Deep Cleaning your Restaurant: A Checklist
Deep cleaning is a fundamental practice for any successful restaurant. Regular deep cleaning helps reduce the risk of illnesses, cross-contamination and ensures a welcoming atmosphere for diners. It also protects your investment by prolonging the life of equipment and facilities. By committing to a detailed cleaning routine, you enhance both safety and operational efficiency.
Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Schedule
Break down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly duties to keep your restaurant in top shape.
Here are some of the main things that are overlooked when cleaning a restaurant. Some of these seem like no-brainers, but water pitchers can easily get missed as an end-of-shift task.
Feel free to copy this checklist and use it in your restaurant
Deep Clean Checklist
Kitchen
Sweep and mop under fryers, grills, ovens, and other appliances.
Clean behind refrigerators, freezers, and under shelves. Be sure to get the vents.
Wipe down and sanitize under-counter shelves and cabinets.
Clean and degrease ventilation hoods and filters.
Deep clean trash cans and recycling bins (inside and outside).
Sanitize trash can lids and handles.
Wipe down walls behind stoves, grills, and prep areas.
Sweep and mop walk-in freezer and fridge floors.
Wipe down freezer/fridge shelves and door seals.
Deep clean under and around sinks
Deep clean around drains and inside drains
Clean and reorganize dry storage shelves.
Check for spills or expired items in dry storage.
Clean air ducts and vents.
Clean light fixtures, especially in food prep areas.
Sanitize door handles, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces.
Clean floors under mats.
Wipe down equipment controls (e.g., buttons, knobs, handles).
Clean baseboards and corners.
Clean dishwashers and ice machines (inside and outside).
Deep clean coffee makers, blenders, and small appliances.
Descale water lines and soda machines.
Polish stainless steel surfaces (prep tables, sinks, counters).
Clean grease traps.
Bar
Deep clean draft lines and under the beer well
Clean and sanitize your speed spouts
Deep clean your glassware dishwasher
Clean and sanitize your bar matts
Hot water and sanitize your drains
Empty and sanitize ice machine trays and interior surfaces.
Clean ice machine filters
Clean and sanitize bar mats.
Wipe down and sanitize all surfaces, including bar tops, counters, and shelves.
Clean and polish beer taps and soda guns
Clean and sanitize glassware (check for cracks or chips).
Wipe down bottle dispensers and speed rails
Clean the ice machine and sanitize ice bins
Check and clean beer lines
Deep clean bar sinks and drains
Wipe down and sanitize liquor bottles and displays.
Clean the floor behind the bar, including under equipment and mats.
Empty and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins.
Sanitize door handles, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces.
Clean and sanitize menus, coasters, and any reusable bar tools.
Polish stainless steel surfaces, including sinks, bar taps, and equipment.
Clean where bar supplies, such as napkins, straws, and garnishes are kept
Restaurant
Clean and sanitize your water pitchers and coffee holders
Sanitize all door handles (bathroom, kitchen, entrance)
Wipe down light switches and electrical panels
Wipe down POS system screens, buttons, and credit card machines.
Dust and wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Clean spice containers, condiment bottles, and racks.
Clean coffee machine drip trays, nozzles, and removable parts.
Descale coffee machines.
Clean the spots where dishes, cutlery and glassware are stored
Dust and wipe down baseboards and corners.
Scrub bathroom grout lines and tiles.
Wipe down window sills, ledges, and frames.
Clean underneath and inside booth cushions and chairs.
Wipe down table bases and undersides of chairs.
Dust and clean fire extinguishers and emergency equipment.
Wipe off door frames and high contact doors to get rid of dirt and scuff marks
Have any rugs cleaned
Clean and sanitize salt and pepper shakers, sauce bottles, and tabletop condiments
Disinfect high chairs and booster seats, including straps and crevices
Last one
Clean your staff room
Focus on Surfaces and Equipment
Food contact surfaces on equipment must remain clean and sanitary to prevent food contamination. To achieve this, these surfaces should be smooth, non-absorbent, and easy to clean, thereby minimising areas where microorganisms and other contaminants can accumulate.
Food contact surfaces on equipment should be:
Corrosion-resistant
Non-reactive, not transferring colours, odours, or tastes to food, and preventing the migration of unsafe substances
Smooth and non-absorbent
Free from breaks, cracks, seams, chips, or pits that could hinder cleaning
Easily accessible for cleaning and inspection, including disassembly if needed
Maintaining your Equipment
To keep your food establishment running smoothly and safely, it's crucial to maintain all equipment in a clean and sanitary condition. Think about ease of cleaning and the intended use of each piece of equipment when deciding where to place it.
If cutting boards or similar surfaces become too scratched or worn out to clean effectively, it’s best to resurface them or replace them altogether. Keeping these surfaces in good shape helps ensure that your food stays safe and your kitchen runs efficiently.
Attention to Storage Areas
In a food establishment, everything from buildings and equipment to wastewater systems can be a potential source of contamination. It's essential to keep these areas clean, pest-free, and well-maintained. Equipment and utensils, especially those handling raw products, can carry microorganisms that might contaminate other foods. Therefore, establish thorough cleaning programs, which may include dismantling and sanitising equipment daily or more often to prevent bacterial growth. Also, store waste and inedible substances in clearly labelled, easy-to-clean containers that are covered and secure to avoid contamination and deter pests.
A systematic approach to deep cleaning ensures that your restaurant remains a safe, inviting, and efficient place for both customers and staff. By adhering to a structured cleaning routine and focusing on critical areas, you not only comply with health regulations but also elevate the overall dining experience. Regular deep cleaning is a vital practice that helps safeguard your business and maintain high standards of hygiene.