Maintaining a clean restaurant kitchen is essential for both food safety and operational efficiency. With stringent hygiene regulations and the constant need to ensure a sanitary environment, using the right cleaning products becomes crucial. Below, we break down the most effective products you need for every area in a commercial kitchen,

1. Dishwashing Detergents

Restaurant kitchens require heavy-duty dishwashing solutions for cleaning everything from greasy pots to delicate glassware. The right detergent will quickly cut through grease, sanitize dishes, and leave them sparkling clean.

• Liquid Dish Soap: Effective for manual washing and grease removal from pots, pans, and utensils. Choose a formula that’s tough on grease but gentle on hands.
• Dishwasher Detergents and Tablets: For high-volume dishwashing, commercial-grade detergents and dishwasher pods/tablets are essential. Look for products that handle heavy grease and ensure spotless results.

Examples:

• Sunlight Liquid Dishwashing Soap: Available in Kenyan markets, Sunlight’s formula is known for grease-cutting power.
• Finish Dishwasher Tablets: Widely used in Kenyan restaurants, Finish tablets provide superior cleaning for commercial dishwashers.

2. Surface Cleaners

Keeping surfaces like counters, prep tables, and stovetops clean is essential to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety standards. Use food-safe, antibacterial surface cleaners that can quickly tackle messes and grease buildup.

• Multi-Surface Kitchen Cleaners: These are designed for food prep areas and can clean counters, stainless steel surfaces, and equipment without leaving harmful residues.
• Degreasers: Particularly important for cleaning stovetops, hoods, and other high-use areas where grease accumulates. A heavy-duty degreaser cuts through grease and grime.

Examples:

• Mr. Muscle Kitchen Cleaner: Available locally, this multi-surface cleaner is perfect for grease and food spills.
• Cif Cream Cleaner: Known for deep cleaning, Cif is great for removing grease from various kitchen surfaces.

3. Floor Cleaning Products

Restaurant kitchen floors are prone to grease, food spills, and high traffic. A clean floor prevents slips and falls, while also adhering to health standards. Choose products that can break down grease and grime, leaving the floor sanitary and safe.

• Grease-Fighting Floor Cleaners: These are essential for kitchens with high levels of grease spillage. Look for degreasing formulations that are safe for tile or vinyl flooring.
• Floor Disinfectants: After cleaning, it’s essential to sanitize the floor. Products with disinfecting properties will kill bacteria and pathogens.

Examples:

• Domestos Floor Cleaner: Available in Kenya, it’s effective in cleaning and disinfecting greasy restaurant floors.
• Harpic Floor Cleaner: Known for powerful cleaning, Harpic products ensure the kitchen floors are hygienic and grease-free.

4. Oven and Grill Cleaners

Ovens and grills need frequent cleaning to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard and affect the taste of food. Using specialized products designed for high-heat surfaces is key.

• Oven Cleaners: Look for oven cleaners that dissolve grease and burnt-on food without requiring excessive scrubbing.
• Grill Cleaners: For commercial kitchens with grills and broilers, grill cleaners make it easier to remove charred food and oil deposits.

Examples:

• Mr. Muscle Oven Cleaner: Effective for Kenyan commercial kitchens, it’s known for breaking down stubborn grease in ovens and grills.
• Zep Heavy-Duty Oven & Grill Cleaner: Available locally, Zep’s powerful formula quickly dissolves grease and burnt food.

5. Glass and Window Cleaners

Restaurant kitchens often have windows or glass surfaces (e.g., in doors) that need to be kept spotless. Using effective glass cleaners ensures clear visibility and a professional appearance.

• Glass Cleaners: Look for streak-free formulations that can handle fingerprints, grease, and smudges.
• Stainless Steel Polish: For commercial kitchens with stainless steel equipment, a dedicated cleaner keeps surfaces shiny and streak-free.

Examples:

• Clorox Glass Cleaner: Perfect for restaurant use, it ensures windows and glass surfaces remain spotless.
• Windolene: Available in Kenyan markets, Windolene provides streak-free cleaning for windows and glass doors.

6. Sanitizers and Disinfectants

After the cleaning process, sanitizing kitchen surfaces and equipment is crucial for food safety. Disinfectants ensure that harmful bacteria and viruses are eliminated, especially on food-contact surfaces.

• Food-Grade Sanitizers: Essential for surfaces that come into contact with food, such as prep tables, cutting boards, and utensils.
• Disinfecting Wipes: Convenient for quick cleaning between tasks or shifts, wipes offer a fast solution to ensure sanitized surfaces.

Examples:

• Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleanser: A go-to product in Kenyan kitchens, Dettol ensures thorough disinfection.
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: These are effective for a quick wipe-down of surfaces between tasks or shifts.

7. Trash Bags and Disposal Supplies

Proper disposal of waste is critical in a restaurant kitchen to prevent foul odors, pest infestations, and general unsanitary conditions. Heavy-duty trash bags and efficient disposal systems keep waste management smooth and hassle-free.

• Heavy-Duty Trash Bags: Choose durable, puncture-resistant bags that can handle sharp objects, heavy food waste, and liquids.
• Bin Liners and Deodorants: Use bin liners to prevent leaks and spills, and deodorizing products to manage any unpleasant smells.

Examples:

• Tuffy Garbage Bags: Available in Kenya, Tuffy provides strong, tear-resistant trash bags.
• Glade Trash Bin Deodorizer: Helps keep the kitchen environment fresh and odor-free.

Conclusion

Equipping your restaurant kitchen with the right cleaning products ensures not only compliance with health regulations but also an efficient and safe working environment. From heavy-duty dishwashing detergents and surface sanitizers to floor cleaners and trash disposal solutions, these products are essential for maintaining a clean, well-functioning kitchen.

At Kejani Cleaning Company, we offer a wide range of commercial kitchen cleaning products tailored to the needs of Kenyan restaurants. Browse our collection here to find everything your kitchen needs to stay spotless and hygienic.