It’s that time of year! If you haven’t already, it’s time to pull out the cleaning supplies and get your restaurant back on track for another year of success! In this article, you will find a complete list of what should be included in your restaurant spring cleaning. We’ve also included a handy cleaning checklist for you to print out and mark off as you go to ensure the best possible cleaning.
Kitchen Hood System
Over time, grease, dust and other buildup forms on the kitchen exhaust, or hood system and surrounding areas, reducing the amount of heat and smoke that can escape the building. Failure to keep the hood and surrounding areas clean can significantly increase the risk of fire, which can result in even worse: death.
If your restaurant catches fire and you’re unable to show your insurance agent proof of a professional hood cleaning, you risk losing your insurance and not getting covered for the disaster.
Here is your hood cleaning checklist:
Wash grease cups
Remove buildup from exhaust hood filters
Empty grease catch
Check fan belt and remove any build up
Wipe grease off the Ansul system
Wipe down light fixtures
Kitchen Equipment
The kitchen hoods aren’t the only pieces of equipment that can lead to dangerous outcomes! All other cooking equipment accumulates build up over time, increasing the risk of fire.
But cleaning kitchen equipment isn’t just to reduce the risk of fires. Clean equipment can enhance the flavor of the food and cooks the food more evenly.
Here is what you need to be deep cleaning this spring:
Fryers
Stoves
Ovens
Pizza ovens
Flat tops
Refrigerators
Freezers
Dishwashers
Charbroilers
Salamanders
Grills
And all other equipment!
Kitchen Area
T
hough your entire restaurant should always be clean, your restaurant kitchen should be especially clean. Keeping up on your kitchen cleaning reduces: the number of pathogens and other illness causing agents that can infect the food you serve, the risk of getting shut down by inspectors, and slip and falls.
Here is your restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist:
Wipe down walls
Wipe down walls BEHIND equipment
Sweep and mop floors
Clean floors BEHIND equipment
Sanitize food prep areas
Sanitize utensils, dishes and glassware
Sanitize and remove buildup from pots and pans
Clean sinks and countertops
Wash towels, aprons and uniforms
Sanitize ice machine
Deep clean beverage dispenser
Take out all trash
Disinfect trash cans
Refill soap containers
Wipe down exit signs
Wipe down light fixtures
Dining Area
Enhance your customers experience with not only great food, but a clean dining area where they can enjoy the company they’re with.
To ensure your customers have the best experience (aside from the great food you serve!), we recommend you:
Wipe down walls
Sanitize tables and chairs/benches
Wash all napkins and table cloths
Clean off the bottles of condiments
Clean salt and pepper shakers
Sweep and mop floors
Vacuum carpets
Shampoo carpets
Take out all trash
Disinfect trash cans
Wipe down light fixtures
Clean windows
Wipe down exit signs
Bathrooms
As surprising as it may sound, some people make choices on restaurant dining (whether it’s a fast food restaurant or fine dining) by the cleanliness of a bathroom. Top your customers experience and ensure to mark off the following as often as possible:
Sanitize sink and countertops
Disinfect toilets
Take out all trash
Disinfect trash cans
Restock toilet paper and paper towels
Refill soap containers
Wipe down light fixtures
Outside of the building
An important thing to remember is that the outside of your building is oftentimes your customers first impression of your restaurant – so make it a good one! Improving the outside appearance can result in more foot traffic, resulting in higher revenue. And remember, cleaning goes beyond just the main door. It extends to the sidewalks, parking lot, drive-thru, and even trash cans.
Here is your outdoor cleaning checklist:
Clean business signs
Power wash building
Power wash sidewalks
Power wash drive-thru
Power wash dumpster pads
Power wash parking lot/asphalt
Disinfect trash cans
Wipe down light fixtures
Sounds like a lot, right? But we promise you, it’ll be worth it!
If restaurant cleaning can’t be squeezed into your busy day, the Houston hood cleaning and power washing professionals at Rujo Hood Cleaning are here for you. Call us at 832-639-4115 or visit us online at www.rujohoodcleaning.com today to get a FREE quote.