Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Daily, Weekly & Monthly (2026)

By David Rigbye February 7, 2025

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A commercial kitchen is more than where meals are made—it’s the engine driving your business. It’s where reputations are built, and customer trust is earned.

But that trust can crumble if your kitchen isn’t spotless.

The challenge? Keeping up with cleaning in the face of spills, grease, and busy shifts.

A missed task here or there might seem harmless, but it adds up fast. Inspections, food safety, and staff morale all hinge on maintaining a clean, well-run operation.

This guide isn’t just a checklist; it’s your blueprint for consistency. By breaking down the daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, we’ll show you how to stay ahead and protect what matters most: your customers, your team, and your reputation.

Key regulations commercial kitchens need to adhere to

Running a commercial kitchen means more than just preparing delicious meals. Compliance with strict health and safety regulations is non-negotiable. Here’s a quick overview of the key standards you need to meet:

Food Safety Standards

Follow Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines.
Regularly monitor and document food storage temperatures.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations

Ensure safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
Maintain proper ventilation systems to reduce fire risks.

Environmental Health Regulations

Properly dispose of food waste and clean grease traps.
Comply with local water and energy usage guidelines.

Fire and Electrical Safety Standards

Conduct regular inspections of fire extinguishers and suppression systems.
Check electrical equipment for safety and functionality.

Local and Regional Compliance Requirements

Adhere to specific regional health and safety protocols.
Keep accurate records of inspections and maintenance logs.

Meeting these standards establishes a safe and hygienic kitchen environment while avoiding costly penalties.

Benefits of a commercial kitchen cleaning checklist

A well-structured cleaning checklist is a game-changer for your kitchen’s operations, especially when it comes to maintaining health and safety in the restaurant industry Here’s why:

Guarantees compliance with health regulations: Stay ahead of inspections and keep the paperwork stress-free by adhering to local health and safety laws.
Improves food safety: Consistent cleaning routines help you avoid cross-contamination risks and protect your customers.
Enhances operational efficiency: When workflows are streamlined, downtime is minimized, and your team can focus on cooking—not fixing a clogged drain or cleaning a neglected fryer mid-shift.
Extends equipment lifespan: Regular maintenance is like a check-up for your kitchen equipment cleaned and sanitised, preventing costly breakdowns later.
Creates accountability among staff: Clear roles and responsibilities eliminate confusion, so everyone knows what needs to be done—and does it.
Boosts reputation and customer trust: A spotless kitchen isn’t just appealing; it builds trust and keeps customers coming back for more.

A cleaning checklist not only protects your business, it sets you up for long-term success.

The essential daily commercial kitchen cleaning checklist

Staying on top of daily cleaning tasks keeps your kitchen safe, efficient, and ready for the next day. Here’s what to prioritize every day:

Food preparation areas:	Tick Off If Done:
Clean and sanitize all surfaces, countertops, and cutting boards to prevent cross – contamination.
Wipe down appliances and equipment after each use.

Cooking equipment:	Tick Off If Done:
Clean grills, fryers, ovens, and stovetops to remove grease and residue.
Empty grease traps.

Dishwashing and utensils	Tick Off If Done:
Wash, rinse, and sanitize all dishes, pots, and utensils.
Ensure to refill soap dispensers and stock up on cleaning supplies.
Empty and clean dishwashing sinks and machines.

Storage and refrigeration	Tick Off If Done:
Check and remove expired or spoiled food items.
Wipe down shelves and refrigerator handles.

Floors and drains	Tick Off If Done:
Sweep and mop floors to prevent slips and maintain hygiene.
Clear and clean drains to avoid clogs.
Don’t forget to clean under the beverage dispenser, where spills can build up unnoticed.

Garbage disposal	Tick Off If Done:
Empty bins and sanitize garbage cans to reduce odors and pests.

These daily tasks might seem small, but together, they make a big difference in maintaining a spotless kitchen.

The essential weekly kitchen cleaning checklist

Weekly deep cleaning helps address the areas daily tasks can’t fully cover. Dedicate time each week to these essential chores:

Deep clean cooking equipment	Tick Off If Done:
Degrease and clean ovens, deep fryers, and ventilation systems to keep them running efficiently.
Move and clean behind stoves and refrigerators to tackle hidden grime.

Inspect and clean storage areas	Tick Off If Done:
Organize dry storage and inspect pest traps to ensure they are functional and free of buildup.
Wipe down all shelving units to keep them free from dust and spills.

Sanitize walls and ceilings	Tick Off If Done:
Remove splashes, stains, and grease buildup.
Check for mold or mildew and address any issues promptly.
Wipe down walls and light fixtures to remove dust and grease, improving visibility and hygiene.
Document cleaning activities using free and paid HACCP software solutions for easier audits.

Deep clean drains and pipes	Tick Off If Done:
Use drain cleaners to prevent clogs and maintain proper water flow.

Inventory check	Tick Off If Done:
Inspect and restock cleaning supplies to avoid running out mid-task.

By making these tasks part of your weekly routine, you’ll keep your kitchen running smoothly and minimize the risk of bigger issues down the line.

The essential monthly commercial kitchen cleaning checklist

Monthly cleaning tasks tackle the hard-to-reach areas and keep your kitchen in top condition over time. Here’s what you should focus on:

Deep clean refrigerators and freezers	Tick Off If Done:
Defrost and sanitize all internal surfaces to maintain food safety.
Inspect gaskets and seals for wear and tear, replacing them if needed.
Don’t forget to clean behind and under larger equipment like the ice machine, where buildup can accumulate.

