Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

A restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist may look simple but this vital tool helps keep customers healthy and your business thriving. No restaurant owner wants to see their establishment end up on a failed inspection list or featured in the local newspaper because of poor cleaning practices. A well-thought-out restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist lays out clear expectations about what to clean and when to clean it.

But don’t expect your restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist to do all the work. Cleaning may be in the job description but that doesn’t mean staff is always motivated to do a thorough job. After all restaurant kitchen cleaning is unpleasant work.

Earn buy-in from your employees by providing good training. Training sessions should cover how to clean areas and maybe more importantly, why the work is important. Be sure to schedule enough time so they can complete their cleaning tasks.

Providing employees with upgraded cleaning tools, like the UniVac® from Kaivac, is another smart move. This technology empowers staff to remove stubborn grease from kitchen floors quickly and completely. It also picks up fallen food without having to move heavy equipment. Staff appreciate how easy the machine is to use and how quickly and completely it works.

With proper training and the right tools, completing the restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist will be a snap.

Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Daily

• Wipe down soiled walls
• Clean the grill, griddle, range, flattop, and fryer (make sure to get underneath!)
• Change the foil lining on top of the ranges, grills, and flattops
• Wipe down other equipment
• Disinfect prep area surfaces
• Clean beverage dispenser heads and soda gun tips in soda fountains and soda guns
• Wash the utensils, smallwares, flatware, and glassware and let them air dry overnight
• Clean the sinks
• Wash rags, towels, aprons, and uniforms in the washing machine
• Refill soap dispensers and replace empty paper towels
• Sweep walk-in refrigerators and storage areas
• Take out the trash and recycling
• Disinfect the waste disposal area and clean the trash cans
• Remove dirt, grease, splashes, and spills from the floor

Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Weekly

• Clean ovens, including racks, doors, and walls
• Remove built-up lime from the sinks and faucets
• Wash and sanitize the walk-in refrigerators and freezers
• Clean anti-fatigue mats
• Treat floor drains with drain cleaner

Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Monthly

• Wash behind the hot line to prevent clogs
• Run cleaning and sanitizing chemicals through the coffee or espresso machine
• Clean out and sanitize the ice machine (every 6 months)
• Clean and sanitize freezers
• Remove dust from refrigerator coils
• Empty grease traps
• Remove greasy buildup from walls and ceiling
• Wash vent hoods (every few months)
• Replace pest traps

Click here to learn more about how Kaivac can improve your restaurant kitchen cleaning process.