What items are commonly missed or cleaned incorrectly in a kitchen?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

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When cleaning a kitchen, it's easy to overlook smaller tools or hard-to-reach areas. Items like can openers, blender gaskets, and the undersides of cutting boards often don't get the attention they need. This can lead to food residue build-up, which is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Common misunderstanding: If it looks clean, it is clean.

Just because an item looks clean doesn't mean it's free from bacteria or residue. Always clean thoroughly, paying special attention to nooks and crannies where food can get trapped.

Common misunderstanding: A quick rinse is enough for small kitchen tools.

Small kitchen tools need more than just a rinse. They should be fully washed with soap and hot water, and sometimes even disassembled to ensure all parts are cleaned properly.

Which parts of chilling equipment are most likely to harbour bacteria?

The parts of chilling equipment that are most prone to harbouring bacteria are the seals, handles, and drip trays. These areas are often neglected during routine cleaning, allowing bacteria to grow and potentially contaminate food.

Common misunderstanding: As long as the interior is cold, bacteria can’t survive.

Cold temperatures slow down bacterial growth but don't eliminate it. Bacteria can still survive and multiply in colder environments, especially if there are food residues.

Common misunderstanding: Chilling equipment doesn’t need regular deep cleaning.

Regular deep cleaning is crucial for chilling equipment. Over time, even small amounts of food residue can lead to significant bacterial growth, affecting food safety.

Why do dishwashers and slicers pose a high contamination risk?

Dishwashers and slicers pose a high contamination risk because they come into contact with food and can harbour bacteria in hard-to-reach places. For slicers, it’s the blades and food traps; for dishwashers, it’s the filters and jets.

Common misunderstanding: Dishwashers sanitise everything inside thoroughly.

While dishwashers are designed to clean, they might not reach all areas or remove all types of bacteria, especially if loaded improperly or not maintained. Regular checks and cleaning of filters and jets are necessary.

Common misunderstanding: Slicers are safe as long as they look clean and are used frequently.

Even frequent use can leave behind food particles that attract bacteria. It’s crucial to disassemble slicers for cleaning regularly to ensure all components are sanitized.

What are examples of high-risk tools that often get overlooked?

High-risk tools that often get overlooked include rubber spatulas, ice scoops, and any utensils used in raw meat preparation. These tools can easily harbour bacteria if not cleaned and stored properly.

Common misunderstanding: Rubber spatulas are safe if washed between uses.

Washing between uses is important, but rubber spatulas can often have small cuts that harbour bacteria. They should be regularly inspected and replaced if damaged.

Common misunderstanding: Ice scoops don’t need as much attention because they are used in ice.

Despite being used in ice, scoops can transfer bacteria from hands or other surfaces to the ice, making them a contamination risk. They should be stored properly and cleaned regularly.

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What is the purpose of a kitchen cleaning schedule?

A kitchen cleaning schedule is essential for ensuring the kitchen is safe, hygienic, and pleasant for cooking and dining.

How should you group kitchen cleaning tasks by frequency?

Group kitchen cleaning tasks by how often they need to be done to keep your kitchen safe and efficient.

How do you identify what needs cleaning in your kitchen?

To identify what needs cleaning in your kitchen, conduct a thorough inspection of all surfaces, equipment, and hard-to-reach areas. Check for visible dirt, grease, or food particles.

How do you write clear cleaning tasks that get done properly?

When describing cleaning tasks, it's important to be specific and clear about what needs to be done, how it should be carried out, when it should be completed, and who is responsible.

How do you assign responsibility and make kitchen cleaning routine?

Assign cleaning tasks by identifying all necessary daily, weekly, and monthly tasks and distributing them among team members according to their shifts and roles.

What should be included in daily kitchen cleaning tasks?

Daily kitchen cleaning tasks should include wiping down all surfaces, cleaning the floors, and sanitizing equipment that contacts food.

How do you clean high-risk kitchen equipment properly?

Cleaning high-risk kitchen equipment such as slicers, mixers, and dishwashers is essential to prevent food contamination. Begin by removing any food debris.

How should kitchen cleaning be logged and followed up?

Every cleaning task in a hospitality setting must be recorded using a logbook or digital system to ensure no tasks are missed and standards are maintained.

What are examples of weekly and monthly kitchen cleaning tasks?

Weekly and monthly kitchen cleaning tasks are crucial in a busy restaurant to maintain safety and customer satisfaction.

How do you update and improve your cleaning schedule?

To update and improve your cleaning schedule, begin by assessing the current effectiveness and gathering feedback from your team. Identify patterns in missed tasks and areas needing additional focus.