Restaurants must maintain sanitary conditions for appliances, cooking equipment, and hard surfaces to stay compliant with local regulations. There are a few methods to ensure you’re following healthy food preparation guidelines and serving the best food possible. Below is some advice to keep your kitchen in top shape.

4 Tips for Cleaning a Commercial Kitchen

1. Countertops

Remove cooking equipment on the countertops nightly, so you can clean up food scraps and address any spills. Use a food-safe disinfectant spray to wipe down the surface before allowing it to airdry and replacing items that you put away. If you have stainless steel workspaces, apply polish after cleaning at the end of the night to ensure its longevity. Tile counters will require special cleaners that mitigate bacteria in the grout.

2. Appliances

Scrub the cooktops with disinfectant nightly, and clean out the oven interior weekly by wiping it down and using the automatic cleaning function, if it has one. Every month, vacuum dust particles from refrigeration units before cleaning the condenser coils with a brush to ensure they can release heat and facilitate refrigeration.

Wipe down appliances like fridges, stoves, microwaves, toasters, and coffeemakers with a commercial cleaning solution each night. Brush off the grill and soak the grates in soapy water to avoid combining flavors and burning leftover food or grease.

3. Exhaust Hoods

Exhaust hoods play a significant role in the air quality of the restaurant. Clean these units daily if you use a fryer, or monthly if you don’t. Wipe out the hood with a degreaser, and change the filter by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This process involves removing the filter and soaking it overnight in a solution of hot water and degreaser to prevent clogs and smoke inhalation issues. 

4. Floors

Restaurant staff should wipe up floors immediately after spills to promote safety. Every night, use a broom or vacuum to remove solid particles before mopping with a degreaser. Make sure your floor has ample drains to sweep excess water into, and always use caution signs to avoid injury during the drying process.

If you’re looking for a reliable restaurant refrigeration company, contact Commercial Refrigeration of KY in Campbellsville. The locally owned and operated team of technicians have over 30 years of experience offering cooking equipment maintenance, repairs, and emergency services. Call (270) 465-2910 or visit the website for information on their additional offerings for cooking equipment, like top-notch grills, exhaust hoods, holding cabinets, ovens, and more.