster, blender, coffee maker, kettle, mixer, food processor, and other small appliances that you use in your kitchen. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are unplugged before you start cleaning them.
Cabinets and drawers: Empty out your cabinets and drawers. Discard any expired or unused items. Wipe down the interiors, exteriors, doors, handles, shelves, dividers, organisers, etc. with warm water and soap or an all-purpose cleaner. Reorganise your utensils, flatware, cookware, bakeware, dishes, glasses, mugs, etc.
Countertops: Clear off your countertops and thoroughly clean them with warm water and soap or an appropriate cleaner for the material of your countertops (granite, quartz, laminate, etc.). Be careful not to use any abrasive or acidic products that might damage or discolour your countertops.
Backsplash and walls: Wipe down the backsplash and any walls that might have been splashed with cooking liquids or grease with warm water and soap or an all-purpose cleaner. Use a sponge or a cloth to scrub any stains or spots.
Sink and taps: Scrub your sink and taps with a suitable cleaner. Use a toothbrush or a small brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas such as the drain, the aerator, the handles, etc. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to unclog and deodorise your drain and waste disposal if you have one.
Floors: Sweep the floor thoroughly, ensuring you reach under appliances and furniture. Follow this up with a mop. Be sure to use a cleaner suitable for your floor type (tile, wood, vinyl, etc.).
Waste and recycling bins: Empty, scrub, and disinfect your waste and recycling bins to prevent unpleasant odours and pests. You can use bleach or vinegar to sanitise them. Rinse them well and let them dry completely before putting them back in place.
Light fixtures and fans: Dust and clean any light fixtures or fans in your kitchen. Use a ladder or a long-handled duster to reach them. You can also use a damp cloth or a mild cleaner to wipe them down. Be careful not to wet any electrical parts.
Windows and blinds: Clean your kitchen windows, both inside and out if possible. Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to spray and wipe them with a microfibre cloth or a squeegee. Dust and clean your blinds with a duster or a vacuum cleaner. Wash any curtains with warm water and soap or according to the fabric instructions.
Other areas: Depending on your kitchen layout and design, you might have other areas that need deep cleaning, such as ambient storage areas, packaging storage areas, goods in area, toilets, changing rooms, waste areas (waste bins), etc. Make sure you clean these areas as well, following the same principles as above.
Deep cleaning your kitchen is an essential part of running a successful food business. It ensures the safety and quality of your food, helps you comply with the food hygiene regulations and standards, and improves the appearance and reputation of your business.
By following our guide above, you can deep clean your kitchen effectively and efficiently. You can also use Hubl to help you keep track of these checks and keep your commercial kitchen safe and hygienic.