Restaurant Commercial Cleaning Checklist: Full Guide
Running a restaurant involves more than good food and service—it requires rigorous cleanliness and hygiene practices. A structured restaurant commercial cleaning checklist ensures every corner of your venue meets regulatory requirements, maintains food safety, and creates a positive impression for diners.
In this guide, we’ll outline a professional-grade commercial cleaning checklist tailored to restaurant operations. Each section targets critical cleaning zones, equipment, and best practices to streamline daily, weekly, and deep-cleaning protocols.
Why Every Sydney Restaurant Needs a Commercial Cleaning Checklist
Without a consistent cleaning routine, restaurants risk food contamination, negative reviews, and potential compliance breaches. The high-traffic nature of kitchens and dining areas demands constant upkeep—and a written checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.
A well-designed restaurant cleaning checklist:
- Ensures all surfaces are cleaned to safe standards
- Reduces the risk of food residue build-up and pests
- Creates accountability among staff and cleaning contractors
- Helps pass food safety and regulatory inspections
To ensure the highest standards in restaurant maintenance, many venues turn to trusted partners like Everyday Clean.
Daily Restaurant Cleaning Checklist: Front & Back of House
Daily cleaning tasks are essential to keeping operations smooth and hygienic. These tasks are typically completed by staff during opening, between shifts, and post-service close-down.
Kitchen & Food Prep Areas
- Wipe and sanitise all food prep surfaces before and after service
- Degrease stovetops, grill plates, oven doors, and splashbacks
- Clean and dry cutting boards, utensils, and small appliances
- Mop floors with food-safe degreasers
- Empty rubbish bins and sanitise interiors
- Clean exhaust hoods (external surfaces) and replace filters if required
Dining & Customer-Facing Areas
- Wipe down tables, chairs, and menus
- Sweep and mop entryways, main floors, and toilets
- Sanitise door handles, payment terminals, and service counters
- Clean glass doors, sneeze guards, and windows
- Restock soap, sanitiser, and toilet paper in restrooms
These front-of-house tasks align with best practices from our Commercial Cleaning service solutions, helping restaurants uphold their reputation.
Weekly Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Weekly tasks cover hard-to-reach areas and non-daily touchpoints. They help control long-term build-up and maintain a sanitary foundation across the business.
Key Weekly Cleaning Duties
- Deep clean fridge and freezer interiors (remove expired items, sanitise shelving)
- De-scale coffee machines and clean beverage dispensers
- Wipe down wall tiles, splash zones, and behind large appliances
- Remove grease from exhaust filters and ductwork
- Disinfect rubbish bins and storage containers
- Clean ceiling fans, vents, and lighting fixtures

Monthly & Seasonal Deep Cleaning Essentials
Monthly deep cleans focus on zones not usually accessed during day-to-day operations. These tasks often require commercial-grade equipment and are best performed by professional cleaners.
Deep Cleaning Tasks for Restaurants
- Steam clean carpets and upholstered dining furniture
- Strip and reseal floors if required (particularly in restrooms and kitchens)
- Pressure-wash outdoor dining areas and rear service lanes
- Remove lime scale and soap scum in bathrooms
- Clean refrigeration coils and compressor units
- Inspect for signs of pest activity and sanitise storage zones
Many restaurants also align deep cleans with seasonal menu changes or public holidays when downtime permits more intensive work.
Best Practices for Managing Cleaning Responsibilities
Even with a checklist in place, assigning and verifying tasks is crucial. These practices improve consistency and reduce oversight errors.
How to Stay On Top of Restaurant Cleaning
- Create visual cleaning schedules with staff sign-off sheets
- Use color-coded cloths and mops to separate food vs restroom zones
- Store chemicals and cleaning supplies in labeled, ventilated areas
- Review checklists with staff during weekly meetings
- Book third-party inspections quarterly to validate outcomes
FAQs: Restaurant Cleaning in Sydney
How often should restaurants deep clean?
Most restaurants benefit from a professional deep clean at least once per month, with high-volume venues requiring bi-weekly services for kitchens and floors.
Can general cleaning staff handle all restaurant cleaning tasks?
Day-to-day tasks can be handled in-house, but deep cleaning, especially for grease-heavy or high-risk zones, should be managed by trained commercial cleaners with proper tools.
What cleaning products are safe for food prep areas?
Always use food-grade sanitising agents approved by regulatory standards. Avoid bleach-based cleaners near food unless specified for kitchen use.
How do restaurants prevent pest issues?
Regular bin sanitising, grease removal, and dry storage practices prevent infestation. Many restaurants also partner with integrated pest management services.
What are the common areas restaurants forget to clean?
- Refrigerator gaskets
- Under bar mats
- Baseboards and corners
- POS terminals and service trays
- Under heavy equipment (e.g., fryers, ovens)
Get Your Restaurant Cleaning Sorted with Everyday Clean
Whether you're running a boutique eatery or a high-traffic dining venue, a structured restaurant commercial cleaning checklist is non-negotiable for regulatory compliance and guest satisfaction.
Everyday Clean offers tailored commercial cleaning services for Sydney restaurants, including checklists, compliance-ready protocols, and reliable scheduling. From kitchen degreasing to restroom detailing, our team ensures your venue is always ready for service.
Get in touch today for a free restaurant site assessment and quote.

Author’s Box
Author: Everyday Clean Content Team
Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of professional office, strata, and commercial cleaning services. Our licensed and insured team helps workplaces maintain top hygiene standards with eco-friendly products and proven cleaning systems. With years of experience supporting Sydney businesses, Everyday Clean shares expert tips, real case studies, and practical advice to keep your workplace safe, compliant, and welcoming.
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