Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is critical in the foodservice industry. Regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting help prevent cross-contamination and the spread of viruses. However, with numerous tasks to manage, it can be challenging to keep track of what needs to be cleaned and how often. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive restaurant cleaning checklist to help your team stay organized and ensure nothing gets overlooked. For best results, pair this checklist with our complete selection of restaurant cleaning supplies.

Back-of-House Cleaning Checklist

Consistent and thorough cleaning of the back-of-house area is essential to maintain food safety and prevent the spread of bacteria. Use this checklist to stay on top of daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks in your kitchen:

Daily Tasks

• Wipe down any walls with food splashes or residue
• Clean cooking equipment, including grills, griddles, ranges, flattops, and fryers (don’t forget underneath and behind units)
• Replace foil linings on ranges, grills, and flattops
• Wipe down small equipment (e.g., coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, meat slicers)
• Sanitize prep surfaces using approved surface sanitizers
• Clean beverage dispenser heads and soda gun nozzles
• Wash and air dry utensils, smallwares, flatware, and glassware
• Clean and disinfect all sinks
• Launder rags, towels, aprons, and uniforms
• Refill soap dispensers and replace paper towels
• Sweep walk-in coolers and storage areas
• Remove trash and recycling
• Disinfect waste disposal zones and clean out bins
• Sweep and mop all kitchen floors using proper floor care products

Weekly Tasks

• Deep clean ovens, including doors, racks, and interior walls
• Remove lime buildup from sinks and faucets
• Boil out the deep fryer
• Clean and sanitize walk-in refrigerators and freezers
• Clean anti-fatigue mats
• Treat floor drains with drain cleaner

Monthly Tasks

• Clean behind the hot line to prevent buildup and clogs
• Run cleaning solutions through espresso and coffee machines
• Sanitize the ice machine (recommended every 6 months)
• Clean and sanitize freezers
• Vacuum refrigerator coils to remove dust and debris
• Empty and clean grease traps
• Wash walls and ceilings to remove grease and grime
• Clean vent hoods (every few months or as needed)
• Replace pest control traps

Front-of-House Cleaning Checklist

The cleanliness of your dining area is crucial to your customers’ experience and perception of your restaurant. A clean front-of-house not only reflects well on your brand but also encourages guests to return.

Daily Tasks

• Wipe down walls as needed
• Sanitize dining tables thoroughly
• Clean and inspect condiment containers and shakers
• Wipe down service counters
• Clean all seating surfaces, including chairs and benches
• Wash cloth napkins, microfiber cloths, table linens, and staff uniforms
• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Take out trash and recycling
• Clean inside and outside of trash and recycling bins
• Sweep and mop all floor surfaces
• Sanitize all restroom surfaces
• Disinfect toilets and wipe down bathroom sinks
• Empty sanitary napkin disposals
• Remove bathroom trash
• Sweep and mop restroom floors

Weekly Tasks

• Dust and clean light fixtures
• Wash windows and glass doors
• Sanitize door handles

Monthly Tasks

• Dust wall art and decorative items
• Check ceilings for cobwebs
• Wash down walls

Why Use a Restaurant Cleaning Checklist?

Implementing a cleaning checklist helps your team stay organized, ensures accountability, and supports consistent sanitation practices. It allows managers to assign tasks, track completion, and align with food safety standards. Clean equipment not only extends the life of your appliances but also contributes to better-tasting food. A well-kept dining space positively influences your guests’ experience and builds customer loyalty.

To further enhance your restaurant’s hygiene and safety, consider developing and enforcing a HACCP plan alongside this cleaning checklist.