Common Questions About Urinal Cakes

Most men will see a urinal cake on a daily basis. This is the small tablet placed in urinal bowls that serves as a deodoriser in public restrooms.

Public restrooms without urinal cakes use waterless urinals. Waterless systems rely on biological treatments to stay odourless.

In the urinal, it plays an important role. However, if ingested, it can lead to devastating consequences.

Urinal cakes help in restroom hygiene with some advantages and risks.

What Are Urinal Cakes?

Urinal cakes resemble moth-balls. You will find them at the bottom of public urinals.

The urinal cakes reduce the pee smell in urinals and control bacteria.

The name ‘urinal cake’ comes from the shape of the cakes. It also borrows from the role they play in keeping public restrooms smelling good.

Before the 1880s, going to the bathroom was a private affair. There were no public restrooms.

As more people started visiting towns and trade centres for business, using the restroom became a public problem.

This led to an increase in demand for better plumbing and sanitation. Gradually, people started building and using public restrooms.

This then created a big odour problem.

As towns, markets and urban centres became more popular, there was an increase in the use and demand of public toilets.

This led to the innovation of urinal cakes as commercial products.

Urinal cakes are made of para-dichlorobenzene, which acts as a deodoriser and disinfectant.

The name ‘cake’ comes from the round and colourful shape of the chemical block you will see in urinals.

Where and Why Do People Use Urinal Cakes?

You will most likely see ‘urinal cakes’ at the bottom of public urinals. They help disinfect the urinals and mask or reduce odours.

The chemical composition of most cakes may vary. But, almost all urinal cakes contain para-dichlorobenzene, which acts as the main deodoriser.

The para-dichlorobenzene in the cake helps it sublime when it comes into contact with urine. This means that it converts into a gas without going through the liquid state.

What Do Urinal Cakes Smell Like?

Most urinal cakes have a neutral or pleasant smell. It all depends on their function.

Disinfectant cakes tend to have a more neutral smell.

Urinal cakes meant to deodorise the urinal have a pleasant scent. This helps keep the urinal smelling fresh throughout.

Health Concerns Associated with Urinal Cakes

Once the cakes come into contact with urine, they turn into a gas, which you can inhale.

While there is no extensive study on the effect of the gas on humans, it has shown some negative effects on animals.

This unknown risk has led to a ban on para-dichlorobenzene in some countries around the world.

Many public restrooms today prefer para-dichlorobenzene free cakes as an alternative.

They are water-soluble and work well to deodorise urinals. They also improve the cleaning of the pipes to remove some of the odour-causing buildup.

Recent formulations and innovations have created biological bacterial spores. When combined with surfactant cleaners, they eradicate odour in the pipes. They also get rid of any buildup likely to cause a blockage.

The only way around the smell and risks of using urinal cakes is waterless urinals. These require little maintenance. They also rely on biological treatments to stay fresh and odourless. This is a good alternative even for the environment.

Can You Eat a Urinal Cake?

Eating a urinal cake can kill you.

Anyone crazy enough to bite into a urinal cake is putting their health at risk. Ingesting the chemicals found in urinal cakes can lead to symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

Over time, these symptoms can worsen, leading to hospitalisation.

Naphthalene, a common compound found in urinal cakes can also lead to the death of red blood cells.

Without proper care, your body may be overwhelmed by all the chemicals. This can lead to organ failure and other complications.

Alternatives to Using Urinal Cakes

The best alternative to urinal cakes so far is waterless urinals. Since you will not be relying on para-dichlorobenzene, you must keep them clean.

You can keep waterness urinals odour free by:

Investing in the Right Cleaning Agents

You should use biological treatments for everyday cleaning.

With these treatments, you introduce harmless ‘bugs’ into the urinals. The bugs eat away bacteria responsible for toilet smells.

These bacteria play a role in breaking down urea and uric acid, found in urine. Once the two chemicals are broken down, they produce the pungent smell found in toilets.

Over time, these treatments form a protective barrier on the surface of the urinal and pipes. This helps keep the urinal odour-free between cleans.

When using biological treatments, make sure you find a reputable supplier. Alsco NZ offers some of the best biological alternatives in the market. We offer year-long contracts to ensure your team never runs out of treatments.

Keeping the Urinals Water-free

Water will affect the integrity and basic functioning of a waterless urinal.

It reacts with the sealant to create limestone deposits on the urinal sink and pipes. These deposits can block urine from flowing down the drain.

You can use water to clean the pipes occasionally but never in the waterless urinal cylinder.

In a public restroom, make sure you have warning signs. Every cylinder should have a sign warning people against pouring water into it.

An Odourless Washroom

One of the biggest cleaning challenges is keeping the toilets smelling fresh.

A clean and odourless toilet can influence the morale of employees. In a public-facing business, it can make or break your reputation.

Make sure you get washroom cleaning experts to help you with the installation and maintenance of waterless urinals.

After installation, get the right supplies to keep your washrooms fresh.

Alsco will:

• Help you identify the right supplies for your urinals.
• Supply you with the chemicals you need.
• Refill your chemicals on a regular basis.

You can stop using urinal cakes and start running an odourless washroom today with Alsco NZ.

Alsco Nz provides your workplace with top-of-the-line safety equipment to keep your workplace running smoothly.

Speak to a customer care agent today to learn more.

Paper Or Cloth Towels: Which Are Better For You?

There’s always lots of chemistry in kitchens! They always tend to become all stained and dirty.

There has to be something effective enough that can clean that mess up.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are the most traditional solution when it comes to cleaning up a spill, and they are not a good choice.

They can become quite an expensive solution when there’s a lot of little spills happening every day.

From an environmental aspect, paper towel isn’t a good option either.

Even if the paper towel you use is recycled, you make a lot of waste, and you can avoid that.

Cloth Towels

You’re probably wondering if there is a better option for cleaning up spills than a paper towel? There definitely is! There are three benefits to cloth towels:

• Efficiency – cloth towels are more efficient. They are made out of thicker fabric, which makes them absorbent. They also have a thicker pile for collecting dirt.
• Cost effective – cloth towels are reusable. Even using a rental system to keep a supply of clean cloth towels full is cheaper than buying rolls of paper towel.
• Environmentally friendly – apart from being reusable, cloth towels also reduce the amount of waste from your kitchen.

We’ve come to a conclusion that reusable wipes work better. They are also good for the environment and are cost-effective. But who will be cleaning them? And how can you be sure that they appeal to workplace health and safety regulations? There is a rental program that can take care of all these problems for you!

We collect cloth towels for food and glass and launder them according to high standards. Afterwards, we deliver them back for you to use and reuse them. We conform to all relevant workplace health and safety requirements. We can provide you with you with colour-coded food wipes in order to prevent cross-contamination.

We are also providing you with glass wipes for detailing and cleaning. Our rental service can make sure that there is no capital outlay. It means that the costs related to purchasing are eliminated, so you can rest assured you’ll always have clean towels ready for use.

Now it’s even easier to run a commercial kitchen. Your kitchen is waiting to be cleaned up! You can try these Alsco’s cloth towels and make a decision for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Freepik Images by aopsan

4 Interesting Tips for Workplace Urinal Hygiene

Urinal hygiene is an important aspect of washroom hygiene. Bad odours may diffuse into workspaces and make workers unable to focus.

However, clean urinals also contribute to overall washroom hygiene. In turn, this leaves a great impression on both clients and employees.

Besides, sanitary washrooms have positive effects on workers’ health.

How can you give your workplace washroom a facelift? Ensure excellent washroom hygiene through the use of professional products and maintenance.

There are different ways to care for urinals to upgrade your washroom’s appearance. Here below is all you need to know about urinal hygiene essentials.

