What weekly FOH cleaning tasks should be scheduled to maintain hygiene standards?

Date modified: 1st April 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.
Food safety and hygiene in hospitality settings

Weekly cleaning tasks are crucial to keep your restaurant's front of house (FOH) looking sharp and hygienic. These tasks should include deep vacuuming of carpets, scrubbing hard floors, dusting light fittings, cleaning skirting boards, and wiping down furniture. It's also important to clean high-touch areas like chair legs and bar stools.

Common misunderstanding: Weekly tasks only focus on visible areas.

While it's important to clean areas that guests frequently see, weekly cleaning should also address less visible places that accumulate dirt and grime, such as under furniture and around the edges of rooms.

Common misunderstanding: Weekly cleaning can be done any time during the week.

It's best to schedule weekly cleaning tasks during quieter periods or when the restaurant is closed, to ensure thorough cleaning without disrupting service.

Why is deep cleaning upholstery and chair legs important in a weekly FOH routine?

Deep cleaning upholstery and chair legs is vital because these areas can harbour dirt, food particles, and allergens, which can affect guest comfort and hygiene. Regular deep cleaning prevents the buildup of grime and maintains the appearance and longevity of your furniture.

Common misunderstanding: Upholstery doesn't need regular cleaning if there are no visible stains.

Even without visible stains, upholstery can accumulate dust and allergens that are not immediately apparent but can affect air quality and guest comfort.

Common misunderstanding: Cleaning chair legs is purely cosmetic.

Beyond aesthetics, cleaning chair legs can remove harmful bacteria and residues from countless guest interactions, contributing significantly to the overall cleanliness of the dining area.

How should weekly FOH cleaning be assigned to ensure it gets done?

Assign weekly FOH cleaning tasks by clearly defining responsibilities within the team. Use a digital platform like Pilla or a detailed paper checklist to assign tasks to specific roles or individuals. Ensure each task includes what needs to be cleaned, how to clean it, and who is responsible. Regularly review task completion and provide feedback.

Common misunderstanding: Assigning tasks to anyone available is efficient.

Randomly assigning cleaning tasks can lead to confusion and uneven standards. Assign tasks to specific roles to ensure consistency and accountability.

Common misunderstanding: Once assigned, no follow-up is needed.

Regular follow-ups and checks are necessary to ensure tasks are completed to standard. Use daily or weekly meetings to review task completion and address any issues.