Springtime is the perfect opportunity for a deep clean from back of house to business front. Cleanliness also affects staff mood and productivity, and so a deep clean also results in a healthier, happier and more productive day at work. Take advantage of this limited downtime to restore your venue to its brilliant best.
top 10 spring cleaning tips for restaurants
You know how important it is to clean your commercial kitchen. As well as the obvious hygiene considerations, regular cleaning will also improve the performance of your equipment.
Here are our top 10 tips for how restaurants can undertake an effective spring cleaning.
Clean The Cooker Hood
Your cooker hood can be a magnet for dirt and grime, so steam cleaning is the best for regular maintenance. Polish the exterior with a microfibre cloth to restore the shiny finish. Remove all filters, soak overnight if possible, and scrub with non-abrasive brushes. Replace paper filters if required.
Carpets, Curtains and Linen
Vacuum up loose dirt and debris. Target spills and stains first (spot cleaning), then use an extraction cleaner on rugs and carpets. Launder curtains, linen and window dressings, and open windows to let light and fresh air in. Use a welcome mat just inside your front entrance to minimise incoming dirt.
Fridge and Freezer
Use a multipurpose cleaner and damp cloth to clean the interior. Remove all items from fridges and freezers then check expiry dates. Remove and defrost shelves if necessary. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. Turn off each appliance to save energy whilst cleaning. As a general guideline, when the ice in your freezer builds up to a thickness of a quarter of an inch, it will then need defrosting. Find out more on how to clean a commercial fridge.
Staff Uniforms
Send uniforms for a professional dry clean. Consider adding embroidered logos to show off your brand. New year is the best chance to give your staff uniforms a new lease of life, why not refresh your existing outfit with simple additions like aprons or headwear?
Degrease Fryer and Grill
Your fryer and grill can become a fire hazard if too much grease builds up. Drain away the remaining oil, and remove excess oil with paper towels. Wipe out the interior surface and remove baskets, filters, hangovers and racks to clean separately. Use a wet sponge and warm soapy water to cleanse the inside of the fryer.
Stockroom and Storage
Inspect the build quality of the shelves and ensure the layout is still effective for your needs. Remove all items from stockroom shelves and check expiry dates. Check all containers for cracked lids, worn out containers and labelling. Dust down shelves and the tops of your units with a high level cleaning tool.
Inspect Your Furniture for Wear and Tear
Check all bolts and screws are secure. Check for wobbly legs, torn fabrics or chips and dents. Treat your wooden furniture with wax or preserver. Pressure wash metal furniture and remove rust with steel wool. Touch up and smooth over surface scratches with paint or varnish to protect your furniture in the long term.
Washroom and Toilet
Your restaurant washrooms should be checked and cleaned every hour. Clean touch points, such as handles, switches and faucets. Check build quality on all fixtures, taps, toilet seats and replace where necessary. Clean toilet roll holders and soap dispensers and address cracked titles, mirrors and grouting. A spring clean gives you the chance to go the extra distance.
Power Wash Outside
Pressure wash exterior walls, walkways, grouting and paths to give your guests the perfect welcome. Test the quality of your outdoor furniture including tables, chairs and parasols. Add welcoming planters, hanging baskets and patio benches outside to highlight the front of your establishment.
Wheelie Bins
Use a bin store to hide bins from view, keeping them secure and away from pests. With warmer weather approaching, now is the perfect opportunity to clean your bins inside and out. Allow bins to dry thoroughly after washing.
An additional way of keeping your kitchen as hygienic as possible is to invest in electric fly killers, which will help keep pests at bay.