1. Use the Best Urinal Hygiene Products

Workplace cleanliness has a direct impact on workers’ perception of your professionalism. In the long run, the amount of effort put in translates to an increase in employee loyalty. This also applies to external parties, such as clients, investors and suppliers.

Besides, customers associate dirty washrooms with lack of care. The appearance of your washrooms may put them off and keep them from doing business with you.

So, keeping washrooms clean may appear to be a difficult task, but using the best products makes it easier. It also leaves a lasting impression.

To begin, place urinal tabs at the bottom of every urinal. These are a must-have hygiene product that disinfects and eliminates bad odour. Besides this, they keep away insects like flies, moths and silverfish.

By reducing the buildup of uric acid, clogged urinals become a thing of the past. How do they do this? By consisting of the main ingredient para-dichlorobenzene, they keep all the bad stuff at bay.

Urinal tabs come in different colours, shapes and sizes, but they all perform the same functions.

Consider investing in urine screens to cut down on splashback accidents. Place them at each urinal to make hygiene maintenance easier for your cleaning staff.

They contain a strong fragrance which freshens up the urinal for up to 30 days. After this period, replace the old screen with a new one for long-lasting freshness.

These products often yield better results when combined with the tips that follow.

2. Use High-Quality Washroom Cleaning Chemicals

Clean urinals contribute to workplace image. The correct products prevent the spread of bacteria, creating a healthy working environment.

For starters, encourage the use of toilet cleaner. It removes scale deposits that make your urinals look off-white.

Pour a small amount of the product into the urinal and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Then, scrub the urinal with a brush and rinse it off.

Its thick formulation minimises waste and over-use, saving costs in the long-run.

Ensure you also purchase scouring cream to clean washroom surfaces. This eliminates dirt and grime, enhancing the urinal’s appeal.

Apply the product on a damp cloth and wipe the urinal exterior before rinsing it off. It leaves a fragrant and spotless surface.

These products have a long-lasting impact on your washroom, giving it the kind of care it deserves.

These products are essential in disinfecting urinals to protect your workers from illnesses. Cases of absenteeism will decrease, saving your business a significant amount of money.

This report finds that absenteeism costs the New Zealand economy $1.79 billion in 2018. So, investing in the well-being of your employees has many benefits to your company. The bottom line is, workplace cleanliness affects workers’ satisfaction and productivity.

“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel, and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.” — Anthony Robbins.

Handle these products using gloves and safety glasses to prevent any harm.

To kill general malodour, place automatic air fresheners behind urinals. Overlooking this area allows awkward smells to thrive. It’s better to deal with the problem from the source.

Ensure to select scents that boost your employees’ energy levels, like:

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Jasmine
• Rosemary
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint

These scents trigger positive moods in workers and increase their morale.

Don’t forget common touch-points, such as urinal flush handles, are covered in disease-causing germs. Protect your employees by making automatic hand soaps and sanitisers available. Creating a sterile environment speaks volumes and assures them they are in safe hands.

Fresh and Clean takes the burden off your shoulders. Rental hand care products are available for servicing and refills at your convenience.

3. Hire Professional Cleaning Services

This is the secret to creating a 5-star washroom experience. Contrary to workplace myths, this is not an unnecessary expense. Instead, it’s an investment in your company. This is how your business stays leading in a competitive market.

Expert services provide consistency by putting in the extra effort your washroom needs. Partner with Fresh and Clean to stay ahead of the game! Through both deep cleaning and biological treatment services, you upkeep your hygienic standards. This offers a complete washroom solution for exceptional cleanliness standards.

These are both eco-friendly cleaning alternatives to using toxic chemical products. Your workplace gains the favour of like-minded clients that admire sustainable business practices. It adds to your workplace’s core values and increases marketability.

Have a look at this chart below to understand which service works best for your workplace needs:

Below are the benefits of partnering with professional services:

• Specially-trained staff that have the skills your washroom requires.
• Formulation of a cleaning plan according to your workplace washroom needs.
• Deliver exceptional results, keeping your urinals in top-notch quality.
• Use specialised equipment and products to fulfil your needs.

4. Take Extra Precautions

This is another angle towards maintaining urinal hygiene. Do so by creating awareness and implementing hygiene policies in the workplace. Together, these will yield extraordinary results. Both your workplace sanitary standards and workers’ washroom etiquette improves.

Sending subtle messages has extraordinary effects on washroom hygiene. As a result, the repeat of avoidable washroom incidents reduces.

Your workers then become aware of their hygiene practices and the effects it has on others.

Use washroom posters to assure employees that you care about their well-being. By creating a sense of safety and security, your workers can’t help but be loyal. It encourages them to report any washroom accident that requires immediate attention.

Bear in mind to install washroom mats near urinals and sink areas. This prevents accidents. They are also firm and comfortable to stand on, improving relaxation while relieving yourself.

So, there you have it, the four major tips you need to improve your urinal hygiene. Give them a try and share the results with your colleagues.

Overturn Your Workplace Washroom Today

As committed hygiene service providers, Alsco makes it a priority to keep your washroom in high-grade condition.

“You service our branch with an awesome attitude.” — Shaan Antunovich, Manager, Education Action.

Contact Alsco’s Fresh and Clean friendly customer services for a convenient and affordable experience. Our expertise is all your urinals need!

Photo: Creative Common

Crucial Washroom Hygiene Supplies And Equipment Your Restaurant Needs Right Now

In New Zealand and the world over, restaurateurs always took hygiene standards quite seriously. They were perhaps only second to surgeons.

Given the health implications related to poor sanitation, they had to.

But 2020 has brought a unanimous truth for all foodservice industry stakeholders.

The unfortunate reality of Covid-19 is here. Hygiene and sanitisation standards must now evolve to stellar levels.

Minimising instances of contamination while maximising sanitisation efforts is the only goal.

Restaurant customers are understandably wary. Eating out or even ordering-in is less fun because of fear. It is, therefore, more essential to focus on maintaining high-level cleanliness.

Aside from the health benefits, this is one way to instil trust and confidence in customers. This maintains a positive brand image for a restaurant.

Washroom cleanliness in a restaurant has a big impact on its bottom line.

Studies show that poor sanitation is almost never forgotten by customers. One viral image of a dirty restroom can irreparably destroy a restaurant’s public image. It is the main reason for low client retention rates.

A restaurant getting constant negative reviews about hygiene is bad. Potential customers may never pay them a visit.

Restaurant hygiene also affects the health and safety of employees. Cleanliness can build morale among them.

Maintaining hygiene is a commitment to your clients and your business success. To fulfil this promise, there are crucial tools and supplies you need. Here’s a list to help you keep your washroom clean.

Essential Hygiene Supplies And Equipment Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are for single usage. They can provide temporary protection from germs and various infections.

Diseases such as Covid-19 are quite contagious. They spread through touching contaminated surfaces. These include door handles, tables, seats and countertops. Once the virus is on one’s hands, it can reach the mouth, nose or eyes.

People can use disposable gloves for extra protection in the washroom. Especially when accessing different washroom items, areas and surfaces.

It is, however, important to emphasise this to customers. The disposable gloves should not be a substitute for handwashing. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best protection.

Disinfectant Surface Wipes

Hard surface disinfecting wipes are a must-have for restaurant washrooms and other areas.

They contain properties that can eliminate an array of contaminants. This includes viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This protection happens within 10 minutes or less of their initial application.

They also keep any new bacteria causing germs from forming on the applied surfaces. Hard disinfectant wipes are critical and preferred even in healthcare facilities. They can stop instances of cross-contamination and mass outbreaks. This is especially important for places with high human traffic.

Customers or employees can use them to clean and disinfect key areas. For example, washroom door handles, countertops, sinks, toilet flushers and even faucets.

Hand Cleaning Sanitising Wipes

Alcohol-based sanitising wipes are the next best thing to soap and water.

Hand cleaning sanitising wipes can help clients to quickly refresh.  After powdering their noses, for example.

