A clean restaurant is a happy restaurant and builds trust and comfort with customers. In this restaurant cleaning guide, we will cover cleaning routines, hygiene best practices and tips to tidy your venue.
Clean The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any food business and cleaning is paramount. Cleaning the kitchen is not just a legal requirement but a food safety and quality issue. A full clean of the kitchen from top to bottom is needed to get it clean.
Cleaning cooking surfaces, utensils and equipment is the foundation of a clean kitchen. Regular scrubbing, sanitising and drying of these areas prevents grime, grease and bacteria from building up. Proper storage and handling of food items, including using the right containers and temperature controlled environments is just as important to keep ingredients fresh and prevent cross contamination.
Full pest control is part of kitchen cleanliness. Regular inspections, using approved products and sealing off entry points for pests will get rid of the problem. By dealing with these issues beforehand the business can create a clean space to cook and provide a better customer experience.
Clean Floors and Surfaces
The state of floors and surfaces in a business is a reflection of the overall attention to detail and standards. Cleaning and polishing floors and maintaining countertops, tables and chairs is crucial to a clean and inviting space.
A methodical approach to floor cleaning which may include a combination of sweeping, mopping and using specialist floor cleaning equipment will give a clean and streak free finish. Care and maintenance of countertops, tables and chairs including regular wiping, polishing and dealing with spills and stains as they happen will help the overall appearance and life of these surfaces.
Dealing with spills and stains as they happen is key to maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the business. Quick action, using the right cleaning products and attention to detail will prevent those nasty marks and get it clean. By prioritising the cleanliness of floors and surfaces the business can create a sense of order, professionalism and attention to detail that customers will see.
Clean Restrooms and Washrooms
Restrooms and washrooms are a customer’s first and last impression of a business and cleaning them is vital. A full clean of every area of these facilities from floors to fixtures is needed to get it clean for the customer.
A cleaning schedule for restrooms with tasks assigned to staff will get these areas clean. Stock the restrooms with the necessary amenities such as soap, paper towels and toilet paper will help with the cleanliness and customer experience.
Deal with any issues or malfunctions in the restrooms as they happen is key to maintaining order and functionality. Quick attention to leaks, clogged drains or malfunctioning fixtures will prevent problems from getting out of hand and get the restrooms clean. The business can make a good and lasting impression on the customer by getting the restrooms clean.
Disinfect High Touch Areas
High touch areas, door handles, light switches, countertops and other frequently touched surfaces are breeding grounds for and can transmit nasty germs. A full disinfection plan is needed to protect the health and wellbeing of staff and customers.
Identify the high traffic and high touch areas in the business is the first step in developing a disinfection plan. The business can treat these critical surfaces with the right disinfectants and sanitisers by prioritising these areas and having a regular disinfection schedule.
Waste Management
Waste management is a big part of keeping a business clean and hygienic. A full waste disposal system that covers segregation, storage and disposal of different types of waste is needed to get it clean and smell free.
A waste disposal system with designated areas and containers for different waste streams such as general waste, recyclables and hazardous materials will get the waste handled and disposed of properly. A clean and tidy waste storage area with regular collection and disposal will prevent waste from building up and the associated smells and pests.
Promote eco-friendly waste reduction practices such as using reusable containers, composting initiatives and reducing single use plastics will help the business’s green credentials and environmental responsibility. By having a full waste management approach the business can get the premises clean and tidy and reduce its footprint.
Get the Right Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
The success of any clean regime depends on the quality and suitability of the cleaning supplies and equipment used. Choose high quality, industry approved cleaning products for the business.
Buy good quality and durable cleaning equipment such as industrial grade mops, vacuums and floor scrubbers and the cleaning team will get the premises clean. Proper storage and maintenance of these cleaning supplies and equipment will get them to last longer and perform better.
Have the right tools, microfiber cloths, squeegees and scrubbing brushes and the cleaning staff will do the job. By having the right tools and equipment the business can equip the cleaning team and get high standards of cleanliness across the board.
Train Staff
The success of any clean regime depends on the knowledge, skills and commitment of the cleaning staff. Full training on cleaning protocols, highlighting the importance of attention to detail and getting staff to take ownership is key to consistency across the business.
Full training on cleaning protocols covering everything from cleaning products to techniques for specific cleaning tasks will get the staff the knowledge and skills to get the job done. Highlighting the importance of attention to detail, such as not missing any area and all surfaces being clean will get the cleaning team proud and ownership.
Get staff involved and get them to own the clean will help the clean regime. By asking for feedback, recognising good performance and empowering staff to take the initiative the business can create a clean and continuous improvement culture. Regular refresher training will reinforce the cleaning protocols, address any changes or updates and get consistency across the team.
Go Green with Cleaning
As the world goes green and environmental responsibility gets bigger businesses need to go green with cleaning. Look at green cleaning alternatives, reduce harsh chemicals and water- and energy-efficient cleaning methods will get the business’s green credentials and get a clean and healthy space.
Find and switch to green cleaning products that are biodegradable, non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals and reduce the environmental footprint of the clean regime. Promote the use of these products and educate the staff on the benefits and you will get a green culture in the business.
Water and energy efficient cleaning methods like microfibre cloths will save the business’s resources. Alternative cleaning methods like steam cleaning or natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda will green the clean regime.
Conclusion
In short, a clean restaurant is not just about appearance it’s business critical. This will get you started with keeping cleanliness top of mind. Cleaning schedules to staff training every bit counts to get your customers in.