A dirty commercial kitchen can be more than just unsightly, it poses a hazard to workers and the general public who consume the food. Cleanliness is of utmost importance in a commercial kitchen, contributing to a good reputation, cleanliness rating, and protecting the health of potential customers.
At First Cleaning Services, we offer commercial kitchen cleaning services, where our team of technicians can deep clean your kitchen on a contract basis or for a one-time only. We clean and disinfect your kitchen, including hard-to-reach areas such as kitchen ducts, extractors, and ventilation systems.
Read on to learn the importance of keeping a commercial kitchen clean for health, safety and business success.Â
The importance of commercial kitchen cleaning
Maintaining cleanliness in a commercial kitchen is essential to health, safety and success. A dirty kitchen can lead to food contamination, putting your customers’ safety at risk.
Hygiene standards are monitored by regulatory bodies such as the Food Standards Agency, and if you fail inspections, you could face serious penalties.
A clean kitchen also runs more efficiently, preventing equipment breakdowns and reducing the risk to staff working with hot surfaces or sharp objects. Maintaining high hygiene standards is essential if you want your business to be successful.
Understanding the elements of a commercial kitchen
A commercial kitchen is a complex arrangement where every element contributes to the safety and quality of food. The heart of any commercial kitchen is the cooking equipment, including stoves, grills, fryers, and steamers.
These appliances need to be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup that can affect flavor or create a fire hazard. Refrigeration units keep perishable foods fresh but can harbor harmful bacteria like mold if not properly maintained.
Preparation areas, such as cutting boards, may seem clean enough to use. However, wood boards harbor more bacteria due to their porous nature, so you can avoid cutting meat on these surfaces.
The use of appropriate cleaning products and tools
Keeping a commercial kitchen clean is all about cleaning surfaces and using the right cleaning products and tools. When choosing kitchen cleaners, always make sure they are food-safe, capable of killing bacteria, and suitable for the surface material.
Cleaning tools also need attention because dirty cloths and cutting boards can spread germs. An easy way to prevent cross-contamination is to use color-coded equipment.
Finally, always remember safety. Use gloves when handling harsh chemicals, properly ventilate your kitchen, and store cleaning supplies safely away from food preparation areas.
Cleaning tasks for a commercial kitchen
Daily cleaning tasks
Running a commercial kitchen is all about preparing good food and keeping the kitchen clean and safe. Performing daily cleaning tasks is an essential part of this.
It’s important to make sure that all work surfaces are wiped down with a food-safe disinfectant. This helps to remove any bacteria or food residue left over from your preparation work.
Next, you need to sweep and mop the floors. Food can end up on the floor during busy service times, and leaving it there can lead to pests or slip hazards.
You should also make sure that your equipment is cleaned thoroughly. Start by scrubbing appliances like grills and ovens thoroughly every day to avoid the build-up of grease and oil.
Monthly and quarterly cleaning tasks
Deep cleaning your kitchen hoods is essential every month to remove hardened grease. This reduces the risk of fires, but it can be a difficult task. Professional help from an experienced company can help with duct cleaning or air quality.
Kitchen appliances require quarterly attention, including ovens, refrigerators, and freezers. Remember to defrost and clean freezers to avoid frost buildup, which can affect efficiency.
The exhaust system also needs attention every quarter because accumulated dirt can affect ventilation performance and pose a serious fire risk.
Training staff on kitchen hygiene practices
It is essential to train your staff in kitchen hygiene practices to maintain cleanliness and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Kitchen workers need to understand the risks associated with poor hygiene.
All staff working in a commercial kitchen or hospitality environment should be familiar with Food Standards Agency guidelines, highlighting potential risks such as cross-contamination or foodborne illness.
In-depth training can help staff use cleaning tools effectively, stick to a daily routine, and keep track of larger cleaning tasks that occur less frequently. A well-trained team ensures a clean and efficient commercial kitchen.
The role of professional cleaning services
Hiring a professional cleaning service can be necessary when a hard-working team can’t keep up with the work. Deep cleaning after a busy season or dealing with those hard-to-reach areas can be a challenge.
Professional cleaning services have access to the right tools and expertise to ensure every area is clean and safe. This gives your kitchen a fresh start and makes it compliant with health regulations.
Get in touch
If you need contract cleaning services for your commercial kitchen, you can count on First Cleaning Services. Our team offers flexible contracts for commercial kitchen cleaning services, where we will clean your site as little or as much as you need.
To find out more about what we offer, contact our team on 052 252 3500 or info@firstcleanuae.com and we will contact you today with a free, no-obligation quote. We operate nationwide and are accessible 24/7, operating 365 days a year, including public holidays.​