Always remind your customers of the value of frequent handwashing. Post simple signs all around the restaurant to encourage this practice.

Bin Liners & Garbage Bags

Bin liners or garbage bags are usually made of plastic, and used to line the inside of garbage bins.

They are lightweight and convenient. Use them to prevent the trash bins from becoming too messy with damp rubbish such as paper towels or wipes.

Bin liners are also useful in minimising odour and keeping the general area fresh. They also make the process of emptying the full bins very easy.

Trash Cans

Trash cans are essential in any restaurant washroom.

People use tissues, paper towels and other waste materials in the bathroom. Every bathroom has to have some form of a trash receptacle.

This goes a long way towards maintaining cleanliness. It also maintains safety and proper waste management and disposal.

Toilet Paper

Toilet paper plays a huge part in enhancing personal hygiene. Access to it gives people a feeling of comfort and convenience. Customers expect washrooms to always have an adequate supply of high-quality toilet paper.

In a pilot study done by King-Casey, 100 restaurant-goers shared that they most prefer soft, absorbent toilet paper. The thin and waxy industrial type of toilet paper was the least prefered.

Restrooms act as a silent extension of your restaurant. So it’s important to incorporate customer preferences about this space.

Additionally, there’s a cost-saving benefit to providing high-quality toilet paper. Clients will need less toilet paper. There will be fewer cases of shredded waste paper strewn all over the bathroom floors. This is good for the environment.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Feminine hygiene products include personal care items such as:

• Sanitary pads
• Panty shields
• Tampons
• Menstrual cups
• Female wipes
• Period panties

In case of a feminine emergency, you should have these products in your restaurant’s washroom. This means not losing a valuable customer. They will not need to rush home or to the nearest store for help.

The added benefit to the customer is the ease of access. And freedom to enjoy their meals without distress. They will no doubt turn into a happy brand ambassador for your restaurant.

Feminine Hygiene Product Dispensers

To avoid the “freebie” temptation, businesses tend to instal coin-operated dispensers. This ensures that people only take what they need. It also discourages any instances of outside theft.

Commercial Paper Towels

Paper towel dispensers make hand drying a convenient affair. They curb the spread of germs because wet or damp hands tend to attract germ causing bacteria.

One of the worst, but most common restaurant washroom issues is the lack of toilet rolls. This can be tactfully avoided by installing a jumbo holder. Restaurants may also use any other type of dispenser that can store a suitable quantity.

People frequently and unconsciously touch their faces, eyes, noses, and mouths. This is the fastest way to get infected by germs and viruses.

Due to the reduced contact with the soap itself, soap dispensers reduce the spread of germs. Bacteria or viruses among people. They have other advantages such as:

Hand Sanitisers

They are usually in a liquid, foam or gel consistency. In most cases, hand sanitisers are used where soap and water are unavailable. But they are a necessary addition to a restaurant washroom for cases such as:

Automated hand sanitiser dispensers go the extra mile in preventing waste. They usually release a uniform amount per activation. These kinds of dispensers encourage usage from customers and children alike. They make it fun and simple, which means more people with cleaner hands.

Restaurant washrooms are used by a high number of people. So toilet seat covers are a worthwhile investment. They are quite easy to use and flush down the toilet afterwards.

Automated toilet seat cover dispensers are all the rage today. The main benefits of using automated versus manual dispensers are:

They are a necessary item in restaurant washrooms. Families tend to form the largest dining demographic. Without this convenient tool, a restaurant risks losing out on paying customers.

Automatic Air Fresheners

Urinal deodorisers are small, brightly coloured and scented disinfectant blocks placed inside urinals. They come in various shapes and colours.

Automatic Toilet Flushers

Our deep cleaning solution covers every corner of your restaurant washroom. We leave everything sparkling clean. There will be no room for bacteria to reemerge. We always maintain New Zealand business cleaning standards.

5 Essential Foodservice Chemicals To Deep Clean Your Restaurant Equipment

Keeping your restaurant clean is crucial for many reasons. Regardless of how tasty your food is, failing to maintain cleanliness will steer your customers away from your restaurant.

Typically, word-of-mouth is the best form of recommendation for many restaurants.

And your patrons can only recommend your business if you’ve built a positive reputation.

A clean and hygienic restaurant will surely create the exact impression you want. Moreover, you’ll receive an excellent report from your health and food inspectors.

Therefore, it’s important to deep clean your restaurant using proper chemicals to ensure you:

• Safeguard your patrons from foodborne diseases.
• Reduce your employee workload.
• Keep pests at bay in your restaurant’s kitchen.

Let’s now look at the five foodservice chemicals you need to use when deep cleaning your restaurant equipment.

Coffee Machine Cleaner

A coffee machine cleaner is a deep cleaning chemical used to clean and disinfects coffee makers.

Your restaurant coffee machine may not be as clean as you imagine. Some signs of a dirty coffee machine include:

• Bitter tasting coffee
• Allergies
• Experiencing blot gastrointestinal issues
• Headache or skin irritation

How to Use a Coffee Machine Cleaner

1. Put half a spoon of coffee machine cleaning chemicals in every blind filter basket.
2. Tightly lock the portafilters into the group head.
3. Activate the group heads for about ten seconds.
4. Then deactivate the heads for tens seconds.
5. Repeat the procedure three times.
6. Remove the machine’s blind portafilter.
7. Dispense water out of the group head for about ten seconds.
8. Rinse the blind portafilter.
9. Put clean portafilters into the group heads.
10. Repeat the backflush process without using the coffee maker cleaner.
11. Now rinse the inside of the machine.

To ensure your patrons don’t get infected with coliform bacteria or other germs, you need to deep clean the machine regularly using the espresso machine cleaner.

Cleaning your coffee machine also keeps it in the best condition.

Ice Machine Cleaner

Ice machine cleaners are biodegradable cleaners that are used to remove scale deposits from ice machines. The cleaner usually digests harmful biofilms.

Biofilms comprise contaminants and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and even protists.

How to Use an Ice Machine Cleaner

1. Turn off your ice machine unit.
2. Remove all the ice, drain and bleed from the machine.
3. Remove its water trough, distribution tubes, curtains, and any other parts that are contacted by water.
4. For every litre of water, mix 25 ml of ice machine cleaner.
5. Place the removed machine parts into the cleaning solution and let them soak.
6. Where necessary, loosen any scales using a soft brush.
7. Clean the storage cabinet and bin using a clean cloth or sponge soaked in the cleaning solution. Rinse these parts thoroughly with clean water.
8. Remove the soaked parts from the solution and rinse them with clean water. Replace them and turn on the water.
9. Add about 40 ml of the cleaner into the ice machine and allow it to circulate for about 10-15 minutes. The water should circulate until there is no scale. Ensure all the drains become clear.
10. After the unit is clear, drain the circulating solution. Flush it with fresh water for about one minute.
11. Replace the drain plug.
12. To ensure you get high-quality ice, rinse its bin thoroughly with fresh water.
13. Restart the unit and discard the first set of ice.

An example of an ice machine cleaner is Impresa Products Ice Machine Cleaner.

Prolong the life of your ice machine while maintaining proper food safety. As such, this cleaning chemical is designed to:

• Prevent corrosive damage
• Mineral buildup
• Bacterial contamination

Oven and Grill Cleaners

An oven and grill cleaner removes grease deposits, carbon, and burnt-on fat. The cleaner can work on all surfaces, including:

• Baking trays
• Rotisseries
• Baking trays
• Barbecues
• Hotplates

Regular cleaning ensures your restaurant equipment continually works appropriately.

How to Use an Oven and Grill Cleaner

1. Turn off the unit and unplug it.
2. Wait till the oven and grill are cool.
3. Poor the undiluted cleaner on the surface you wish to clean.
4. Leave the chemical on the surface for some minutes.
5. Use a stiff scraper or brush to remove any soiling.
6. Rinse the surface with fresh water to finish.

