Cleanliness is a vital part of any commercial catering facility. Only by following strict commercial kitchen cleaning procedures can you be sure the highest level of hygiene is maintained. At Cleaning Edge Solutions, our expert team of industry professionals are highly trained and experienced in cleaning of kitchens, restaurants and businesses in the food service sector. We understand that the cleanliness in your kitchen says a lot about the success of your business. Read ahead for our guide to cleaning in commercial kitchens.

Why is it Important to Keep My Commercial Kitchen Clean?

A dirty or unhygienic kitchen can have dire consequences including the possibility of causing illness to consumers and clients, as well as the potential to ruin the reputation of the business. A clean kitchen will:

Prevent cross-contamination – food prep areas are filled with contaminants that can be easily transferred to food and then to the customers. A clean and sanitised kitchen reduces the likelihood of contaminated food and illness outbreaks.

Ensure compliance with health inspections – health inspectors visit kitchens on a regular basis to make sure that all eateries and catering facilities are compliant. They look at some indicators that will point to hazardous bacterial growth that can be present in each of the working stations of your kitchen.

Attract more customers – if your kitchen is clean and you produce good food, you will significantly increase the number of your potential customers and spark excellent reviews.

Encourage good work habits from employees – providing a clean and sanitized workspace will inspire your team to perform at their best and encourage them follow a specific protocol that denotes cleanliness and sanitation.

What Are the Must-Haves for a Clean Commercial Kitchen?

Bacteria can lurk in many places in a commercial kitchen from the cutting boards to bench tops, appliances and utensils. Commercial kitchens need the following to ensure the highest level of hygiene standards are upheld:

The right cleaning solutions

It’s important to know which products should be used to keep your workplace sanitary. Certain chemicals are specifically designed to help keep kitchens clean. You also want to source chemicals which are not toxic and are environmentally friendly.

Sanitation Buckets

These are the clean red buckets with clean sanitizer. Replacing commercial bleach in a restaurant set up, this is the sanitizer that is used to wipe knives, chopping boards, and countertops. It is 100% food safe.

Proper Food Storage

Meat should always be at the bottom of the fridge and the vegetable at the top. This will prevent the juices of the meat from dripping to the vegetables.

To Follow HACCP principles

The HACCP food safety management system helps to minimise the risk of spoilage or cross contamination of food during storage, preparation and cooking. These standards ensure that food is kept and prepared at the right temperature, promoting safe practises which stop harmful bacteria from being able to grow.

A Cleaning Schedule

This will ensure cleaners come in at certain times of the day, and help to make each staff member accountable for the cleaning of his/her station in the kitchen. Cleaning must be done thoroughly, so if you’re in doubt about your kitchen staff ‘s ability to properly conduct their daily cleaning tasks, employ a professional cleaner who will get the job done right.

Checklist for Common Cleaning in Commercial Kitchens

There are many aspects involved when it comes to cleaning kitchens, the below tasks should be carried out frequently:

• Collecting and removing rubbish from bins
• Vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors
• Deep cleaning and sanitising of sinks, and counters and work stations
• Deep cleaning of equipment including stoves, broiler, fryers, and ovens
• Sanitation of smaller items and utensils
• Proper cleaning of all mats
• Washing down walls
• Window cleaning
• Degreasing exhaust hoods and fans

To ensure the above tasks are completed regularly and to the highest level, it is best to hire a cleaning company that has all the necessary certifications and insurances and is highly experienced in cleaning commercial kitchens.

If you are looking for the best cleaning company Melbourne kitchens and restaurants trust for their cleaning and sanitation, choose Cleaning Edge Solutions today. With over 30 years’ experience, we are proud to be fully Triple ISO Internationally certified. Call us today on (03) 9988 1211 for a free quotation or enquire online.