Even with the vaccination, the coronavirus has not been totally eradicated. As we take small steps towards getting back to normal, restaurants and bars are also reopening. But they must ensure the safety of their customers and employees.
Having a regular cleaning checklist is an excellent way to start to prevent the spread of the virus.
How to Keep Customers and Staff Safe During the Pandemic
Consider this checklist, which you can modify according to the needs of your restaurant.
1. Deep Cleaning
Before pandemic, restaurants focused on preventing food-borne bacterial diseases. During COVID-19, they have shifted to halting the spread of the virus through sanitizing, disinfecting, cleaning, masks, and social distancing.
CDC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are different. Cleaning removes dirt and impurities from objects and surfaces with soap, detergent, and water. Whereas disinfecting kills germs on objects or surfaces using chemicals.
On the other hand, sanitizing reduces germs on objects and surfaces following public health standards through cleaning or disinfecting.
Deep cleaning involves:
- Under the sink
- Inside and behind the oven, including the door glass
- Inside window frames and doors
- Inside and outside windows
- Scale removals from toilet tiles and kitchen tiles
- Full and deep dusting all corners of the restaurant, including the kitchen
2. Routine Cleaning
Create a cleaning checklist that includes daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks to make it easier.
Daily cleaning can include:
- Wiping down walls using water
- Cleaning and sanitizing tables and counters using soap and safe solution
- Cleaning and sanitizing seats, booths, and aprons using soap and a safe solution
- Inspecting, wiping down, and sanitizing condiments, salts, and pepper on tables
- Washing all tablecloths and aprons
- Taking out trash
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Vacuuming carpets
- Cleaning and sanitizing door handles and bathrooms with water, soap, and safe solutions
Weekly cleaning can be:
- Wiping down windows with water
- Wiping down and sanitizing doors with water, soap, and a safe solution
- Dusting and wiping down light fixtures with water
- Boiling out deep fryers
- Cleaning ovens
- Drain cleaning floor drains
- Deliming faucet heads and sinks
Monthly cleaning involves:
- Cleaning and sanitizing walls with soap, water, and safe solutions
- Dusting decorations, painting, and other artwork
- Knocking cobwebs off the ceiling
3. Back of House (BOH) Cleaning
Include the back of house in your routine cleaning since viruses can spread here, too. Many restaurant owners often neglect the BOH since patrons don’t see it. It includes the kitchen, staff break rooms, or spaces where you and your employees have meetings.
Before even thinking of cleaning, keep in mind to wear proper attire and aprons while working. Cleaning includes sanitizing and disinfecting, utilizing safe and effective commercial-grade solutions.
4. Use Effective Cleaning Materials
Take note of effective cleaning supplies and disinfectant solutions suitable for your restaurant. The following are cleaning essentials you can prepare:
- Paper towels
- At least 6 gallons of bleach
- Surface and glass cleaners
- Food preparation gloves
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Tubs of disinfectant wipes
- Bottles of hand sanitizer
- Bottles of hand-washing soap
5. Encourage Physical Distance
If you just reopened, maybe try reservations only. If you can, rearrange your dining by creating more distance between customers. This is even an excellent way to avoid overcrowding in your restaurant.
Also, self-service options, like drinks and condiments, are a great way to avoid cross-contamination among customers.
6. Never Forget the Restrooms
Disinfecting your restrooms should be one of the most important daily routines in your restaurant. In fact, several times a day is the best practice.
Remember
During this pandemic, it’s better to be safe than sorry. As you reopen your restaurant, ensure to follow the government guidelines for the safety of your employees and customers. If you believe your restaurant needs professional cleaning, call a restoration and cleaning company near you, like PuroClean.
Their expertise guarantees your safety as you get back to business, using advanced technology and techniques.