Without a doubt, your oven and grill are essential to your foodservice operations. Whether you own a modern restaurant oven or an outdoor patio grill, these cleaners will definitely improve your equipment conditions.

An example of oven and grill cleaners is the Fresh & Clean Oven And Grill Carbon/Grease Cleaner.

This cleaner is highly effective even during first-time cleaning. They are also biodegradable to promote a cleaner environment.

Deep-Fryer Cleaner

A deep-fryer cleaner is a foodservice chemical that helps sanitise and clean the surfaces of a deep fryer. A deep fryer helps cook home and restaurant foods such as:

• Chicken
• Donuts
• Turkey
• Onion rings
• Potatoes

Freshly deep-fried chicken or turkey sure tastes heavenly. But this might not be possible if your restaurant isn’t clean. These cleaners are easy-to-use and more convenient compared to other forms of cleaning.

How to Use a Deep-Fryer Cleaner

Cleaning the interior:

1. Unplug the deep fryer from its source of power.
2. Let it cool down for some minutes.
3. Using a spider strainer, remove any large food debris.
4. Pour cooled oil from the unit into a container.
5. Add deep-fryer cleaning solution.
6. Plug the unit and let the solution boil for about 30 minutes, depending on your unit soil.
7. Turn off the unit and drain the unit.
8. Use a brush to remove any remaining soil from the sides of the deep fryer.
9. Flush the unit with clean water and allow it to dry.
10. You can now close the valve and refill the unit with oil.

Cleaning the exterior:

1. Use the cleaner to spray the exterior surface of the unit.
2. Leave the solution for some time.
3. Use a synthetic pad or brush to scrub the surface.
4. Rinse it with clean water.

An example of a deep-fryer cleaner is the Boil Out Fryer Cleaners.

As a restaurant owner, you spend a lot of money on filtering your fry oil. It will be a waste of money if you pour clean oil into a dirty deep fryer.

Besides, dirty deep fryers coils and walls take more time to heat up. This will cost your commercial business time and money. Thus, you need to regularly clean your fryer to make your task quicker and faster.

Degreasers

A degreaser is a cleaning agent designed to remove water-insoluble oil and grease from hard surfaces. They minimise equipment replacement.

Degreasers come in many forms, including solutions, wipes, and sprays. Besides cleansing, some degreasers disinfect and deodorise the surface of restaurant equipment.

Some degreasers are water-based, while others are solvent-based.

Water-based degreasers are used in sectors such as:

• Food and beverage production
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing

Solvent-based degreasers are used in industries such as:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Marine
• Oil and gas
• Mechanical

How to Use Water-Based Degreasers

1. Switch off the equipment you wish to clean.
2. Ensure there is no uncovered food lying around.
3. Remove visible dirt and soil from the equipment.
4. Mix hot or warm water with a water-based degreaser.
5. Apply the degreaser (in small amounts) on the equipment surface.
6. After grease and oil have been cleaned and removed, discard the degreaser used responsibly.
7. Don’t mix degreasers with chemical agents such as caustics, ammonia, acid and bleach.

One of the best degreasers is the Kemsol Green Top Notch Cleaner Degreaser. This degreaser is environmentally accredited.

Find Your Best Solution for Your Deep Cleaning Worries

Foodservice chemicals help you spend less on human resources and energy. You also get to maintain cleanliness and attract customers in your restaurant.

If you’re looking for the best foodservice chemicals, Alsco New Zealand has got you covered. Having offered hygiene solutions for over 130 years, you can rely on our deep cleaning chemicals because they are:

• Environmentally friendly
• Non-corrosive
• Ready to use

Contact Alsco NZ for all your restaurant deep cleaning chemicals.

Essential Floor Cleaning Supplies And Equipment Your Restaurant Needs Right Now

Let’s be honest, the first thing that customers check when they walk into a restaurant is the level of hygiene.

They notice the table layout, and whether surfaces are clean, or the sinks are clogged with dirt.

The importance of maintaining high hygiene standards cannot be overemphasized. Restaurant hygiene is key for any restaurant business that needs to stay afloat. After all, ghastly scenes should not be part of any menu.

Restaurant hygiene is essential in maintaining the health of your staff and clients. It is also important in creating your brand and making your business stand out from the rest.

The wave of COVID-19 sweeping across the globe has affected the restaurant industry. Many have closed down. Those still afloat are exploring new ways including online orders and more take-outs.

Governments have set out a reopening checklist for restaurants that includes regulations on:

• Employee screening
• Social distancing
• Water provision
• Food safety
• Facility operations
• Hand washing

As restaurant businesses go through these hard times, stepping up on hygiene is key.

Restaurant hygiene is critical and constant cleaning and sanitising are an essential part of it. With that in mind, here are essential floor cleaning supplies and equipment to keep your restaurant safe for customers and staff.

The Floor Cleaning Supplies and Equipment you Need

Floor Drains

Floor drains are plumbing fixtures with metallic or plastic gratings. They are installed on the floor of a structure to remove any standing water.

They come in different shapes, with sizes ranging from 2-12 inches. The floor around them is normally slanted to allow water drainage.

Restaurants need regular cleaning in critical areas such as the kitchen or washrooms. These areas harbour lots of dirt and grime.

Floor drains should be properly installed to avoid messy accidents. Before cleaning the floors staff should ensure that the drains are clear.

Floor Scrubbers and Buffers

A floor scrubber is a cleaning device in the form of a floor mop, brush or a ride-on machine. It works by mixing water with detergent, scrubbing and lifting any residue.

The buffer works by evening out surfaces to achieve a smooth, glossy, uniform look.

This equipment can help in keeping your restaurant floors clean, dry and smooth. Such a clean look keeps your clients coming.

Spare Buffer Pads

Spare buffer pads are extra pads fitted to a buffing machine to help remove light scuff marks and dirt.

They help in giving your floor a sparkling finish and shine, and they are perfect for light-duty use.

Spare buffer pads are perfectly designed for a low-speed buffing machine. They are also convenient for the daily scheduled cleaning tasks in the restaurant.

Spare Scrubber Pads

Scrubber pads are best designed to clean aggressively without removing floor finishes. They can remove heavy dirt and scuff marks with a low-speed machine.

Scrubber pads can be used in heavy traffic areas such as restaurant entryways, and are best used on wet surfaces.

Spare scrubber pads keep the cleaning going.

Commercial Vacuums

Commercial vacuums are cleaning equipment that comes in different shapes and sizes. They solve different problems like spot cleaning and wet residue pickup.

Choosing the right vacuum depends on the area and the level of traffic you are dealing with.

Commercial vacuums have different features which allow you to clean all areas. In restaurants, they can be used to clean under tables and chairs.

Whether you’re cleaning hard floors or concrete floors, commercial vacuums work. From spot cleaning to wet cleaning, they are perfect for your restaurant.

Microfibre Mops

Microfiber mops have charged split fibres that allow them to pick up and hold dust, dirt and even liquid in the deepest crevices.

Microfiber mops are useful in restaurants as they are able to pick up 99% of bacteria present on floors.

Squeegees

A squeegee is a tool made out of flat rubber that controls the flow of liquid in a flat surface.

In these COVID-19 times, restaurants need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried throughout the day. Having squeegees as part of your cleaning equipment makes it easier to dry surfaces.

This helps in keeping spaces clean and in avoiding messy accidents that may occur on wet surfaces.

Retractable Hose Pipes

A hosepipe is a long flexible rubber or plastic pipe that is used to carry water from one point to another. Retractable hose pipes are versatile as they can easily be pulled back.

To maintain a clean look in your restaurant, there is a need for a constant supply of water. Retractable hose pipes make it easier to access water in areas that need cleaning.

