Keeping a clean kitchen is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Yet, keeping up with kitchen cleaning can be difficult due to hectic schedules and numerous household duties. That’s where a kitchen cleaning schedule comes in handy. A cleaning schedule ensures that no area of your kitchen is neglected, reducing the risk of mold growth, food contamination, and other potential hazards. So, if you’re looking to simplify your cleaning routine and keep your kitchen looking its best, a kitchen cleaning schedule is the perfect solution.
What We Will Need For Kitchen Cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap
- Sponges or cleaning cloths
- Scrub brush
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Paper towels
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Cleaning caddy or bucket
- Glass cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Degreaser
- Microfiber cloths
- Scouring powder
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Lime or rust remover
Remember One Thing! Keep in mind that the specific cleaning products you need will depend on the materials in your kitchen and the type and severity of the mess you are cleaning up.
Step By Step Guide for Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
Clear the Kitchen Counters
Begin by clearing any items that don’t belong on your counters, such as cookbooks, mail, and permission slips.
Fill the Sink
Fill your sink with hot water and dish soap, and soak any dishes or utensils that need it.
Empty the Refrigerator
Remove all items from your refrigerator, throwing away anything that has expired. Put soiled food storage containers in the sink to soak, then use a multipurpose cleanser to clean the shelves and drawers.
Load the Dishwasher
Load your dishwasher with dirty dishes and run it. Don’t forget to hand-wash any items that can’t go in the dishwasher.
Dust the High Zones
Start cleaning high areas of your kitchen, such as light fixtures, top corners, and cabinet tops. Use a microfiber towel to brush away debris and dirt onto the floor and sweep it off later.
Clean Hanging Objects
Wipe down upper cabinets and anything else hanging on your kitchen walls, such as a mounted microwave. Clean the cabinet pulls on each cabinet in your kitchen with a wet, soapy cloth.
Go Back to the Microwave
Wipe down the interior of your microwave with a damp cloth.
Spray the Stovetop
Spray your stovetop with a multipurpose cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. Use powdered scrub for stubborn stains.
Clean the Stovetop with a Dry Cloth
Use a new microfiber cloth to clean your stovetop and other appliances in your kitchen.
Scrub the Kitchen Countertops
Use a small cloth and cleaning solution suitable for your countertop surface to wipe away debris in a circular motion.
Clean the Doors of Your Refrigerator
Wipe down the doors of your refrigerator and the lower cabinets with a damp soapy cloth.
Drain the Kitchen Sink
Rinse your sink with hot water and use a mild abrasive cleaner to buff the basin. Remember to wipe down the handles and faucet of the sink.
Empty the Trash Can
Clean the inside of your trash can and its top cover with a cleaning wipe before replacing the bag.
Sweep the Kitchen Floor
Sweep your kitchen floor, reaching into areas where crumbs may be hiding. Start from the farthest corner of the kitchen and work your way to the center.
One Last Step
Spray your kitchen floors with a multipurpose cleaner and a flat microfiber mop head for a quick shine.
Why is Kitchen Cleaning Schedule Important?
- Maintaining a hygienic environment
- Preventing pests
- Improving kitchen efficiency
- Extending the life of appliances and fixtures
- Establishing good habits
- Saving time and energy
- Avoiding last-minute panic
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulation.
Daily Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
| Time | Task |
| Morning | |
| Before breakfast | |
| Wash dishes from breakfast | |
| Wipe down countertops and table | |
| After breakfast | |
| Sweep or vacuum floors | |
| Clean stovetop and oven if needed | |
| Wipe down appliances and sink | |
| Afternoon | |
| After lunch | |
| Wash dishes from lunch | |
| Wipe down countertops and table | |
| Evening | |
| Before dinner | |
| Sweep or vacuum floors | |
| Clean stovetop and oven if needed | |
| Wipe down appliances and sink | |
| After dinner | |
| Wash dishes from dinner | |
| Wipe down countertops and table | |
| Take out the trash | |
| Night | |
| Before bed | |
| Clean any remaining dishes | |
| Wipe down any remaining surfaces | |
| Clean and sanitize any cutting boards or utensils used that day | |
| Store all cleaning supplies in their designated place |
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
| Day | Task |
| Monday | |
| Clean the microwave | |
| Wipe down cabinets and drawers | |
| Clean and sanitize the sink | |
| Tuesday | |
| Clean the refrigerator | |
| Wipe down countertops and backsplash | |
| Sweep or vacuum floors | |
| Wednesday | |
| Clean the oven | |
| Wipe down appliances | |
| Clean and sanitize the trash can | |
| Thursday | |
| Clean the range hood and filter | |
| Wipe down light fixtures | |
| Wash kitchen towels and linens | |
| Friday | |
| Organize pantry and cabinets | |
| Clean and sanitize cutting boards | |
| Sweep or vacuum floors | |
| Saturday | |
| Deep clean the sink, faucet, and drains | |
| Clean the dishwasher | |
| Wipe down the walls and ceiling | |
| Sunday | |
| Rest day | |
| Take inventory of cleaning supplies and restock as needed |
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
- Clean the oven
- Scrub the stovetop
- Clean the microwave inside and out.
