The Ultimate Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist for Commercial Kitchens

Not only does a deep clean reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it also ensures that your kitchen complies with health and safety regulations – and even how efficiently your kitchen runs.

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of your kitchen’s hygiene is by following a solid plan, which is made easier with a kitchen cleaning checklist. In this article, we’ve broken down essential cleaning tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly To-Dos, so you can ensure no corner gets missed and keep everything ticking along nicely. Plus, we’ve compiled additional pro tips for good measure. 

Regulations for Commercial Kitchens: Why Cleaning Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick reminder on why deep cleaning matters so much in commercial kitchens across the UK: In the UK, the Food Standards Agency doesn’t mess about when it comes to kitchen hygiene. Kitchens are inspected by local authorities and receive a rating between 0–5. Maintaining cleanliness helps you achieve and retain a high rating, which boosts customer confidence and protects your business reputation.

The 4 Critical Cs

These four critical points guide how kitchens should operate. When the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) pops by for an inspection (and they will), they’ll be looking at how well you’re implementing these principles:

1. Cooking food at the right temperature.
2. Chilling it properly.
3. Preventing cross-contamination.
4. And, of course, cleaning. This is where a daily kitchen cleaning checklist becomes crucial to maintaining a safe food preparation environment.

Not sure if you’re overdue for a deep clean? Watch out for these telltale signs:

• Funky smells that linger even after daily cleaning.
• Grease building up fast.
• Equipment that’s not working as efficiently as it should.
• Ventilation ducts looking like they’re due for a clean.

Basically, deep cleaning keeps your kitchen hygienic, your equipment working, and your customers coming back for seconds.

Essential Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Checklists: Daily, Weekly, Monthly

A structured approach is key to keeping your kitchen clean. Regular cleaning reduces the build-up of grease, grime, and bacteria, helping prevent health violations. Here’s a breakdown of the key tasks for each day, week, and month.

Daily Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

The daily kitchen cleaning checklist is the foundation of your kitchen’s hygiene. These tasks should be completed at the end of each shift to keep the space clean, hygienic, and ready for the next service.

1. Wipe Down Food Prep Areas

Use an antibacterial cleaner to wipe down countertops, tables, and food prep surfaces. Remember to wipe down corners and edges where food particles can gather as these areas are prime spots for bacteria.

2. Clean Appliances 

Wipe down all appliances, such as the stovetop, ovens, microwave and toasters, using a microfibre cloth to prevent grease build-up. For stubborn stains, you may need a degreaser, oven cleaner, acidic cleaner, disinfectant or stainless steel cleaner, depending on the appliance. In many cases, a baking soda paste and warm water will also do the job.

3. Empty Bins and Disinfect Waste Areas

It’s not the nicest of tasks, but it’s one of the most important because your waste areas are bacteria hotspots. Empty trash bins and disinfect the areas surrounding waste containers to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Clean the inside of bins with soapy water and disinfect the lid and rims.

4. Wash and Sanitise Chopping Boards

After each use, clean chopping boards with hot water and antibacterial dishwashing soap. You should also sanitise using a solution of white vinegar and water to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

5. Clean the Grill, Fryer, and Slicers

After each use, scrub down grills, fryers, and slicers to remove grease and grime. For meat and cheese slicers, use a degreaser and wipe clean with a cloth or microfibre for an effective clean.

6. Sweep and Mop Kitchen Floors

First sweep the floors to remove crumbs and debris, then mop with an antibacterial floor cleaner. Ensure all spills are cleaned immediately to reduce slipping hazards.

7. Clean Kitchen Equipment and Utensils

Wash knives, utensils, cutlery, plates, and glassware after each use in a dishwasher or by hand. To ensure your dishwasher is functioning properly, run a self-cleaning cycle with warm water or use a dishwasher cleaner. This helps remove any build-up of grease and grime, ensuring the machine continues to operate efficiently.

8. Wipe Down Walls, Light Switches, and Door Handles

Wipe clean all walls and switches with an antibacterial cleaner to remove grease and grime. Don’t forget to disinfect door handles, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

9. Check Ventilation and Air Systems

Ensure that the ventilation system is clean and grease-free. Clean filters regularly to prevent grease build-up and reduce fire risks – something we’d all rather avoid.

Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

A weekly kitchen cleaning checklist focuses on deeper cleaning tasks that should be done once a week. These tasks ensure that your kitchen stays in top shape and prevents grease and food residue from building up.

1. Deep Clean Sink Areas

Give your sinks some extra TLC – they’re one of the most-used areas in any kitchen. A good scrub with antibacterial dish soap or another suitable cleaner will keep them gleaming and germ-free. Don’t forget to go in between the grout.

2. Clean Ovens, Racks, and Fryers

Use an oven cleaner to clean ovens and racks, and give your fryers a thorough cleaning to remove built-up grease.