Mops

Mops are cleaning tools made of absorbent material attached to a long handle. They are used for washing, drying or dusting floors.

In restaurants, small accidents happen, like a spilt cup of tea or some splashes of water around the sinks. Mops can easily clean up such messes.

Brooms

A broom is a brush with a long handle that is used for sweeping dirt.

Brooms are basic yet very important tools. They come in various forms to allow them to meet different needs.

Choosing the right broom depends on its intended use as the quality of bristles determines the kind of work it can do.

Lightweight and compact brooms can be used to sweep under tables and chairs. Mid-sized push brooms can be used in sweeping hallways and other open spaces.

Dust Pans

A dustpan is a short-handed shovel-shaped scoop that is used to collect dust.

Some brooms are best designed to work with dustpans.

In a restaurant, dustpans help in picking up broken glass, food or other debris. They can also be used in cleaning busy areas like the kitchen where dirt can easily build-up, leading to germs.

Long Brushes

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi. A cleaning brush is a tool with bristles, wire or other filaments attached to it, and with a handle to hold. It can be used to dust, scrub and remove debris from objects and surfaces.

In a restaurant set up, long brushes can be used to scrub and clean the kitchen as well as washrooms. Kitchen surfaces can have a build-up of grime if not well cleaned.

Long brushes can be used to clean up kitchen surfaces, fryers and baskets in your deep clean. They can also be used in cleaning bathrooms and removing dirt from crevices.

Dust Mops

A dust mop is a long-handled cleaning instrument made out of cloth, sponge or other absorbent material attached to a stick. It’s ideally made to dust floors and, in many cases, wall ceilings.

In most cases, dust mops are made out of microfiber material in order to attract and hold onto dust. The heads are fairly flat and removable so they can be washed and used again. Dust mop handles are also adjustable.

Spare Broom and Mop Handles

Brooms and mops need extra handles to make them versatile.

The Coronavirus pandemic has sent the restaurant business into disarray. Cleaning schedules have been disrupted and there is a need for more cleaning round the clock.

Spare brooms and mops enable janitorial teams to work efficiently in different locations.

Spare Mop Heads

Mop head replacements come in handy in ensuring that you clean all the areas in your restaurant.

Mop heads are made of different materials including cotton and synthetic fibres. Each material has its pros and cons.

Having spare mop heads for your restaurant allows you to select the right head for the right job. Cotton mop heads are great for light-duty cleaning. On the downside, they are hard to dry.

Mops made of cotton and synthetic fibres perform better and are a good choice for daily cleaning. Those made of semi-synthetic fibres are good at absorbing and drying but they also shrink.

Spare mop heads can be used while others hang out to dry.

Mop Buckets and Wringers

A mop bucket is a wheeled bucket that allows a user to wring out the mop without getting their hands dirty. A wringer is a device attached to the mop bucket that allows the user to press out excess liquid.

A mop bucket and wringer design offers an advantage over the traditional bucket. It’s an essential addition to your cleaning equipment. It helps in your daily cleaning routines and also in enhancing safety in your restaurant.

Wet Floor Signs

Wet floor signs are indicators displayed to warn customers of a wet area from mopping, spills or trapped water. For restaurants proper wet floor signage is critical. Failure to put up signs can lead to accidents and insurance claims that can drain your pockets.

Plastic/Metal buckets

Cleaning buckets are cylindrical vessels which you can use to carry water. They come in different sizes and are made out of plastic or metal.

Buckets have been traditionally used over the years, and they continue to be indispensable.

Floor Cleaning Detergents and Sanitisers

Cleaning detergents are products used in the removal of stains on different floors. They come in powder or liquid form.

Sanitisers are liquids capable of destroying microorganisms including bacteria. Floor cleaning detergents and sanitisers help in keeping restaurants sparkling clean. They are particularly important in disinfecting kitchen surfaces.

Better Safe Than Sorry

The best way to maintain a high inspection rating is to adhere to the set-out hygiene standards.

With the new reality that is COVID-19, there is a need to up your cleaning game to ensure that your restaurant survives.

Remember, you want to protect your staff and also your clients.

Useful Tips:

• Do a deep clean.
• Stick to a scheduled cleaning routine.
• Build weekly and monthly routines.

When you are overwhelmed, call in the experts who will take care of cleaning your restaurant.

Alsco New Zealand provides you with the supplies you need to keep your business thriving. We also have fully managed hygiene rental services that are cost-effective. Engaging us will ease your burden and save you time. 

Contact us today for all your restaurant cleaning needs.

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Equipment (Restaurant Cleaning checklist)

Neglecting to deep clean kitchen equipment can have detrimental effects on your restaurant. Deep cleaning is designed to reduce the spread of viruses as well as remove dust and clutter.

It’s crucial to note that regular cleaning is not a substitute for deep cleaning. Deep cleaning involves cleaning and sanitising surfaces, corners, and kitchen equipment.

Because restaurants prepare food in kitchens, always sanitise kitchen equipment to avoid contamination.

Studies show that over 200 diseases are transmitted through contaminated foods each year.

Therefore, maintaining hygienic equipment is mandatory for a healthy kitchen environment. This is because the kitchen is a room prone to the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pests.

Let’s look at how you can deep clean each of your kitchen equipment.

Deep Cleaning Your Restaurant’s Fryer

Source: dailymail.co.uk

If you are among the many restaurant owners in New Zealand, there’s a high chance you have a deep fryer in your kitchen.

Fried food has one of the best flavours. And restaurant fryers give it that wonderful flavour without much hassle.

Although oil can be recycled, it’s essential to deep clean your restaurant fryer regularly.

Necessary Chemicals and Tools

• Fresh & Clean Oven & Grill
• Deep Fat Fryer Cleaner
• Oil pan drum
• Fryer clean out rod
• Synthetic scrub pad
• Clean cloths/ Paper towels
• Water hose for rinsing
• Pail of freshwater
• A long brush that is suitable for high temperature
• Protective eye-glasses
• Protective apron
• Heat-proof gloves

How to Do It Right

For optimal performance, deep cleaning the fryer using these step by step procedures.

Interior Deep Cleaning

• Turn off the fryer and let it completely cool down.
• When cool, drain the fryer oil into an oil pan drum for disposal or future use.
• Remove any remaining large debris from the inside of the unit.
• Wipe the interior of the fryer using clean cloths or towels.
• Fill the fryer with water.
• Add about 4 oz. of Deep Fat Fryer Cleaner liquid for every 3-4 litres of water.
• Turn on the heater and boil the mixture of water and cleaning fluid for about half an hour.
• After the water has boiled, turn off the fryer and let the water cool down.
• Drain the water out of the fryer while scrubbing the interior using a long-handled brush.
• Thoroughly flush the unit with water to get rid of the cleaning solution.
• Wipe the interior with clean cloths or towels and allow the fryer to dry completely.
• Close the drain valve.
• Fill your fryer with fresh or recycled oil.
•  

External Cleaning

• Clean the exterior surface of the unit using the Fresh & Clean Oven & Grill. The cleaner will help degrease surfaces and remove carbonized food.
• Use a synthetic pad to scrub stubborn spots.
• Use a damp towel/cloth to dry the floor completely.

Deep Cleaning Your Restaurant’s Oven

Source: awebtoknow.com

Without a doubt, ovens are the backbone of any restaurant kitchen. They are regularly used and thus prone to accumulation of grease, food particles, and other debris.

You should not wait to see smoke from your oven to start cleaning it.

Necessary Chemicals and Tools

• Oven and Grill Heavy Duty Cleaner
• Gloves
• Microfiber cloths

How to Do It Right

• If the oven has just been in use, allow it to cool down before you start deep cleaning.
• Take out all the oven racks and clean them separately using an Oven and Grill Heavy Duty Cleaner and warm water.
• Wipe the inside of the oven using a wet microfiber cloth.
• After you have thoroughly cleaned the oven and the racks, put them back to their original positions.

