Professional Deep Cleaning Checklist for a Shining Restaurant

What is professional deep cleaning checklist for restaurants?

With the new normal, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting work surfaces has become even more important for the food service industry. But it may be difficult to keep in mind all the cleaning tasks and how frequently you need to deep clean your work surfaces and equipment.
Hence, the need for using a checklist for professional deep cleaning where the employees can make sure that the equipment is kept clean. It is best to use an app like Zip Checklist to keep track of all the deep cleaning, be organized and delegate cleaning tasks like clean windows and mop floors to your staff.
A deep cleaning checklist will include all the tasks that need to be done to make sure that the back and front of house cleaning is done as per the list. By keeping your kitchen equipment clean and sanitized, you will ensure that there is no cross contamination and spread of pathogens. Not only will food taste better, but it will also increase the life of your equipment. Having a clean front-of-house like dust-free, sparkling window sills, light fixtures and ceiling fans is important because it affects how your customers perceive your establishment and if they choose to return.

Why is professional deep cleaning checklist for restaurants an essenti

Having a clean and sanitized work surface is important. As there are many cleaning and deep cleaning tasks that need to be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, it is essential to keep a cleaning checklist to see that all the Restaurant Cleaning tasks have been completed as per the schedule. Deep cleaning is not just for regular equipment, but also for any areas that get neglected in the everyday workflow like the storage.
Let us look at reasons why you should opt to clean up your restaurant-

• Deep cleaning is necessary for food service establishments as it helps reduce the risk of pathogens and pests. A clean area will minimize the possibility of food contamination, foodborne diseases and spread of pathogens.
• Keeping a deep cleaning checklist will ensure that you have a reminder to keep a safe and healthier work environment for your staff. This will also make sure the staff works efficiently, which leads to an increase in productivity.
• Deep cleaning a restaurant helps increase the lifespan of your kitchen equipment as it reduces the build up of grease and grime that may get in the way of your equipment working optimally.
• Food regulation agencies require regular and deep cleaning of your restaurant. Hence, it is you should deep clean your restaurant work areas to make sure that you are compliant with the law.
• Keeping a high standard of cleanliness is crucial for running a successful business. If you think you are unable to handle the deep cleaning, it is better to opt for cleaning services of a commercial cleaning company.

Professional deep cleaning checklist for 2022

The food service industry has always had strict regulations for cleaning, and restaurants are one of the most regularly cleaned public spaces. But now, it's crucial that the standards are maintained, and using a restaurant cleaning checklist is a great way to start. Opting for a software or app like Zip Checklist can help you keep track of the cleaning tasks that need to be accomplished as per the United States health department requirements, especially when you are deep cleaning spaces with high traffic that have their own protocols. Most apps have a Daily Cleaning checklist, a weekly cleaning checklist, and a monthly deep cleaning checklist for each area. Let us now look at the deep cleaning checklist for each area of your restaurant.

1. Kitchen are cleaning checklist

Kitchen is the most important work space of a restaurant and needs a thorough deep cleaning to make sure that the equipment is in optimal condition and the food served is safe for consumption. Here are a few cleaning tips to keep in mind for a safe and clean kitchen-
Here are some cleaning tasks to keep in mind-
Daily checklist-

• Wipe clean walls wherever there are food or oil splashes.
• Clean grill, griddle, range, flattop and fryer on the surface and underneath.
• Change the foil cover lining the cooking ranges and grills.
• Wipe down equipment like coffee makers, microwaves, and toasters.
• Disinfect prep area surfaces.
• Clean beverage dispenser heads.
• Soak the kitchen utensils and serving and eating wares in warm water and let them air dry overnight.
• Clean the sinks and refill soap dispensers, replace paper towel rolls.
• Put towels, uniforms, and aprons in the washing machine.
• Sweep out walk-in refrigerators and storage areas.
• Take out the trash.
• Disinfect and clean the waste disposal area.
• Sweep and mop the floors with cleaning supplies.

• Clean inside and all over kitchen equipment like ovens.
• Delime faucets and sinks.
• Boil out the deep fryer.
• Wash and sanitize freezers and refrigerators.
• Clean floor drains with chemicals.

• Wash the hot line to prevent clogs.
• Clean inside of the coffee or espresso machine with sanitizing chemicals to remove any build up.
• Clean and sanitize the freezer and refrigerator coils to remove dust.
• Empty grease traps and wash walls and ceiling to remove grease.
• Replace traps for rodents.

2. Storage area cleaning checklist

While maintaining the cleanliness of your restaurant, don't forget to clean out your storage area to avoid dust and mold buildup. Here are a few cleaning tips that should be on your cleaning checklist-

• Move the stock out and wipe the items down with a cloth or rinse them if they are waterproof. Leave it outside till the cleaning is complete.
• Go through your inventory and check if there are expired items. Throw them out immediately. See if any items have not been used for a long time and discard them to declutter the area.
• Sweep the floor and ceiling with a broom. You can also use the broom to clean any dust gathered on walls.
• Mop floor with hot water and soap and scrub out any stains to leave the floor clean and sparkling.
• Any mold in the area should be cleaned using a solution with one part bleach and three parts water. Any mold on the items should be scrubbed with a sponge dipped in the solution.
• Set wooden pallets if you have a problem with moisture and store items on the pallets which will keep them away from moisture.
• Move the items back into the storage room and cover them with a tarp to help protect them from dust and dirt.

3. Bathroom area cleaning checklist

According to a study conducted on restaurant services, most customers will remember a dirty bathroom more than any other negative experience. Around 80% of patrons will not come back if your restroom is not clean. Have a set schedule for cleaning the bathroom to keep a well-maintained bathroom. This Restaurant Cleaning checklist for bathrooms should help you maintain a clean and sanitary bathroom-
Daily cleaning checklist-

• Disinfect toilet bowls and urinals.
• Clean and wipe down glass surfaces and mirrors.
• Clean and dry sinks and counters.
• Clean and sanitize door handles, taps and soap dispensers.
• Refill dispensers.
• Empty trash.
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Put out wet floor signs.

• Dust throughout the area, including the tops of the surfaces.
• Wash walls, stall doors, and partitions.
• Clean and polish mirrors, metal surfaces and any splash marks.
• Clean drains.
• Scrub out grout.

4. Dining area cleaning checklist

The dining area can be described as the face of your establishment, as it is the first impression your customers get of your establishment. Hence, having a clean front of house is important. Here is the cleaning checklist you need to maintain a clean front-of-house.
Daily cleaning-

• Wipe down the walls
• Sanitize the tables, seats, benches, and bar stools.
• Wipe down the shakers for salt, pepper, and condiments.
• Wipe down all the counters.
• Clean the tablecloths, napkins, and aprons in a washing machine.
• Vacuum carpets.
• Take out the trash and clean the trash and recycling bins.
• Sweep and mop the floors.

• Dust and clean the light fixtures and light switches.
• Wash and clean windows and doors.
• Clean and disinfect door handles.

• Monthly deep cleaning-
• Dust and wipe clean any decorations.
• Clean cobwebs.
• Wash walls.