Maintaining a clean commercial kitchen is crucial not just for food quality but also for safety and compliance. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), in 2022, more than 9 out of 10 food businesses achieved satisfactory or better hygiene ratings, with over 75.7% receiving the top rating of 5 for food hygiene. However, 2.9% of food businesses were rated 2 or below, indicating they required some form of improvement

A commercial kitchen, with its constant cooking, frying, and food prep, can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if cleaning tasks are neglected. Grease traps, food preparation areas, and equipment require regular maintenance to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays compliant with health and safety regulations. The right approach ensures food safety, minimises the risk of contamination, and keeps your business running efficiently without costly interruptions.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential cleaning tasks and how to organise them into daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.

Daily Cleaning Checklist for a Commercial Kitchen

Keeping on top of daily kitchen cleaning tasks is essential in ensuring your kitchen operates smoothly. These are the actions that should take place at the end of every shift, no exceptions.

1. Food Preparation Areas

Food safety begins with your food preparation areas. After each service, wipe down and disinfect all countertops, chopping boards, and preparation surfaces. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, especially in high-risk zones where raw meats and vegetables are handled. Make sure to clean spills immediately to prevent the build-up of bacteria.

2. Cooking Equipment

From stoves to fryers, your cooking equipment endures a lot of use throughout the day. Ensure all grease and food debris are removed at the end of the day. Use suitable cleaning chemicals that are strong enough to remove grime but safe for food contact surfaces. Don’t forget to give special attention to burners, griddles, and grills.

3. Sinks and Drains

It’s easy to overlook your sinks and drains, but they are often hotspots for grease build-up. Use a drain cleaner daily to prevent blockages. Sanitise sinks after use, especially if they’ve been exposed to raw food items, to reduce contamination risks.

4. Coffee Machines and Other Small Appliances

Appliances like coffee machines need attention too. Wipe them down and clean the components that come into contact with food and liquids. This ensures your customers enjoy hygienic beverages without any unpleasant residue from previous brews.

5. Floors

Sweeping and mopping the floors should be a staple of your daily routine. This not only maintains hygiene but also ensures your kitchen is safe for staff to work in. Spills and greasy patches can lead to slips and accidents.

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Weekly Cleaning Checklist for a Commercial Kitchen

While daily tasks are essential, there are some areas of your kitchen that need a more intensive clean on a weekly basis. These areas might not see as much action but can quickly become health hazards if ignored.

1. Grease Traps

Grease traps can easily become clogged if not maintained properly. Cleaning them weekly will prevent blockages and foul smells from accumulating. It also helps to prolong the lifespan of your drainage system. Make sure to use suitable professional cleaning equipment to safely and effectively clear out the traps.

2. Oven and Range Hoods

Oven and range hoods collect grease and food particles over time, creating a potential fire hazard if not cleaned regularly. A weekly wipe-down with appropriate cleaning chemicals will prevent build-up, keeping your kitchen both safe and efficient.

3. Storage Areas

Your dry and cold storage areas also need attention. Wipe down shelves, clean out expired or spoiled stock, and ensure your fridges and freezers are free of spills and odours. This will not only help with food safety but also ensure your stock management is up to par.

4. Cleaning Cloths and Mops

Even your cleaning equipment needs cleaning. Swap out cleaning cloths and mop heads on a weekly basis to prevent bacteria from spreading around your kitchen. If you use washable cloths, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use.

5. Deep Cleaning Equipment

Give your deep cleaning equipment a thorough check and clean each week. Ensure all machines are functioning correctly, and no dirt or grime has been missed from the previous week’s use. This keeps everything ready for the next intensive cleaning session.

Monthly Cleaning Checklist for a Commercial Kitchen

Your monthly cleaning checklist focuses on those areas that require a bit more attention but don’t necessarily need daily or weekly maintenance. These tasks are often more intensive and time-consuming, but they are crucial for a thorough deep clean.

1. Deep Cleaning

A full deep cleaning session should be scheduled at least once a month. This includes a top-to-bottom scrub of the entire kitchen. Focus on cleaning walls, ceilings, and the undersides of countertops that may accumulate dust or grease. Use specialised deep cleaning equipment to reach areas that are often missed during regular cleans.