Deep Cleaning Your Restaurant’s Refrigerators

Source: derektime.com

The primary concern of many restaurants is to keep food safe for consumption.

You don’t want to waste money on an underperforming refrigerator. This is because a clean refrigerator keeps food at a safe temperature and improves its overall performance.

Always follow the instruction of your fridge manufacturer when cleaning it.

Necessary Chemicals and Tools

• Gentle surface wipes
• Regular dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• A basin
• Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate

How to Do It Right

• Take out food from the refrigerator and ensure it’s empty.
• Take out all parts of the fridge that are removable, such as drawers or shelves.
• Mix regular dishwashing soap with warm water in a basin and let the drawers soak before you rinse and wipe them.
• Use gentle surface wipes with a combination of warm water and dishwasher soap to clean the surface of the refrigerator.
• For stubborn stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and a little water. Leave the paste (water and baking soda) for about one hour before wiping it out.

How To Deep Clean Your Restaurant’s Grills

Source: pixabay.com

It’s recommended that grills be cleaned at least once a day. This reduces cross-contamination and decreases the possible accumulation of stubborn grease stains.

Necessary Chemicals and Tools

• Stiff wire brush
• Spackle knife or sturdy spatula
• Shine Multipurpose Polish
• Baking Soda or sodium bicarbonate
• Paper towel or rags
• Water with soap

How to Do It Right

• Remove the charcoal and ash out of the grill in case your restaurant is using a charcoal grill.
• If you have a gas grill, disconnect its propane tank and set it aside from the grill.
• Get the grill hot by firing it up for a minimum of 30 minutes. Extreme temperatures will remove stuck-on food and grease.
• While the grill is hot, pour one cup of cooking oil onto its surface.
• After the grill has cooled, remove all grates.  Submerge them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes.
• For stubborn gunk, mix baking soda and a little water and apply the paste on caked-on food bits.
• After grill grates have been removed, use a spackle knife to remove any stuck-on substance from the firebox of the grill.
• Dip the stiff wire brush in a bucket of warm soapy water. Use it to scrub off all carbon from its grates and panels.
• To ensure effective decontamination, soak a paper towel or rag in cooking oil and scrub the surface of the grill.
• As a final touch, use the Shine Multipurpose Polish to polish the grill.
• Once the grill is clean, reassemble all parts that were previously removed.

How to Sanitise Your Restaurant’s Burners

Source: pixabay

Necessary Chemicals and Tools

• Sponge
• Dishwashing soap
• Clean cloth or paper towel
• Baking soda

How to Do It Right

• Before you start deep cleaning the burner, ensure it has completely cooled down.
• Remove the burner coils (in the case of an electric range) or grates (for a gas range) and clean them separately.
• Mix lukewarm water and dishwashing soap in a bowl.
• Dip a sponge or cloth in the soap solution and then scrub the burner.
• Mix a bit of water and baking soda to form a thick paste.
• Use the thick paste coat the burner and let it stand for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse off the burner to remove caked-on residue. Ensure the paste is also rinsed off.
• Dry the burner using a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Reassemble the burner when all its parts are completely dry.
• Your restaurant stove is now ready for a cooking session.

Get Expert Deep Cleaning Service Today!

Fresh & Clean Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Detergent 20L

Deep cleaning is vital to your restaurant employees and patrons’ health and safety for various reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Improving their working conditions.
• Increasing their morale.
• Helps your restaurant maintain food and safety regulations.

Cleanliness should be a top priority if you want to run a successful restaurant kitchen. And Alsco NZ offers exactly that – unique deep-cleaning services.

Alsco uses high-tech equipment and powerful chemicals to keep your kitchen spotlessly clean.

You can also order deep-cleaning tools and supplies and improve your restaurant hygiene.

Photo: possector

Easy Steps to Deep Clean Your Restaurant’s Kitchen

Poor food handling practices and dirty kitchens can lead to food contamination. Food contamination causes up to 420,000 deaths a year and makes 1 in 10 people sick.

Food safety begins with safety practices while handling, preparing, and storing food.

Restaurant safety and cleanliness should begin in the kitchen. A clean and hygienic kitchen will impact both your employees and customers.

Read on to find out how to deep clean your kitchen.

How Dirty Kitchens Affect Employees and Customers

Employees hate a dirty restaurant kitchen. With the proper tools, they can help you maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

If you insist on running a dirty kitchen, it will:

• Increase employee turnover. If you run a dirty kitchen, your staff will leave for a better working environment.
• Affect employee morale. Restaurant staff work better in a clean and organised kitchen. Their creativity, productivity and workflow will improve in a clean kitchen.
• Influence recommendations. They will not risk inviting their friends and families to a germ-prone restaurant.  In extreme cases, they will even share the truth about your kitchen, destroying your reputation.
• Incite them to call the relevant authorities. Employees care about their reputation. If you do not take action, they are under a legal obligation to report you to health authorities.

Running a dirty restaurant will also affect your customers. A dirty kitchen will:

• Reduce their chances of coming back to the restaurant. No one will willingly come back to a restaurant if there is a risk of food contamination.
• Have customers call authorities. If customers fall ill from eating at your restaurant, they will report to the authorities. Upon investigation, a dirty kitchen can make you liable.
• Share complaints about your restaurant and destroy your business’s reputation. Customer feedback can build or break your business. You cannot risk having customers accuse you of running a dirty kitchen.
• Land customers in hospital. A dirty kitchen increases the risk of contamination. This can make customers get sick from foodborne germs. In extreme cases, it can lead to death.

How to Deep Clean a Restaurant Kitchen

The first step towards a clean and hygienic kitchen is a deep clean.

Before opening up to the public, you need to dedicate time to deep clean your kitchen. This includes cleaning and sanitizing every part of the kitchen.

To get started with the restaurant kitchen deep clean, make sure you:

• Wear protective clothing especially when using cleaning chemicals.
• Read the instructions on every cleaning product.
• Understand what products work together versus products you cannot mix.
• Have enough ventilation in the room you are cleaning.
• Test new cleaning products on a small surface before using them.

Cleaning Countertops and Food Preparation Tables

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

The method and tools you use while cleaning countertops will depend on the material.

Different surface materials need different tools and chemicals. The tools you use might also change for specific tasks, such as removing stains.

The table below breaks down the tools and chemicals  you need for different materials:

How to Do It Right

While cleaning countertops you must:

• Wipe them down to get rid of any dirt. This includes removing any scraps, leftovers or food waste.
• Use the right tools to clean the surface. Here, use a mild tool such as a cloth to get rid of the dirt. Some surfaces will need more than one cleaning agent.
• Remove any stains. Some surfaces will need a brush while others might benefit from some scrapping.
• Once the surface is clean, sanitize it. Make sure you find a food-safe sanitiser. A good start is the Kemsol Bac-Stop Sanitiser Disinfectant Concentrate. You can buy it from Alsco New Zealand.
• You can use bleach. Either way, let the sanitiser sit on the surface for up to 30 minutes to act on the germs and viruses.

Cleaning the Vent and Exhaust Hoods

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Microfibre cloths
• All-purpose cleaner
• Duster

How to Do It Right

• Wash out the vents and exhaust hoods to get rid of grease and grime.
• Clean the filters as per the user instructions on the manufacturer’s manual.
• Replace ripped or torn filters immediately.

