TL;DR
- A checklist designed for commercial kitchen cleaning activities in Atlanta, helping users follow through on cleaning tasks for different areas in their commercial space.
- Owners of commercial kitchens or restaurants in Atlanta will find this checklist handy. It will help them seek out professional services that can meet their needs and avoid issues with guidelines.
- Cleaning tasks and types are to be covered daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
- Benefits of trusting a proven commercial cleaning company to handle different aspects of the cleaning.
Introduction
It's no secret that kitchens are associated with fine cuisines, with meals to leave the taste buds eager for more. The other part we don't see is the hours committed to maintaining hygiene standards. Regular cleaning is essential and must cover the basics set by regulatory bodies in Atlanta against the backdrop of factors like climate, health inspections, and the competitive restaurant market.
If you own a restaurant in Atlanta, you'd know that the safety of your staff and customers is just as important as the safety of the food. This article presents a modern commercial kitchen cleaning checklist that will help you run a spotless, healthy operation.
Why Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Matters
Maintaining a clean and hygienic commercial kitchen is necessary to keep customers and employees safe. This matters because your business is at stake if you don't stay clear of health violations, foodborne illness, reviews, and operational issues.
Further, a clean kitchen means longer equipment lifespan, so you don't have to worry about making constant changes and losing money in the process. Using a professional cleaning service that considers all these is essential. They'll use the best equipment and tools to help your restaurant function optimally.
The best benefit you get from a clean kitchen is not falling short of the standards set by the Atlanta health department. This body carries out routine inspections, and the importance of being “inspection-ready” cannot be overemphasized. You want to avoid a situation where you're blacklisted or eventually go on to lose your business.
Daily Cleaning Checklist
Due to the nature of commercial kitchens, cleaning must be done daily or, at most, at the end of every shift.
Sanitize prep surfaces and high-touch points: These are spots constantly receiving human touches, including door handles and prep tables. They should be sanitized after shifts.
Clean cooking equipment: Grills, fryers, pans, and similar cooking equipment are constantly in use. They should be clean after use no matter the number of times it takes. You wouldn't want a situation where food particles or taste from previous efforts reflect in new ones.
Take out the trash, mop floors: Trash accumulates every day, and with the foot traffic and spills, your floors constantly need mopping. Sometimes, hard washes are used to remove tough stains.
Trash may contain leftovers, paper bags, and organic items. Properly disposing of it keeps insects and foul smells away. Outdoor bins must be emptied daily.
Sanitize sinks, tools, and utensils: Sinks, tools, and utensils are areas and items that need cleaning after every shift. With sinks, there's a whole lot of fluids passing through, so preparing them for the next shift is essential. As for tools and utensils, they're cleaned immediately and made ready for the next rotation.
Cleaners must avoid or reduce moisture buildup due to humidity. This will help to prevent the appearance of molds and prevent slips, which could be fatal to staff and customers.
Weekly Cleaning Checklist
These tasks should be done once a week:
Clean behind/under appliances: Microwaves, ovens, and other appliances must get their share of cleaning weekly. Ensure you clean under and behind such equipment, as germs and dirt are likely to form there.
Degrease walls, exhaust hoods, and vents: Walls and vents often trap smoke and aroma, leading to grease stains. If left over time, you'll have a health violation to worry about. Degrease such areas and air vents as well. Professionals will get this done once every week.
Deep clean walk-in refrigerators and shelving: Walk-in refrigerators and shelves store items like seafood, meat, and other perishables. Because of this unique role, weekly deep cleans are essential and most effective in key areas, including intricate spaces.
Sanitize storage containers: Storage containers can get contaminated if left for too long. If you have precious items in them, it makes even more sense to sanitize them weekly. You'll be avoiding potential health issues, too.
Commercial kitchen owners in Atlanta must be wary of pollen/dust around ventilation equipment. The equipment can get stuck with such particles and even blow dirt inside, posing a threat to employees and customers.
Monthly Cleaning Checklist
Bigger maintenance or less frequently used items can be cleaned monthly.
Clean HVAC and vent hoods professionally: HVAC systems and vent hoods are equipment that need professional attention. Most of the time, commercial kitchen cleaners have the skills and expertise needed to handle such systems every month, getting them running smoothly.
Inspect pest control areas: Pests love food crumbs and particles, so you should regularly ensure your pest control areas function properly. You'd be avoiding a potential infestation that may affect your business and customers.
Clean fire suppression systems: Fires may be scarce, but you always want to stay prepared for any incident. It's also part of the guidelines that commercial kitchens must observe in Atlanta. The service provider will help you keep it in working condition.
Schedule equipment checks: Every month, ensure equipment is checked and, in some cases, serviced. Get a professional to check them once a month or quarterly for deep sanitation.
When to Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Signs you need professional help: One of the sure signs you need a professional cleaning service for your kitchen is poor in-house consistency. An in-house team may not have what it takes to deliver a clean and hygienic space, especially with grease buildup and other things leading to failed inspections. Turning to them will guarantee that you receive the best service.
Benefits of outsourcing in Atlanta: There are many benefits of outsourcing your kitchen or restaurant cleaning in Atlanta, including code familiarity and better equipment. Pro cleaners have many things figured out to clean your commercial space, leading to faster results.
How to choose the right cleaning company: Choosing the right kitchen cleaning company is a vital part of the process. Ensure the company is licensed, insured, and experienced in kitchen environments. These qualities are non-negotiable and may determine the results you get.
Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Costs in Atlanta
The cost of cleaning services varies from location to location. In Atlanta, you must consider several factors, such as the size, service frequency, and condition of your space. However, the typical cost of hiring a professional ranges per square foot or service. If you run a large restaurant, the cost of performing various cleaning tasks may result in hiring fees.
Note that hiring a professional cleaner isn't for the fun of it. It is an investment in safety, compliance, and the future of your business. One thing you can do is request quotes from local providers in Atlanta.
FAQs
- How often should a kitchen be deep cleaned?
Most of the magic happens in the kitchen, where tasty foods are prepared, so it must be cleaned regularly. Deep cleans are focused efforts to properly clean the kitchen and should be done once every month. Although quarterly is just as good.
- Can my regular staff handle all cleaning tasks?
Yes. But with much effort, running a commercial kitchen, their performance may leave you disappointed. Not to mention that you have guidelines and codes to adhere to. You're better served by hiring a professional cleaning service to get the job done. They know the codes in Atlanta and have the equipment to keep your kitchen clean.
Conclusion
You can get the kind of spotless kitchen you desire, but it's important to have a structured cleaning routine or checklist. There are benefits of using a professional to clean your kitchen, including safety, hygiene, and smooth inspections, helping you stick to guidelines and best practices.
Don't just get the checklist; follow it and consider professional service. Different parts of your kitchen require deep or routine cleaning after shifts, daily or monthly, and the pros have the equipment and experience to match your standards.