2. Grease and Ventilation Systems

Your grease filters and ventilation systems should be thoroughly cleaned each month to prevent build-up. This not only improves the air quality in your kitchen but also ensures that your kitchen meets health and safety regulations. The accumulation of grease can be a fire hazard if left unchecked.

3. Coffee Machines and Dishwashers

Coffee machines and dishwashers also require monthly deep cleaning. Scale and grime can build up in these appliances, affecting their performance and the quality of food and drink being served. Clean any removable parts thoroughly and use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products.

4. Food Storage Containers

Review all food storage containers, paying close attention to lids and seals. Clean these monthly to prevent bacteria from developing. This step helps maintain food safety and ensures your ingredients stay fresh.

5. Behind Appliances

Move large appliances like ovens, fridges, and freezers to clean behind and underneath them. Dust, dirt, and food debris can gather in these hidden areas, leading to pest problems or bad smells.

Your Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Checklist (PDF)

Commercial-Kitchen-Cleaning-Checklists-PDF Download

Health and Safety Regulations

Following a structured cleaning schedule isn’t just about maintaining appearances. It’s critical to staying compliant with health and safety regulations. Food service businesses are regularly inspected by local health authorities, and a poorly maintained kitchen can lead to fines, closures, and damage to your reputation.

To ensure compliance, you must follow these key guidelines:

Food Safety: All food preparation areas must be cleaned and sanitised regularly to avoid cross-contamination. This includes using safe cleaning chemicals and equipment.
Waste Management: Properly disposing of food waste and ensuring bins are cleaned regularly is essential.
Employee Hygiene: Ensure that your staff follow strict hygiene protocols, such as regular hand washing and using clean uniforms.
Pest Control: A clean kitchen is less likely to attract pests. Keep food storage areas sealed, and check for signs of infestation during monthly cleaning tasks.

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Procedures: Best Practices

Consistency is key to maintaining a hygienic kitchen. Here are some practical tips to improve your cleaning procedures:

Create a Cleaning Schedule: Ensure all staff know their cleaning responsibilities by creating a clear cleaning schedule. Make use of checklists so nothing is missed during busy service times.
Use the Right Tools: Equip your kitchen with professional cleaning equipment to tackle both daily tasks and intensive deep cleaning sessions. This ensures that each task is done properly and efficiently.
Train Staff: Your cleaning tasks will only be effective if your team knows how to perform them correctly. Provide training on how to use cleaning chemicals, operate deep cleaning equipment, and follow food safety procedures.
Keep Records: Maintain a record of cleaning tasks. Not only is this good practice for your own management, but it also provides evidence of compliance with health inspections.

Looking for Professional & Reliable Commercial Cleaning Services?

A clean commercial kitchen isn’t just about meeting legal standards; it’s about providing a safe, pleasant environment for both your team and customers. By breaking down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly checklists, you can ensure that nothing is overlooked, and your kitchen remains spotless.

Armour Property Services are a full-service cleaning and facilities management company, providing a range of commercial cleaning services for over 15 years. Covering London and the South East, our clients rely on our efficient and effective regular commercial cleaning for a variety of commercial spaces.

For commercial cleaning services that deliver, get in touch today.

Cleaning a Commercial Kitchen FAQs

Why is it important to have a structured cleaning checklist for a commercial kitchen?

A structured cleaning checklist ensures all areas of the kitchen are consistently maintained. It helps meet food safety standards, prevents cross-contamination, and reduces the risk of costly health and safety violations. Additionally, a clear cleaning schedule improves kitchen efficiency and ensures equipment stays in good working order, reducing downtime for repairs.

What are the key areas that should be cleaned daily in a commercial kitchen?

Daily cleaning tasks include disinfecting food preparation areas, cleaning cooking equipment, wiping down appliances like coffee machines, and sanitising sinks and drains. Sweeping and mopping the floors is also essential to prevent slips and maintain a hygienic working environment. A daily checklist ensures that critical areas are sanitised after each service.

What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning in a commercial kitchen?

Regular cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces and cleaning appliances, are performed daily to maintain basic hygiene. Deep cleaning involves more intensive tasks, typically done monthly, such as cleaning behind and under heavy equipment, scrubbing ventilation systems, and thoroughly disinfecting walls and ceilings. Deep cleaning helps address the areas and grime that regular cleaning may miss.

Cleaning a Commercial Kitchen: Your Checklist [PDF]