Cleaning the Kitchen Floors, Ceilings and Walls

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Microfibre cloths
• All-purpose cleaner
• Dusting mitts
• Soap cleanser
• Brush and scrubber
• Vacuum cleaner
• Garbage bags
• Mop and bucket
• Kitchen sanitiser

How to Do It Right

Kitchen floors and walls in restaurants harbour both germs and dirt. A deep clean should include:

• Wiping down and sanitising the ceiling and fans.
• Wiping down the walls for spills and grease marks.
• Vacuuming or sweeping to get rid of dirt and debris.
• Removing floor mats and other floor coverings.
• Scrubbing the floors with water and a cleaning detergent.
• Running a kitchen degreaser on the floor.
• Mopping the floor for better access to hard-to-reach areas.
• Sanitising the floor and walls.
• Drying the floor before using it again.

Cleaning the Walk-in Freezer and Chiller

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Cleaning solution
• Microfibre cleaning cloths
• Spray and vac system
• Stiff brush

How to Do It Right

• Pull out all the food from the shelves. Throw away any stale or unusable foods and leftovers.
• Drain the tubs and pans.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the shelves with a spray and vac system.
• Use a powerful spray to get rid of debris, soil and other foreign objects.
• Brush the condenser coils with a stiff bristle brush. Vacuum it to remove grime and dust.
• Wipe down the shelves, walls and the inside of the door. Leave them to dry for a few minutes before restocking the shelves.
• Wipe down and sanitise the door and door handles.

Cleaning the Grease Trap

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Rubber gloves for handling messy grease
• Overalls to protect your clothes
• Wrench, scraper and crowbar
• Soap cleanser
• Pot scrubber

How to Do It Right

• Remove the lid of the grease trap. Be slow and gentle to protect the gaskets on the lead.
• Dip a ruler into the grease trap and take note of how many inches of grease you have.
• Remove water from the grease trap with a small pump or a bucket.
• Scoop the grease from the trap. Use a heavy-duty scraper or shovel to handle the grease. Scrape the bottom and sides to prevent build up as you work.
• Clean the grease trap with warm water and soap and rinse it out.
• Take out the removable parts and clean them with soap and warm water.
• Pour in water to confirm if flows freely. If it does, replace the removable parts and lid.

The Bottom Line

Deep cleaning in a restaurant kitchen saves lives.

It’s an opportunity for you to set health and hygiene standards for your business.

Following a cleanliness guide while using the right tools and products can help you:

• Protect customers from foodborne bacteria and viruses.
• Maintain health and safety standards required in the handling of food.
• Create a clean and hygienic kitchen to inspire your staff. They are more inspired to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
• Help you meet health and safety standards set by local authorities.
• Assure your customers of their health and safety while in your restaurant.

You can start your restaurant’s deep clean today by getting the right tools and supplies. At Alsco New Zealand, you can order your supplies in bulk, such as:

• Cleaning cloths
• Washing chemicals
• Cleaning gloves and protective gear
• Soaps and other detergents
• Sanitising solutions

Make your order from Alsco NZ today and deep clean your restaurant kitchen.

Photo: fluidhygiene.com

7 Ways You Can Prove To Your Customer That Your Restaurant Is Super Hygienic

Restaurants are a competitive business. If you’re running a restaurant you must maintain top-notch hygiene standards.

Running a restaurant means you handle customers’ food. This is an essential and very sensitive commodity.

Every year 1 in 10 people fall ill from eating unsafe food. Food safety is a shared responsibility. Yet, food handlers play a huge role in preventing foodborne diseases.

Poor hygiene standards can cost you your restaurant patrons. Nobody wants to risk their life while benefiting your business.

Customers have a very keen eye when it comes to selecting restaurants. They not only want to enjoy a sumptuous meal, but they also want to enjoy a great ambience free of any contaminants.

Restaurant hygiene is not just about maintaining the health of your employees. It also gives value and credibility to your business.

Hygiene standards reflect on the image of the company. They can make or break your business.

A good restaurateur must always think of ways to improve hygiene standards. From keeping the kitchen sparkling clean to staff personal hygiene, you need to always be vigilant.

7 Ways to Boost Your Patron’s Confidence in Your Restaurant Hygiene Standards

1. Have a Clean Track Record

First, work towards maintaining an unsullied hygiene track record. This is crucial in boosting customer trust in your restaurants’ hygiene standards.

You can achieve great hygiene by:

• Hourly sanitising high touch point areas
• Improved cleaning protocols
• Provision of handwashing soap and water at all wash points
• Safe food handling

Remember, you want to gain a great reputation as a go-to restaurant.

For this to happen you must maintain high food safety standards and keep up with health policies. These standards impact staff morale and give you a better reputation.

2. Conveniently Located Hand Wash Stations

Hand washing is an important aspect of hygiene that you should encourage in your restaurant.

The spread of germs from the hands of food workers to food can cause foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants. Study shows that 89% of outbreaks in restaurants are caused by contaminated food.

Proper handwashing can curb the spread of germs. It can also reduce the spread of germs from workers’ hands to food and people.

Handwashing facilities should be conveniently located in the following areas:

• In the kitchen or within areas where food handlers work.
• Next to the toilets or toilet cubicle.
• Immediately at the entrance of the restaurant.

The government stipulates guidelines on the maintenance of hand washing basins in food premises. They should be permanent fixtures with a constant supply of water.

You must also provide supplies needed for a proper hand wash station at a restaurant. These include:

• A nail brush
• An adequate supply of handwashing soap
• Paper towels or roller towels
• Roller towel dispenser or other hand drying options
• Hot and cold running water

3. Display Your Restaurant’s Hygiene Standard Policy

Restaurant owners must ensure employees receive skills that raise their personal hygiene standards.

As a proprietor, it is important to educate staff to enable them to keep up with the Food Safety Standards.

Training in general hygiene practices is paramount. Display hygiene standard policies for future reference by your staff members. Place these in high traffic areas such as:

• Work stations
• Above hand washing sinks
• Open areas on the wall

4. Display Your Hygiene Rating by a Recognised Health and Safety Body

Hygiene rating cards are a good way of creating a buzz around raising hygiene standards.

Displayed rating cards can boost the morale of restaurant patrons. It can also lead to increased health inspection scores.

Place your rating cards in areas where they are visible to everyone:

• Near the entrance door
• On the windows
• Outside your restaurant

5. Prove It, Don’t Just Say It

Source: Jack Sparrow

How do you prove your hygiene standards? It is by providing actionable steps you are taking to make a difference. Here are a few ways to prove you’re going above and beyond.

• Keep Floors Clean

Dirty floors at a restaurant are depressing. They can make your patrons walk away from a loss of appetite. And who takes selfies in a dirty environment?

Again, you do not want messy accidents or lawsuits following you. To avoid all this, ensure your floors are sparkling clean throughout the day.

• Sparkling Cutlery, Crockery and Glassware

Impressions have a lasting impact. Unclean cutlery, crockery, and glassware is not the last picture you want on your patrons’ minds.

Keep kitchen utensils clean by sensitising the staff on the importance of hygiene.

• Keep Windows Spotless

When patrons visit a restaurant, they want to enjoy a sumptuous meal and a perfect ambience. Having dirty windows will be a turn off for your clients.

This is a perfect chore for staff when the restaurant is quiet or between rushes.

• Scrub Your Chairs, Tables and Countertops

One of the major attractions of a restaurant is the dining area. Chairs, tables, and countertops of your restaurant should be well cleaned and sanitised.

Invest in luxurious quality linens and towels to match your classy establishment. This helps in maintaining a wonderful appearance.

6. Restrooms are Spotless and Stocked

Restaurant restroom hygiene is of the utmost importance.

Restaurant washrooms are shared by both your employees and your visitors. Thus, they can impact on the reputation of your restaurant.

Having a good reputation means keeping your loyal patrons, which is what you want right?

How to achieve washroom hygiene:

• Have your washrooms cleaned hourly.
• Provide handwashing soap and water.
• Provide hand drying options.
• Strategically place disposable bins.

Note: Restaurant washrooms should be cleaned and sanitised throughout the day.

