How to deep clean commercial kitchen equipment

If your kitchen is closed or you are planning to sell equipment, it’s time for a proper deep clean – the sort of cleaning that's usually hard to do when a restaurant is busy 7 days a week.

Here's how to clean your equipment safely and quickly - we have included links to short, helpful videos to demonstrate each process.

Remember important Safety Principles:

• Download the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions – a quick Google search will find them
• Wear commercial gloves, clothing, covered shoes and a face mask
• Read the safety instructions for the cleaning chemicals you use
• Check that staff can understand what’s written in safety and cleaning instructions
• Clean gently to avoid scratching surfaces and reducing the value of your equipment
• Baking powder and vinegar are good alternative cleaners – much cheaper than commercial products and easier on the environment

How to Clean Ovens and Pizza Ovens

• Disconnect the power and gas supply
• Cool the oven and remove wire racks and supports – clean them separately in a tub
• Use warm water and soap on the interior, and use a nylon brush and rags if there’s baked on grease
• Avoid steel wool and scourers as they can damage the surface
• Avoid getting water near electrical connections, switches and interior lights
• If using commercial cleaning and degreasing chemicals, follow the instructions carefully
• Always use the correct cleaning products and processes for a Combi Oven, otherwise you may void the warranty

VIDEO: How to clean a Commercial Oven

VIDEO: How to clean a Conveyor Pizza Oven

VIDEO: How to clean a regular Pizza Oven

VIDEO: How to clean a Combi Oven

VIDEO: How to clean a commercial Popcorn Machine

How to Clean Fryers, Stove Tops and Flat Top Grills

• Disconnect the power and gas supply
• Use warm water and soap, and use a nylon brush and rags if there’s baked on grease
• Take care with scourers and cleaning bricks that they are suitable for the surface being cleaned – avoid on chrome surfaces
• Avoid getting water near electrical connections, switches and interior lights
• If using commercial cleaning and degreasing chemicals, follow the instructions carefully

VIDEO: How to clean a Flat Top Grill

VIDEO: How to clean a Deep Fryer

VIDEO: How to clean a Stove Top

How to Clean Refrigerators, Freezers and Ice Machines

• Disconnect the power supply
• Remove all racks and supports – clean these separately
• Use warm water and soap on the interior, and use a nylon brush and rags if there’s stubborn dirt
• Avoid steel wool and scourers as they can damage the surface - take extra care with plastic surfaces
• Avoid getting water near electrical connections, switches and interior lights
• Baking powder is good for polishing stainless steel – cheaper than commercial products and easier on the environment

VIDEO: How to clean a Commercial Refrigerator or Freezer

VIDEO: How to clean a Commercial Ice Machine

VIDEO: How to clean a Commercial Refrigerator Condenser Coil

VIDEO: How to Clean Stainless Steel in a Kitchen

Returning equipment to SilverChef?

Cleaning and servicing costs are determined by the equipment’s condition when it is returned. Each item is rated from 1-5, and you can save on cleaning and servicing costs if you return the equipment in excellent condition. Here’s how we assess it:

1. Excellent Condition - no internal or external cleaning required and requires safety checks only
2. Good Condition - basic clean and/or basic manufacturer maintenance and incidentals required only
3. Average Condition - full clean and/or full servicing and parts required
4. Poor Condition - extensive cleaning and/or major servicing, parts and accessories required
5. Very Poor Condition - extensive cleaning and/or major service & repair work required