A dirty restaurant is a good indicator of poor quality food and unhealthy eating conditions. It can make diners have second thoughts about whether they should come back a second time. Patrons might also leave the dreaded negative review, which could give you a lousy reputation and hurt future profits.
Bad cleaning habits can also cause health inspection violations and fines. Worse, unclean kitchens and dining areas can actually make people sick. In a survey of inspection reports from 20 cities, the Center for Science in the Public Interest found that 44% of foodborne illness outbreaks came from meals made at restaurants — twice that from private homes. Of these locations, more than 1 out of 4 restaurants had contaminated food contact surfaces, and two-thirds of restaurants had similar high-risk food safety violations.
Easy cleaning practices can reduce food waste, eliminate restaurant odors, and create a safer environment for staff and guests. To help keep a clean commercial kitchen and spotless restaurant, use this simple restaurant cleaning checklist.
Everyday Cleaning List
After every shift or between shifts, cooks, kitchen staff, waiters, and bussing staff can follow easy steps to maintain cleanliness. Mix in these tasks to make cleaning part of their normal routines.
Don’t forget bathrooms. Studies show that 82% of guests think a restaurant with unclean, smelly restrooms probably also has a dirty kitchen.
BACK-OF-HOUSE
Clean
Splashes on walls
Cooking appliances (griddle, range, grill)
Equipment (microwave, toaster, meat slicer)
Prep areas / cutting boards
Beverage dispensers
Eating utensils
Sinks
Linens (rags, towels, aprons, uniforms)
Trash cans
Floors
Other Tasks
Refill soap dispensers
Sweep walk-in refrigerators and storage
Take out trash / recycling
Dump & refill sanitizing buckets
FRONT-OF-HOUSE
Wipe Down
Walls
Tables
Condiment containers
Counters
Seats and benches
Floors
Menus
POS kiosks
Clean
Vacuum carpets
Linens (napkins, tablecloths, aprons, rags)
Bathrooms
Disinfect toilets
Sinks
Trash
Floors
Other Tasks
Refill salt, pepper, other condiments
Take out trash / recycling
Weekly Cleaning List
This weekly restaurant cleaning checklist addresses hard-to-reach areas and surfaces that require more thorough cleansing.
BACK-OF-HOUSE
Clean
Ovens (walls, door, racks)
Anti-fatigue mats
Floor drains
Hoods & hood filters
Drink fountain nozzles
Deep Clean
Delime sinks and faucets
Boil out deep fryer
Sanitize refrigerators and freezers
FRONT-OF-HOUSE
Clean
Light fixtures
Glass windows and doors
Door handles
Chair and stool legs
Baseboards
Monthly Cleaning List
Every month, follow this restaurant deep cleaning checklist
BACK-OF-HOUSE
Clean
Splashes on walls
Hot line
Refrigerator coils
Grease traps
Pest traps
Deep Clean
Refill soap dispensers
Coffee / espresso machines
Freezer
Grease build-up (walls, stoves, floors)
FRONT-OF-HOUSE
Deep Clean
Ceilings
Walls
Decorations, photo and art frames
Yearly Cleaning List
Once or twice a year, some areas need extra attention. Follow this restaurant deep cleaning checklist to make sure they don’t get missed.
BACK-OF-HOUSE
Deep Clean / Sanitize
Ice machine (2x per year)
Vent hoods (2x per year)
Pilot lights on equipment
Dishwashers
Check
Fire suppression system
Fire extinguishers
FRONT-OF-HOUSE
Deep Clean
Carpets
Upholstery
Check
Fire alarms
Security systems
