Maintaining a clean kitchen isn’t difficult, it just takes some work, dedication, and a hint of pride. However, there are some things you can do to make kitchen hygiene easier and less time-intensive.
Take a look at our top 5 ways to keep your kitchen clean at all times.
1. Perform a deep clean
It’s much easier to maintain a clean kitchen than it is to keep re-cleaning a dirty one. That’s why the deep clean could be transformative for your kitchen.
To perform a deep clean, allocate an extended period of time to clean every surface of your kitchen. You’ll need to clean all walls, floors and windows, behind equipment and storage, inside appliances, and pretty much everywhere you can think of. Aim to clean far deeper than your usual cleaning schedule prescribes.
2. Reduce clutter
In kitchens, cleanliness follows on from tidiness. This is because excess clutter and forgotten items collect and hide dirt. If items are rarely used they are not often cleaned. Instead, they tend to pile up in corners and on shelves collecting dust from the air. If we want our kitchen spotless at all times it’s best to keep only the most essential items.
Start by removing all the items from your kitchen and putting them in one place. Next, create a spreadsheet and list each item with a category label according to the below:
1. Used once a day
2. Used less than once a day
3. Used less than once a week
4. Used less than once a month
5. Used less than once a year
6. Not regularly required
Then, clean each item thoroughly and return it to storage according to the following criteria, and in the following order:
Category 6 items: Dispose of item
Category 5 items: Store together in boxes and away from kitchen
Category 4 items: Store together in boxes and away from kitchen
Category 3 items: Store together at the back of kitchen cupboards
Category 2 items: Store on easy-access shelves or in cupboards
Category 1 items: Store at the front of kitchen cupboards or draws
Remember that the goal here is to de-clutter your kitchen as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to throw things away if you have no foreseeable use for them.
3. Keep cleaning products to hand at all times
The convenience of cleaning products will, to a large extent, affect how often they are used. If you keep clean, dry cloths and sponges to hand, staff are much more likely to use them after every small job. Wall storage near to food preparation areas are super convenient and serve as a reminder to all. Don’t forget to clean these regularly, however. They collect grime and bacteria more than most areas.
4. Daily cleaning schedule
By cleaning a little every day you can easily keep dirt at bay. A written schedule will help you to make sure that no area of the kitchen is neglected for long periods. Make sure staff check the schedule and sign off on their tasks at the end of every day.
5. Train staff correctly
No matter how hygiene conscious you are personally, you can’t keep a busy kitchen clean on your own! Making sure your staff are trained correctly is the best way to make sure your premises stays spotless. The Food Standards Agency has a plethora of great resources for teaching your staff to clean and handle food effectively. Check them out here.
Remember, it’s important to imbue your staff with a sense of pride in the cleanliness and hygiene. A sparkling work surface is a wonderful thing; try to teach your staff to enjoy the feeling of a clean kitchen.