7. Staff Hygiene

Restaurant staff handle food. Without proper hygiene, they can easily cause contamination.

Many restaurants implement strict handwashing rules to prevent cross-contamination. Protective coverings like hair nets and food service gloves prevent contamination.

Employees should maintain high standards of hygiene at all times. A food handler must:

• Do their best to prevent contact with ready to eat food
• Wear outer protective clothing
• Ensure bandages or dressing on exposed parts of the body are well covered
• Not sneeze, blow or cough over unprotected surfaces likely to come in contact with food
• Not eat over unprotected food or surfaces likely to come in contact with food

Restaurant staff must follow a special handwashing policy. This means they must wash their hands:

• Before touching ready to eat food.
• After handling raw food.
• After using the washrooms
• After getting back to work after other engagements.
• After smoking, coughing or sneezing, etc.
• After touching their hair or any other body part, including their face.

Staff must inform their employers if they are diagnosed with, or suspect having contracted a foodborne illness.

An employee is entitled to 5 paid sick leave days per year to take care of themselves or a dependent.

Restaurant staff are at the front line of maintaining hygiene standards. From proper handwashing to proper workwear, your staff are the key to your success.

Do not forget to keep your kitchen staff educated on ways to keep food safe at all times.

Get Started Today and Improve Your Hygiene Standards

The importance of cleanliness in your restaurant cannot be overemphasised.

This article gives you the basics of restaurant hygiene. But there’s so much more you can do. Do not just look clean, be clean! Be sure to clean unknown hotspots for contamination in your restaurant.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to an expert who can help you adapt your business today.

Photo: Unique Hotels

4 Sure-Fire Ways to Keep Your Workplace Fragrant

The sense of smell is one of the strongest in the human body. Did you know that it’s linked to our memory and perception? That’s right! Humans first have an emotional reaction to scent and then identify it shortly after.

Paying attention to details in a workplace is mandatory. Few workplace managers know this, but that’s why high-ranking businesses stay at the top.

So, why does workplace odour matter? For one, smells in the office can either make or break your business reputation.

There are many scientifically proven benefits to maintaining a fragrant workplace environment. Let’s have a look at them:

• Reduces the frequency of typos made by workers
• Increases client’s intentions to buy products/services
• Influences longer office visits from suppliers
• Boosts the perception of service quality
• Increases clients’ willingness to pay for products

Why not enhance your customer experience today? You’re in the right place. These tips from your local experts are the best-proven ways to end workplace odours fast.

Freshen up Your Office Washrooms

Washrooms are the number one culprit of emanating malodour. Without proper care, the bad smell diffuses into workspaces. As a result, employees feel uncomfortable. Nobody likes obnoxious smells, so this affects their morale and concentration levels.

Do your office washrooms often smell? There are several possible reasons why:

• Poor ventilation systems
• Unclean toilets and urinals
• Clogged drain pipes
• Improper cleaning methods
• Low-quality cleaning products

If any of these occur in your washroom, it’s time to turn things around.

Install our amazing wall-mounted Air Fresheners in your washroom

Begin by ensuring there is always good air circulation in your washrooms. This is as simple as opening up the windows to let the clean air push the bad air out.

If your washrooms have vents, see to it that they are free from dirt that could spread in the air.

Don’t underestimate the powers of good air circulation:

• Washrooms become less humid.
• Fresh air is nature’s odour control method.
• Stagnates the growth of mould spores.

On top of that, contact the best local supplier of automatic air fresheners. Place them in strategic areas to release a burst of scent every few minutes.

The best part is you don’t need to worry about them running out. Servicing these air fresheners occurs every eight weeks and you don’t have to lift a finger.

Biological Washroom Treatment Products

To supplement this, verify there is regular cleaning of your workplace washroom. Make biological treatment a priority to extend the washroom’s long-lasting fragrance.

Your employees’ enjoy this as the service disinfects washrooms, leaving them sanitary.

Say goodbye to clogged drains and bacteria build-up. This treatment is the answer to all your washroom problems.

Stagnant water attracts flies and generates bad smells. These aren’t a good look for your office washroom, so purchase wet area mats as well.

They play a key role in absorbing splashbacks and minor water spills. Not to mention they provide a strong grip on your employees’ shoes. Make slip-and-fall accidents a thing of the past.

Create a Break Room

Hand Sanitisers eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and efficiently prevent their spreading around your workplace

Otherwise known as a lunchroom, this is a space in the office set aside for having meals and drinks.

To some managers, this may appear as an extra expense. Worry not, for this is a great investment.

Without an appropriate room, your employees may have no choice but to eat in the office workspace. When this happens, bits of food fall all over the work equipment, attracting ants.

Other than that, pungent smells from food and drinks stick onto cloth fabrics and linger in the air for a long time.

How can you go about this? Begin by opening up space with fresh air for your workers to take short breaks. Fit seats and tables onto a patio or balcony away from the workspace. This prevents them from eating at their workstations.

After handling food, the smell sticks to their hands. Without cleaning them, your employees spread the odour from one place to another.

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

Thus, after breaks and in-between working sessions, encourage the use of hand sanitiser. Provide them at the entrance of the breakroom and common hallways.

Plus, consider incorporating scent diffusers into workstations. They release scents of natural oils and improve the productivity of your employees.

Over and above, the break rooms and workspaces remain immaculate through deep cleaning. This eco-friendly process gets into the nooks and crannies of your office. As a result, there’s no stubborn filth that contributes to general malodour.

There’s no way bad odour will survive these thorough efforts.

Empty the Rubbish Bins

Bins are notorious for harbouring bad smells. Failing to attend to this waste causes the production of enzymes that produce malodour. So, without proper hygiene maintenance, bins can discourage visitors from your office.

The best way forward is to take the trash out at least twice a day. This stops the various forms of litter from creating a cocktail of smells in your office.

Thereafter, clean the bins and dry them to get rid of the residue that may have stuck to the interior surfaces. This is best done using a pressure washer to get rid of dirt stuck at the bottom.

This should be done with gloves on to prioritise the health of your cleaning staff. After this, ensure you line each bin with a fresh garbage bag.

Moving forward, confirm that each bin has a cover. This prevents unpleasant odours from slipping out.

Do this for both deskside bins and centralised bins to upkeep a tidy workplace image. They each play a part in keeping your workplace clean.

Follow this rubbish recycling and disposal guide to care for waste the correct way.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Accidental spills make workplace exteriors sticky. Without proper care, they emanate unpleasant smells.

The wrong kind of cleaning products doesn’t solve this problem. Hence, clear your supply closet and fill it with exemplary hygiene products.

These effective chemicals verify that your surfaces remain fragrant and stain-free. You can upkeep the office’s hygiene standards with ease.

Anti-bacterial products stun the growth of harmful enzymes that cause malodour.

Pour a small amount onto a wiping cloth and wipe the office surfaces. After allowing the product to settle, rinse it off with a damp cloth for the best results.

Over and above, verify that you clean your office carpets too. Dirt and food crumbs are not a pretty sight. The fabric harbours these materials and makes the office appear unkempt.

Image is everything in business, so see to it that the workplace carpets are clean at all times.

Here are a couple of effects of exceptional carpet maintenance:

• Enhances the quality of air
• Proper maintenance extends carpet life
• Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
• Improves employee productivity and morale
• Maintains a clean office image
• Upkeeps carpet quality

Let Alsco Assist You

“…took care of all our requirements, in one hit, fantastic!” — Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd.

As trusted workplace hygiene providers, Alsco New Zealand always fulfils your office needs. In an instant, your workplace benefits from professional, honest and reliable expertise.

Are you ready to set the mood for productive business operations? If so, leave the dirty work to the experts and enjoy our high-grade products and services. Through the company’s rental services, managers don’t need to worry about hygiene matters.

Call us today to take your workplace fragrance to the next level.

Photo: Pexels