Commercial kitchens are found in restaurants, cafes, schools, universities, and even in some businesses. They are much larger in size than a residential kitchen and require a much higher level of cleaning and disinfecting.
In this blog post we will discuss how commercial kitchens differ from residential kitchens, why it is important that they be kept clean, the use of vapor steam cleaning, and how a professional cleaning service can benefit your commercial kitchen cleaning needs.
How are commercial kitchens different from residential kitchens?
Commercial kitchens differ from residential kitchens in a few ways. First, commercial kitchens must comply with several legal regulations as they are responsible for preparing food for the general public rather than a private family.
Additionally, commercial kitchens need to have a wide range of cooking stations to account for the different types of food being prepared, which includes cooking, grilling, baking, frying, and at least one prep station.
Each space must be large enough to accommodate workers safely operating within them. Most commercial kitchens will have at least a few sinks, a microwave, walk-in freezers and refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and extensive counter space.
It is essential to avoid cross-contamination at all costs in commercial kitchens and considering the massive volume of food being handled, it is often necessary to have more counter space for food.
Overall, commercial kitchens generally have more going on than residential kitchens and thus require more frequent and efficient cleaning.
Why is it so important to keep commercial kitchens clean?
Because commercial kitchens are in use for long periods of time, it is important to keep everything clean and well-maintained. A lack of proper care and cleaning can quickly shorten many kitchen appliance’s lifespans and effectiveness.
A buildup of oil and grease residue on stove grates can impair the stove’s ability to evenly heat something and can pose a fire hazard. Failing to properly clean a sink can easily result in a buildup of lime and other minerals or even rust in the faucet head.
Neglecting any area of a kitchen when cleaning invites opportunities for cross-contamination, bacteria growth, and fire hazards, and with the busy schedule that most restaurants maintain, minor details can often go unnoticed.
What is vapor steam cleaning?
Vapor steam cleaning is a chemical-free, versatile, and highly effective steam cleaning method used in commercial kitchens. It works by highly pressurizing and heating water and expelling it as a fine vapor, which can easily penetrate porous surfaces to destroy harmful bacteria, mold, and other contaminants.
The high pressure dislodges dirt, while the high temperatures kill bacteria and germs while loosening grease and oil stains. Vapor steam cleaning can be used on a wide variety of surfaces and machines.
Additionally, vapor steam cleaning is a very eco-friendly method as it uses only water and is an ideal green cleaning method for use in commercial kitchens where food is present.
Why should you hire a commercial cleaning service for your business?
Maintaining a clean commercial kitchen is necessary for a variety of reasons, including to keep up to date on health code and food standards and to ensure your customers are getting the best possible dining and food experience.
Kitchen staff are responsible for daily routine cleaning, including cleaning and disinfecting countertops, prep stations, cooktops, and appliances, as well as sweeping and mopping the floors. We’ve put together a handy checklist for commercial kitchen cleaning to help your staff stay on track. You can download that checklist here.
However, the tougher jobs like cleaning grease traps, fryers, getting built-up grease and gunk off of appliances, and doing deep cleaning and disinfecting behind appliances, in walk-in freezers, and other areas should be performed by a professional commercial cleaning company.
A professional commercial cleaning company will also have the proper tools, equipment, experience, and know-how to do the job effectively and efficiently. Commercial Cleaning Corporation uses green cleaning methods, which means there is no risk of dangerous chemicals contaminating the food or building as a result.
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality services possible tailored to your budget, timeline, and needs. To learn more about how Commercial Cleaning Corporation can help with your commercial cleaning needs, fill out our form to schedule a free consultation or walkthrough of your facility.