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers
- Clean and sanitize the sink
Week 2:
- Clean the refrigerator and freezer, inside and out
- Wipe down countertops and backsplash
- Sweep and mop the floors
- Clean the range hood and filter
- Wash kitchen towels and linens
Week 3:
- Deep clean the dishwasher
- Scrub and sanitize the trash can
- Wipe down light fixtures and switch plates
- Dust and clean the blinds or curtains
- Organize pantry and cabinets
Week 4:
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards
- Wash and sanitize the garbage disposal
- Clean the walls and ceiling
- Check and replace the water filter if necessary
- Take inventory of cleaning supplies and restock as needed
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Daily, Weekly and Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist Restaurant
| Task | Daily Cleaning Checklist | Weekly Cleaning Checklist | Monthly Cleaning Checklist |
| Floors | Sweep and mop floors | Scrub and wax floors | Deep clean and sanitize the drains |
| Countertops and prep surfaces | Wipe down with sanitizer solution | Deep clean with degreaser and sanitizer solution | Clean and sanitize the walls, including behind equipment |
| Sinks, drainboards, garbage disposal | Clean and sanitize | Deep clean and sanitize | Clean and sanitize the walk-in cooler and freezer coils and drain pans |
| Cutting boards and equipment | Wash and sanitize | Deep clean and sanitize | Clean and sanitize the ice machine, including bin and dispenser |
| Kitchen equipment | Clean and sanitize all equipment | Deep clean and sanitize all equipment | Clean and sanitize the dish machine, including interior and exterior surfaces |
| Walk-in refrigerator and freezer | Clean and sanitize | Deep clean and sanitize | |
| Dishwashing area | Clean and sanitize | Deep clean and sanitize | |
| High-touch areas | Clean and sanitize | Deep clean and sanitize | Clean and sanitize the HVAC system, including ductwork and filters |
| Trash and recycling | Dispose of and sanitize the cans and bins | Deep clean and sanitize the cans and bins | Clean and sanitize the loading dock |
| Hood, filters, and ductwork | Clean and sanitize the hood, filters, and ductwork | ||
| Deep fryer | Clean and sanitize the deep fryer and oil filter | ||
| Grill, griddle, and broiler | Clean and sanitize the grill, griddle, and broiler | ||
| Ovens | Clean and sanitize the ovens | ||
| Steam table and hot holding equipment | Clean and sanitize the steam table and hot holding equipment | ||
| Slicer | Clean and sanitize the slicer | ||
| Food processor | Clean and sanitize the food processor | ||
| Mixer | Clean and sanitize the mixer | ||
| Dry storage areas | Clean and organize dry storage areas | ||
| Inventory | Check and organize inventory | ||
| Repairs and maintenance | Schedule any necessary repairs or maintenance | Schedule any necessary repairs or maintenance | Schedule any necessary repairs or maintenance |
Daily, Weekly and Monthly Professional Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
| Area/Task | Daily Cleaning Checklist | Weekly Cleaning Checklist | Monthly Cleaning Checklist |
| Floors | Sweep and mop with a degreaser solution | Scrub and wax floors | Deep clean and sanitize the drains |
| Walls and ceilings | Wipe down walls and ceilings with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize walls and ceilings | Clean and sanitize the walk-in cooler and freezer coils and drain pans |
| Countertops and prep surfaces | Wipe down with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean with degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces |
| Sinks and drainboards | Clean and sanitize sinks and drainboards with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize sinks and drainboards | Clean and sanitize the ice machine, including bin and dispenser |
| Kitchen equipment | Clean and sanitize all equipment with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize all equipment | Clean and sanitize the dish machine, including interior and exterior surfaces |
| Walk-in refrigerator and freezer | Clean and sanitize with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize the walk-in cooler and freezer coils and drain pans |
| Dishwashing area | Clean and sanitize all surfaces with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize all surfaces | Clean and sanitize the HVAC system, including ductwork and filters |
| High-touch areas | Clean and sanitize all high-touch areas with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize all high-touch areas | Clean and sanitize the loading dock |
| Trash and recycling | Dispose of and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins with a sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize the cans and bins |
| Hood, filters, and ductwork | Clean and sanitize hood, filters, and ductwork with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize hood, filters, and ductwork | Clean and sanitize the grease trap |
| Deep fryer | Filter and change oil, and clean and sanitize the fryer with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize the fryer and oil filter | Clean and sanitize the hood, filters, and ductwork |
| Grill, griddle, and broiler | Clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize the fryer and oil filter |
| Ovens | Wipe down with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize the oven racks and interior surfaces |
| Steam table and hot holding equipment | Clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize the steam table and hot holding equipment |
| Slicer | Clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Deep clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution | Clean and sanitize the slicer |
| Food processor | Clean and sanitize with a degreaser and sanitizing solution |
Tips for Sticking to a Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
- Create a realistic schedule: Make sure your schedule is achievable, and take into account your daily routine and responsibilities. A schedule that is too demanding may lead to burnout and frustration, while a schedule that is too easy may need to be more motivating.
- Use reminders: Set reminders on your phone or computer to alert you when it’s time to start a task or move on to the next item on your schedule.
- Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and complete them first. This will help ensure that you’re progressing on the things that matter most.
- Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust your schedule if unexpected events arise, such as a sick child or a last-minute meeting. Flexibility will help you stay on track in the long run.
- Track your progress: Maintain a daily, weekly, or monthly journal of your progress. This will help you identify areas where you’re doing well and need improvement.
- Celebrate your accomplishments: Take time to celebrate them, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating your victories will keep you inspired and driven.
- Break down larger tasks: If you have larger tasks that are difficult to tackle in one sitting, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
- Get support: Enlist the help of family, friends, or colleagues to help you stay accountable to your schedule. Share your schedule with them and ask for their support and encouragement.
Conclusions
Keeping a clean and organized kitchen is important for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the buildup of dirt, grime, and germs. A kitchen cleaning schedule can help you stay on top of your cleaning tasks and ensure that your kitchen stays clean and tidy.
