How to Clean a Commercial Kitchen Floor: Best Practices

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your kitchen floor clean enough to eat off of (though we don’t recommend that, of course!). From choosing the right products to establishing a routine that works, we’ve got the nitty-gritty on making your clean kitchen sparkle from the ground up.

Why a Clean Commercial Kitchen Floor is Essential in the UK

Think your floor is just something to stand on? Think again. Keeping those tiles spotless is about so much more than appearances.

Safety First, Always

We all know a commercial kitchen can get slippery faster than a greased-up penguin. Debris, oil and various liquids inevitably end up on the floor throughout a busy service. Before you know it, you’ve got a serious slip hazard on your hands (or under your feet, to be precise).

Slips and falls aren’t just inconvenient – they can lead to serious injuries. And nobody wants their shift ending with a trip to A&E, right?

It’s the Law, Actually

Here in the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a legal requirement. As an employer, you’ve got a duty to provide a safe working environment, and regular floor cleaning is a big part of that. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) takes this stuff seriously, and so should you.

Hygiene Isn’t Optional

Cleanliness isn’t just about looking good – it’s about being good. A properly maintained floor prevents harmful bacteria from building up and potentially contaminating food. Remember: no one wants E. coli as an awful memory of their fish and chips.

With the Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 setting strict standards, maintaining proper hygiene for food safety isn’t something you can afford to skimp on.

Your Reputation Is on the Line

One visit from an Environmental Health Officer with a keen eye for grimy floors could result in penalties, temporary closure, or worse – a reputation for being a bit mucky. And in today’s world of online reviews and social media, that’s the kind of PR nightmare that keeps restaurant owners up at night.

The Challenges of Cleaning Commercial Kitchen Floors

Cleaning your kitchen floor at home is one thing. Tackling a commercial kitchen floor? That’s a whole different kettle of fish.

It’s Not Just a Quick Mop Job

Commercial kitchens see heavy use, with constant spills happening throughout the day. That Sunday morning fry-up at home doesn’t come close to the punishment your restaurant’s tile floor takes during a single dinner service.

Grease Is the Word

Grease accumulates around cooking equipment faster than a queue outside a chip shop on Friday night. Before you know it, your floor is slicker than a well-oiled grill line – and twice as hazardous.

High Traffic Means Deep Dirt

With staff constantly moving about, dirt and debris get ground into the surface of your floor. A quick once-over with a mop and some washing-up liquid just won’t cut it – that grime is in it for the long haul.

Those Porous Floors Soak It All Up

Most commercial kitchens have concrete, tile, or quarry floors that can be surprisingly absorbent. Grime doesn’t just sit on the surface – it gets deep into the material, making it a proper pain to remove.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

As with other kitchen cleaning products, not all floor cleaner products are created equal, especially when we’re talking about commercial kitchens.

Know Your Floor

The cleaning product you choose depends on what your floor is made of. Ceramic tile needs different treatment than vinyl, and epoxy-coated concrete is its own beast entirely. Using the wrong product is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

British Standards Matter

Here in the UK, it’s crucial to use products that meet British Standards for hygiene and safety. Look for food-safe certification. You don't want cleaning residues ending up in someone’s soup, do you?

Degreasers Are Your Best Mate

A good degreaser is worth its weight in gold in a commercial kitchen. You need something that’ll cut through that heavy build-up of oil and grease, especially near the cooking areas where it accumulates faster than a chef’s collection of burn marks.

Handle With Care

Remember to prepare cleaning solutions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never mix chemicals (unless you fancy recreating a secondary school science experiment gone wrong), and only use products provided by your employer.

Make sure there’s good ventilation when using chemical cleaning solutions, especially chlorine products. And always use cold water with chlorine – hot water and chlorine are about as compatible as cats and bathtubs.

Going Green

More UK businesses are turning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions these days. Many of these products work just as well as traditional cleaners without the harsh chemicals – better for the planet and less likely to make your eyes water when you’re using them.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference when it comes to cleaning kitchen floors.

The Basics You Can't Do Without

You’ll need a few essentials:

• Sponges and microfiber cloths (fantastic for capturing microscopic dirt)
• A sturdy scrub brush for those tough stains and tight spots
• A decent bucket system – ideally two buckets to prevent spreading dirty water back across your clean areas

The Two-Bucket System is Non-Negotiable

For most commercial floors, using the two-bucket system is like having your cake and eating it too. One bucket for your cleaning solution; one for clean water. This way, you’re not just sloshing dirty water across the floor and undoing all your hard work.

Microfibre: Small Fibres, Big Results

Microfiber mops and cloths are a bit of a game-changer. They’re brilliant at grabbing onto even the tiniest particles, thanks to their large surface area and electrostatic properties. Just remember they work best when dampened with water only – not with chlorine-based cleaners.

The Big Guns

For larger kitchens, a mechanised floor cleaner or scrubber-dryer can be worth the investment. These machines can scrub, mop and dry in one go – perfect for when you’ve got more floor space than patience.

Wet vacuums and fans can speed up drying, while high-pressure washers are ace for particularly stubborn grease. And for those detail cleans? A good steam mop might just become your new best friend.

