Cleaning Supplies for Commercial Kitchens: What the Pros Use

Food safety organizations like the FDA and local health departments set stringent cleanliness standards. To meet them, commercial kitchens rely on industrial-grade cleaning solutions and protocols that go far beyond the typical household product.

Commercial kitchens require a wide range of cleaning agents and tools. Here's a breakdown:

• Degreasers: Combat built-up grease on stoves, fryers, and hoods.

• Disinfectants: Kill harmful bacteria on surfaces.

• Sanitizers: Ensure food-contact surfaces are germ-free.

• Floor Cleaners: Keep floors clean and non-slip.

Each category plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy kitchen environment.

Grease is one of the toughest adversaries in any kitchen. Degreasers break down the fats and oils that accumulate on appliances, walls, and floors. Professionals opt for heavy-duty alkaline degreasers for deep cleans and citrus-based options for light maintenance.

Recommended degreasers include:

• Ecolab Greaselift
  

• Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser
  

• Simple Green Industrial Cleaner
  

Disinfectants are essential for non-food-contact surfaces, such as handles, walls, and equipment exteriors. Professionals look for:

• EPA-registered disinfectants
  

• Broad-spectrum virucidal and bactericidal properties
  

Popular choices include:

• Clorox Commercial Solutions
  

• Lysol Professional Disinfectant Spray
  

Though used interchangeably, sanitizers reduce bacteria to safe levels, while disinfectants destroy all forms of microbial life. In food service, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) and chlorine-based solutions are most common.

Pro tip: Use sanitizers on cutting boards and prep tables, and disinfectants for bathrooms and waste bins.

Chemical cleaners need the right tools to be effective. Pros use:

• Color-coded microfiber cloths for cross-contamination prevention.

• Heavy-duty mops and buckets.
  

• Scrub brushes for grout and tight spots.

• Squeegees for stainless steel surfaces.
  
  

Investing in high-quality tools boosts efficiency and consistency.

Sustainability is rising in the food industry. Many chefs are turning to green-certified products that are:

• Non-toxic

• Biodegradable

• Packaging-reduced
  
  

Top eco-friendly brands include:

• Seventh Generation Professional
  

• Method Commercial Line
  

Kitchens are prone to spills, making floor safety a top concern. Non-slip, grease-cutting floor cleaners are vital. Large kitchens often use auto scrubbers with industrial detergents for efficient coverage.

For daily use:

• Spartan Clean by Peroxy
  

• Betco Floor Degreaser
  

Stainless steel appliances are a hallmark of commercial kitchens. To avoid streaks and damage:

• Use non-abrasive cleaners.
  

• Polish with soft cloths.
  

Recommended products:

• Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner
  

• 3M Stainless Steel Polish
  
  

Hood systems trap airborne grease. Professional cleaning requires:

• Alkaline degreasers
  

• Scraper tools
  

• Soaking tubs for filters
  

Follow NFPA guidelines to avoid fire hazards.

Drains can breed foul odors and clogs. Enzyme-based cleaners like:

• Biozyme Drain Maintainer
  

• Green Gobbler
  

These naturally digest organic waste and maintain free-flowing drains.

Creating a routine:

• Daily: Sanitizers, floor cleaners, microfiber cloths

• Weekly: Degreasers, scrub brushes

• Monthly: Descalers, hood cleaning agents

Use inventory tracking software to avoid running out of essentials.

The main differences lie in potency, volume, and compliance. Commercial products are formulated to:

• Kill more germs faster

• Cover larger areas

• Meet regulatory standards
  
  

Avoid using diluted residential products—they often fall short in performance.

Proper storage prevents accidents. Always:

• Label all containers

• Store chemicals below eye level

• Separate incompatible items (e.g., acids and bleaches)
  
  

Ensure OSHA compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on-site.

Save money by:

• Using concentrate solutions with dilution systems

• Buying in bulk
  

• Training staff on proper usage to reduce waste

Reusing tools like microfiber cloths also cuts down on disposable product costs.