Sanitizing a restaurant is almost as important as producing safe and delicious food, especially during cold and flu season. The cleaning process can be a very lengthy one, and the task seems to compound when a virus is going through the community. However, the process is completely worth it when a food service business can stay open; this restaurant sanitation checklist can aid in the process and keep a restaurant safe, clean, and ready to serve.
Restaurant Cleaning Tips
- Consider automated cleaning products, such as the Hydra Rinse system for ice cream machines, which can make cleaning easier and faster.
- Always make sure the cleaning staff is equipped with proper personal protection equipment during the cleaning process.
- Follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning commercial equipment to ensure that the equipment still works properly.
- When purchasing new commercial equipment, look for equipment with automated cleaning processes. If one is not available, ask a commercial equipment professional about equipment maintenance and cleaning procedures.
- Establish easy-to-follow cleaning procedures and carefully train staff to properly clean the kitchen, back area, registers, drive-thru, restroom, and seating areas.
- Post checklists that can be easily accessed by staff during cleaning times and at closing.
- When there is a virus outbreak, carefully follow procedures set forth by the Center for Disease Control.
Restaurant Sanitation Checklist
Kitchen/Prep Area Cleaning
___ Wash walls (especially where the walls get sprayed or splattered).
___ Disinfect prep surfaces.
___ Clean commercial ovens, holding cabinets, ice cream machines, fryers, and other machines.
___ Disinfect all commercial equipment handles (such as refrigerator handles, oven knobs, appliance handles, etc.)
___ Wash meat slicers and wipe down appliances (such as coffee makers, toasters, etc.)
___ Clean beverage dispensers and remove parts for washing.
___ Wash dishes and equipment parts.
___ Sanitize handwashing station and sink and refill supplies.
___ Launder aprons, rags, and other linens.
___ Vacuum mats and rugs.
___ Sweep and mop the floor.
___ Disinfect door knobs.
___ Take out trash and disinfect trash cans.
Office Sanitation
___ Disinfect chairs, safe handles, desks.
___ Sweep and mop the floor.
___ Take out trash and disinfect trash cans.
___ Vacuum mats and rugs.
___ Disinfect door knobs.
Register/Drive Thru Cleaning
___ Disinfect countertops and carts.
___ Sanitize registers and trays.
___ Disinfect drive thru window and all surfaces touched by employees and customers.
___ Launder aprons, rags, and other linens.
___ Sweep and mop the floor.
___ Vacuum mats and rugs.
___ Take out trash and disinfect trash cans.
Seating Areas
___ Sanitize condiment stations and napkin holders.
___ Disinfect all tables, chairs, and benches.
___ Completely clean and sanitize buffet stations.
___ Launder aprons, rags, and other linens.
___ Vacuum mats and rugs.
___ Take out trash and disinfect trash cans.
___ Sweep and mop the floor.
___ Disinfect door knobs and push bars.
___ Clean door glass.
___ Take out trash.
Restroom Cleaning
___ Sanitize countertops.
___ Wipe down mirrors.
___ Refill supplies (i.e. paper towels, toilet paper, etc.)
___ Clean toilets.
___ Disinfect faucets, toilet, appliance, and stall door handles.
___ Wash wall and stall walls.
___ Sweep and mop the floor.
___ Vacuum mats and rugs.
___ Take out trash and disinfect trash cans.