How to Clean Kitchen Floor Tiles in 6 Steps

Ready to get stuck in? Here’s our foolproof cleaning process to get your commercial kitchen floor sparkling.

Step 1: Get Prepared

First things first:

• Clear the area of obstacles, food items and equipment
• Sweep or vacuum to remove loose debris – skipping this is like trying to shower with your clothes on: pointless
• Place wet floor signs to prevent colleagues from doing an impromptu ice-skating routine

Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution

• Choose a solution suitable for your kitchen’s particular brand of griminess
• Follow the label instructions and give it proper dwell time to break down dirt
• Apply the solution evenly using spray bottles or mops
• Prepare solutions strictly according to instructions – this isn’t the time to freestyle

Step 3: Mop the Floor and Scrub

• Using the two-bucket system, apply the cleaning solution to the floor
• Submerge the mop, wring out excess and work in sections
• For stubborn areas, let the solution sit for a few minutes to help break down the build-up
• Use a stiff-bristled scrub brush to work on heavily soiled areas and grout lines
• Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt loves to hide
• Use a non-abrasive pad for greasy deposits
• Change dirty water regularly – you’re trying to clean the floor, not give it a filthy bath

Step 4: Rinse the Floor

• Use warm water for better residue removal
• Rinse multiple times, especially in corners
• This step is vital for food safety – you don’t want chemical residues hanging about

Step 5: Dry the Floor

• Proper drying prevents moisture build-up and those pesky slip hazards
• Use clean towels or allow surfaces to air dry
• Watch for damp spots, especially in corners
• A wet vacuum or fan can speed things up
• Ensure good ventilation to help things dry faster

Step 6: Sanitise

• After mopping, use a disinfectant to ensure a hygienic environment
• Pay particular attention to high-touch areas
• This final step ensures your kitchen environment isn't just clean – it's properly sanitised

Establishing a Regular Cleaning Routine

Consistency is the secret ingredient to a perpetually clean floor.

Daily Duties

Implement a daily floor cleaning routine, ideally at the end of the working day when there’s less foot traffic. Sweep regularly before mopping, and make sure floors are mopped either daily or weekly, depending on your kitchen’s traffic and cleaning checklist.

The Deep Clean Difference

While daily cleaning is essential, scheduling a more thorough clean at least once a week is what separates the merely clean from the spotless. This isn’t just a more thorough version of your daily routine – it’s about getting to those areas that usually get neglected, like under heavy equipment or in those awkward corners.

For absolute best results, arrange a comprehensive deep clean every six months to maintain hygiene and stay compliant with regulations.

Get the Team on Board

Training staff on correct cleaning procedures isn’t just good practice – it’s essential. When everyone understands the importance of care and maintenance, cleaning becomes part of the culture rather than a chore.

Tackling Stubborn Grease and Stains

Sometimes, you encounter a stain that seems determined to become a permanent resident on your kitchen floor tiles. Here are some useful tips on the best way to clean stubborn stains

Use Heavy Artillery

For truly stubborn areas, you’ll need specialised products formulated for heavy-duty applications. Commercial degreasers are crucial for effectively removing tough residues, and industrial steam cleaners can work wonders too.

Your Method Matters

Apply your cleaning solution or degreaser directly to the affected area and let it sit for a bit to penetrate the grease. Then use a stiff-bristled scrub brush or non-abrasive pad to give it a good scrubbing. For areas that are particularly greasy, you might need to repeat the process a few times.

Power Up

For the most stubborn greasy areas, power washing can be effective. Floor scrubbers can also be used for tough spots. Just remember – there’s a difference between persistence and damaging your floor. If you’re not sure, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Meeting UK Health and Safety Standards

In the UK, clean floors aren’t just nice to have – they’re required by law.

Strict Standards

As mentioned, commercial kitchens are subject to strict health and safety standards under the Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2006. Regular floor cleaning is a crucial part of compliance with these regulations.

Inspection Ready

Health inspections are commonplace, and failure to maintain proper standards can result in fines, reputation damage, or even closure. Clean, dry floors minimise accident risk and are essential for meeting HSE guidelines.

Remember, adhering to these practices isn't just a legal requirement – it’s a critical component of running a successful and reputable commercial kitchen.

The Final Mop Up

Effective cleaning of a commercial kitchen isn’t the most glamorous job in the kitchen, but it might just be one of the most important.

By following the right steps, using the right tools and products, and maintaining a regular schedule, you can ensure your kitchen floor remains spotless, safe and compliant. That’s not just good for business – it’s good for everyone who works in or eats from your kitchen.

Need Expert Help from KDC Hygiene Ltd?

While regular cleaning is vital, sometimes you need the professionals to step in and tackle stubborn build-up or ensure compliance to the highest standard.

Our experienced team provides specialised cleaning services tailored to commercial kitchens. We scrub ‘til it sparkles, not just ‘til it looks clean.

So if you’re looking for expert help to achieve and maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness, particularly for a thorough deep clean of your commercial kitchen floor, give us a bell. 

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