Ventilation and exhaust systems	Tick Off If Done:
Clean exhaust fans and ductwork to reduce fire hazards and meet ADA compliance requirements for safe working environments.
Replace air filters as necessary to maintain proper airflow.
Dust and clean air vents, hoods, and light fixtures to prevent grease buildup and improve airflow.

Inspect plumbing and fixtures	Tick Off If Done:
Check for leaks and repair any faulty fixtures to avoid water damage.
Check and clean areas like sinks and coffee makers to maintain functionality and hygiene.

Calibrate kitchen equipment	Tick Off If Done:
Test and recalibrate ovens, thermometers, and other appliances to confirm accuracy and efficiency.

Inspect pest control measures	Tick Off If Done:
Schedule professional pest inspections if required.
Reassess traps and deterrents to maintain a pest-free environment.
Integrate findings into your HACCP plan to ensure ongoing food safety compliance.

By incorporating these tasks into your monthly routine, you’ll maintain a safe, efficient, and compliant commercial kitchen for the long term.

Kitchen cleaning products & equipment checklist

Having the right tools and products on hand can make all the difference in keeping your commercial kitchen spotless and compliant. Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’re always ready for the job:

Cleaning products	Tick Off If Done:
Food-safe sanitizers for surfaces and utensils.
Degreasers to tackle tough grease buildup.
Descaling agents for equipment like dishwashers and coffee machines.
Floor and drain cleaners to prevent clogs and maintain hygiene.

Equipment and tools	Tick Off If Done:
Microfiber cloths for efficient cleaning without streaks.
Scrub brushes for stubborn grime.
Mops and buckets designed for heavy-duty use.
Industrial vacuum cleaners for thorough debris removal.

Protective gear	Tick Off If Done:
Gloves to safeguard hands from harsh chemicals.
Aprons to keep clothing clean.
Safety goggles for eye protection during deep cleaning.

Compliance and documentation tools	Tick Off If Done:
Digital checklists (we’ve heard Operandio’s are pretty good…) to streamline cleaning routines.
Maintenance logs for tracking completed tasks and inspections.

With these tools in hand, your team will be prepared to tackle any cleaning task efficiently and effectively.

How to make sure your staff follows the cleaning checklist

Even the most well-thought-out cleaning checklist only works if your team uses it effectively. Here’s how to stay consistent and accountable:

Provide training and clear instructions

Walk your team through the checklist step by step, explaining not just the “how” but also the “why” behind each task. For example, highlight how cleaning and sanitizing countertops prevents cross-contamination.
Offer hands-on demonstrations for more complex procedures, like degreasing ovens or cleaning grease traps, to make sure every team member is confident in their execution.
Create quick reference guides or laminated visual aids for common tasks, so staff can double-check processes during busy shifts.

Use digital tools for accountability

Platforms like Operandio can streamline your checklist by assigning tasks, sending reminders, and tracking progress in real-time.
Use compliance software to create logs of completed tasks and cleaning schedules. This not only ensures nothing is overlooked but also provides a digital paper trail for inspections.
Set up alerts for critical tasks, like deep cleaning fryers, to prevent key jobs from slipping through the cracks.

Assign roles and responsibilities

Divide cleaning duties among team members, making each person accountable for specific tasks or zones. For example, one person can manage cooking equipment, while another handles storage areas.
Rotate responsibilities periodically to maintain fairness and make sure everyone gains experience in different areas of the kitchen.

Conduct regular check-ins

Perform spot checks during shifts to ensure tasks are being completed to standard. This helps identify any gaps or areas where additional training might be needed.
Provide constructive feedback immediately, focusing on improvement rather than blame. Acknowledge and reward team members who consistently follow the checklist to reinforce positive behavior.

With clear training, the right tools, and ongoing support, you’ll build a culture of accountability where your cleaning checklist becomes second nature for your team.

Operandio: The kitchen software every restaurant needs

Keeping a commercial kitchen spotless and compliant doesn’t have to be a juggling act. Operandio is a comprehensive restaurant automation system designed to streamline your cleaning routines, manage food safety, and keep your operations running smoothly.

With Operandio, you can:

Digitize your cleaning checklists: Ensure every task is completed on time with automated reminders and progress tracking, reducing the chance of missed steps.
Track temperatures effortlessly: Use Operandio’s digital food safety software to log and monitor cold storage and food preparation temperatures, meeting HACCP standards and preventing food safety risks.

Boost accountability: Assign tasks to specific team members and monitor progress in real-time, ensuring no task slips through the cracks.
Maintain compliance with confidence: Store digital records of completed tasks, temperature logs, and inspections for quick and easy access during audits.
Simplify shelf life management: Our digital food safety software helps you stay on top of expiration dates and minimize waste by streamlining shelf life management processes.
Train and support your staff: Use Operandio to onboard new hires efficiently and keep your entire team up to date with best practices.

Operandio revolutionizes kitchen management, making safety, efficiency, and compliance effortless.

Final thoughts

Maintaining a spotless commercial kitchen is no small task, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes manageable—dare we say, even rewarding.

A structured cleaning checklist helps your kitchen meets health and safety standards, protects your equipment, and builds trust with your customers.

By breaking tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines, you can create a sustainable cleaning process that keeps your operations running smoothly. Pair this with the right cleaning products, staff training, and accountability tools like Operandio, and you’ll be set up for success.

Simplify Reporting

-Operandio is your more-in-one checklist software that frees you up to focus on what really matters – delivering great food and service. Book a demo to get your custom pricing.

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Ready to take your kitchen management to the next level?

Book a free demo of Operandio today and see how it can simplify your workflows, save time, and keep your kitchen shining every day.