3. Sanitise Walk-In Refrigerators and Freezers

Walk-in refrigerators and freezers need weekly attention too. Wipe down shelves and doors, check for expired food, and make sure everything is properly organised. A clean fridge is an efficient fridge.

4. Clean Drains with Drain Cleaner

Don’t forget about your drains. A natural drain cleaner can prevent blockages and eliminate nasty smells before they start.

5. Dust and Clean Lights

Dust light fixtures and clean the bulbs, especially those near food prep areas.

6. Clean Coffee Machines and Beverage Dispensers

Clean all beverage dispensers thoroughly by running a cleaning cycle and wiping all external surfaces. Coffee machines especially need regular cleaning to prevent build-up and ensure your brews taste as good as they should.

Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

The monthly kitchen cleaning checklist addresses tasks that are too big for daily or weekly cleaning. These tasks might take a bit more elbow grease, but they’re crucial for maintaining a truly clean kitchen. 

1. Wash Behind Ovens and Fryers

Move those heavy appliances and clean behind and underneath them. Grease and food can collect in these hard-to-reach areas, creating hygiene risks.

2. Clean Under Appliances

Pull out large appliances like fridges and microwaves, and clean underneath them to remove dirt and grime.

3. Clean Freezers and Ice Machines

Defrost freezers if needed, and clean ice machines to ensure they’re sanitary and running efficiently.

4. Sharpen Meat and Cheese Slicers

Ensure that slicers are sharp, clean, and sanitised to prevent food contamination.

5. Deep Clean Walls, Ceilings, and Vent Hoods

Scrub walls and ceilings, particularly near cooking appliances, to remove grease and stains. These often-overlooked areas can harbour serious grease buildup. A good scrub with appropriate cleaners will prevent potential fire hazards and keep your kitchen looking fresh.

6. Clean Fridge Coils

Dirty coils make your fridge work harder, using more energy and potentially shortening its lifespan. Clean fridge coils to ensure proper functioning and efficiency.

7. Check Pest Traps and Cleaning Stock

End the month by checking your pest traps and restocking cleaning supplies. Being prepared means you’ll never have to skip a cleaning task due to a lack of materials.

Kitchen Cleaning Equipment: The Basics You’ll Need

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to deep cleaning your kitchen. Investing in high-quality cleaning supplies will save time and improve your results. Here’s a list of must-haves:

• Microfiber cloths – Non-abrasive and excellent for wiping down surfaces.
• Antibacterial cleaner – To sanitise all food prep areas.
• Grease cleaner – To break down stubborn grease build-up in cooking appliances.
• Sponges and scrubbers – For tackling tough stains.
• Mops and buckets – For mopping floors effectively.
• Dishwasher cleaner – To keep dishwashers in top shape.
• Steam cleaners – For tackling deeper grime and stains in hard-to-reach areas.

Hygiene Practices for Kitchen Staff

Maintaining cleanliness is not only about keeping the space clean but also about having hygienic practices for the staff. Even the cleanest kitchen can be compromised by poor staff hygiene practices. Here’s how staff can support the overall cleaning process:

• Hand washing: This is probably the most crucial hygiene practice of all. After handling raw food, using the loo, touching bins, or handling money, hands need a proper wash with soap and warm water.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Appropriate workwear – clean uniforms, aprons, hairnets, and gloves − aren't just for show. They prevent contamination and maintain professional standards.

Expert Tips for Maintaining a Sparkling Clean Kitchen

Want to take your kitchen cleanliness to the next level? These pro tips will help:

• Do regular internal cleaning audits: Regularly review your kitchen cleaning procedures as part of your Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Ensure your team knows the importance of following your kitchen cleaning checklist and can identify areas that need attention. 
• Delegate tasks wisely: Assign cleaning duties based on shifts. This ensures that no task is overlooked and makes the process more manageable.
• Don’t overlook certain areas: Nooks and crannies can be breeding grounds for germs, so be sure to give them a once over too. 
• Stock up on quality supplies: From baking soda to industrial grease cleaner, running out of these items can halt your cleaning routine.
• Do a seriously deep clean every 3 to 6 months: This is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, fire hazards, costly appliance repairs, and passing inspections. Overwhelmed at the thought? KDC Hygiene Ltd. can help.

Conclusion

Following this kitchen deep cleaning checklist will keep your commercial kitchen hygiene compliant, efficient, and ready for whatever the day throws at you. 

But we understand that sometimes you need professional help to get everything truly spotless. That’s where KDC Hygiene Ltd. comes in. Our team of cleaning experts specialises in commercial kitchen deep cleaning, using professional-grade equipment and the right products to get your kitchen gleaming.

Want to know more? Give us a call for a no-obligation quote. Because when it comes to kitchen cleanliness, cutting corners simply isn’t an option.