Cleaning schedules and checklists
How structured cleaning schedules and checklists ensure hygiene, efficiency, and consistency in café operations.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 7 of 12 in Café Operations & Business/
Why Cleaning Matters
- Ensures food safety and compliance with health regulations.
- Extends the life of equipment and prevents costly breakdowns.
- Contributes to customer perception—clean cafés build trust.
Principles of Effective Cleaning
- Frequency: Assign tasks to daily, weekly, monthly schedules.
- Responsibility: Each staff member knows their duties.
- Verification: Supervisors or shift leads check completion.
- Documentation: Checklists create accountability.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Espresso Machine: Backflush with water and detergent, clean group heads, purge steam wands.
- Grinders: Brush burrs and chute, wipe exterior.
- Surfaces: Wipe counters, sanitize handles, clean POS area.
- Floors: Sweep and mop at close.
- Restrooms: Sanitize fixtures, refill soap/paper.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Deep clean espresso machine (soak portafilters, screens, baskets).
- Wash refrigeration gaskets and check seals.
- Clean batch brewers, pour-over kettles, and hot water spouts.
- Degrease hoods and wipe down walls near prep areas.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
- Replace espresso machine water filters.
- Inspect grinder burrs for wear.
- Check and clean ventilation systems.
- Deep clean storage areas and under-counter zones.
Creating Checklists
- Format: Laminated sheets or digital task apps.
- Structure: Task → Frequency → Assigned staff → Verification.
- Visibility: Posted in staff areas for reference.
Benefits
- Reduces downtime from dirty or broken equipment.
- Improves efficiency—baristas don’t waste time looking for clean tools.
- Ensures compliance during health inspections.
Summary
Cleaning schedules and checklists provide structure, accountability, and consistency. By dividing tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly cycles, cafés maintain hygiene, protect equipment, and deliver a safe, welcoming customer experience.