Nov

04

Office Pantry Cleaning Checklist

The standard of hygiene in an office’s pantry is essential since it affects the health and productivity of the employees. Therefore, to prevent the build-up of bacteria and germs that lead to food-borne illnesses, the pantry and, most significantly, the contact points with food and drinks should be kept clean. Following is a list of activities that will assist in maintaining a clean office pantry.

Tidy the living area and clean all the objects and surfaces

To begin with, all the items cluttering the pantry must be taken before starting the deep cleaning process.

Remove items from countertops and wipe down all surfaces, including:

– Countertops

– Microwave exterior interior

– Refrigerator exterior and interior

– Sink and faucet

– Externally, cupboards are on shelves, just like in cars.

– Such little appliances include coffee machines, toaster ovens, and other similar home appliances.

– Dining table and chairs

Use a multi-surface cleaner and paper towel to wipe all the surfaces until the area is sparkling clean. This will help remove leftover food, grease, or dirt on the surface. Door handles, light switches, and other buttons often touched should be well cleaned since they are usually dirty.

Microwave and refrigerator interior commercial freezers and kitchen refrigeration appliances metal stock.

The microwave and refrigerator need special attention

Microwave

– Any stains or spills on the sides of the interior walls should be wiped clean with a microwave-safe cleaner.

– Check the motor base, if it is cracked or stained, it should be replaced.

– Wash the vents and panels using a small brush with warm water to not damage the part.

Refrigerator

– Disposes off expired foods.

– Pull out shelves and drawers and clean thoroughly.

– Wipe spilled fluid as soon as possible to reduce the chances of staining.

– Use a refrigerator cleaner, the best of which will help cope with the problem, for the interior.

Check the expiry dates of the food items available 

Check all foods in the pantry and dispose of those that have already expired their best-before date.

This includes:

– Biscuits, crisps, chocolates, chewing gums etc.

– Fermented products such as milk, yogurt, cheese slice, etc.

– Baked foods such as bread, buns, muffins, etc.

– Fruit bowls

– Beverages such as Juices, sodas, etc.

– Spicy foods, seasonings, and condiments

Wiping Clean Cupboards and Drawers

Cupboards and drawers mostly have doors, and they may also contain shelves. The exterior surfaces are covered in dust, dirt, sticky residue, and even fingerprints. Remove all utensils, crockery, and food packages as well.

Interior surfaces should be wiped using a diluted mild detergent solution and a microfiber cloth. Also, check drawer handles and hinges. Do not replace until each item is allowed to dry out. The pantry floor also requires washing from time to time to avoid the accumulation of dirt, particles of compressed foods, and sticky falls.

Mop Floor Thoroughly

Clean the floor before vacuuming to eliminate debris to get the best results. Mold is challenging to clean, so you must prepare a mild detergent and warm water bucket.

Dip the mop into water, wear gloves, squeeze out as much water as possible, and mop the affected area. The floor should dry by air circulation before traffic by feet is allowed.

Clean Small Appliances 

Small kitchen appliances also need regular cleaning to work well and for hygienic purposes.

Coffee Machine

Read the manual and go through the cycle. Use white vinegar instead of water to dissolve mineral deposits. For exterior cleaning, use a stainless-steel cleaner.

Toaster Oven

Pull out the crumb tray, clean – comprehensively. Clean the interior surfaces with a clean and soft cloth will suffice.

Electric Kettle

Try using white vinegar for descaling or any other preferred commercial cleaner. Polish exterior with non-abrasive cleaner polish.

Food storage containers must be cleaned up

Ensure you inspect all containers used to store foods and reject any with a crack, chips, stains, or an uneven shape.

For the usable containers: 

– Therefore, to ensure the removal of food residues, warm, soapy water should be used first.

– Clean with a bottle brush inside the bottle and wash the outsides with a sponge.

– Wash and leave them to dry on the other end upside down.

Conclusion

This office pantry cleaning checklist helps tick off all possible areas to make sure it is hygienically cleaned to the highest standard. Schedule block timeslots for weekly and monthly deep cleaning concerning the building’s area usage and traffic flow. Attach tags for employees to clean up spills, splatters or debris after their use of the pantry. It is always good to have a clean pantry to use for lunch and snack times!