End-of-Year Deep Cleaning Guide for School Foodservice Kitchens
As the school year wraps up, institutional kitchens in schools require thorough, deep cleaning. A clean and well-maintained kitchen not only promotes compliance with health regulations but also sets the stage for a smooth, sanitary start in the fall. With the right plan and the right products, staff can efficiently tackle the challenges of foodservice environments. Here's how to clean a school foodservice kitchen at the end of the year, using proven methods and professional-grade solutions.
Step 1: Prepare the room and the staff
Since the goal is to deeply clean wall-to-wall, the first step is to clear everything from the room. If it's not attached to the walls, remove it from the room to expose all the areas that might hide dirt. In general, as we clean the room we will clean from top to bottom. Ensure the staff is equipped with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). For some of the products we recommend below, you will need protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection. Train the staff to follow the directions found on the product label.
Step 2: Target high-soil areas first
Start your deep cleaning by targeting high-soil areas where grease, grime, and food residue accumulate throughout the year. Removing this buildup early helps prevent cross-contamination and creates a cleaner environment for detailed cleaning work. Focusing on equipment surfaces, cooking lines, and heavily used prep areas ensures a more efficient and effective deep cleaning process.
Key products:
- SIZZLE – A neutral pH oven and grill cleaner that breaks down carbonized soils without the hazards of traditional caustic products. Biodegradable, phosphate-free, and safe for hot or cool surfaces.
- CHLORACTION – A concentrated cleaner with sodium hypochlorite that removes organic soils, grease, mold, and mildew. Ideal for kitchens, restrooms, and high-moisture environments.
- NU COMBI CLEAN – A heavy-duty cleaner designed for combi ovens. Removes baked-on grease and residues using a steam-assisted cleaning process.
- NU COMBI RINSE – A rinse and neutralizer for combi ovens that dries quickly and prevents streaks. Suitable for manual and automatic systems.
Step 3: Detail clean appliances and fume hoods
Detail clean kitchen appliances and fume hoods to eliminate built-up grease, grime, and carbonized soils that daily cleaning often misses. Start by turning off and disassembling any removable parts such as trays, racks, knobs, or filters. Don’t forget to clean underneath equipment and inside crevices, hinges, and ventilation areas where hidden residue collects over time. For fume hoods, clean both the interior and exterior surfaces, including the baffles or filters.
Key Products:
- STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER & POLISH – Hillyard Quick and Clean® Oil-Base formula that cleans, polishes, and protects stainless steel. Mint-scented, fingerprint-resistant, and NSF Certified.
- CREME CLEAN MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER – Thick, detergent-based cleaner with mild abrasives and bleaching agents for deep cleaning sinks, tile, and stainless surfaces.
Step 4: Detail clean the freezer
Detail clean the freezer to remove spills, residue, and hidden debris that can accumulate over time. Use a freezer-safe cleaner like Heatwave, which is designed to work in low temperatures without the need for rinsing. Pay special attention to floor edges, shelving, and door gaskets to ensure a sanitary and odor-free environment when the freezer is used the following year. Additionally, remove any metal racks and either pressure wash or scrub them clean.
Key Product:
- INTEGRA HEATWAVE – Anderson INTEGRA® Heatwave is an alcohol-based cleaner effective at -40°F. No-rinse formula removes dirt and frost, allowing frozen items to be returned immediately after cleaning.
Step 5: Deep clean and delime the dishwasher
Deep cleaning and deliming the dishwasher is a critical step to ensure consistent cleaning performance and prevent scale buildup. Start by removing racks, filters, and spray arms, then scrub all interior surfaces to eliminate food soil and debris. Use a commercial deliming agent to dissolve mineral deposits and restore optimal water flow, helping extend the life of the machine and improve sanitation results.
Key Product:
- DELIMER – Hillyard Delimer is a fast-penetrating acid cleaner designed to dissolve tough mineral scale caused by calcium and magnesium deposits. Safe for use on stainless steel, it effectively descales and brightens dishwashers. This powerful solution restores performance by removing buildup that can hinder cleaning and sanitation results. NOTE: Not for use on anodized aluminum.
Step 6: Deep clean floors, tile and grout
Focus on deep cleaning floors, tile, and grout to remove embedded grease, food residue, and stains that regular mopping leaves behind. Use a powerful degreaser like Chloraction to cut through buildup and restore surface cleanliness. For added ongoing performance, follow up with an enzyme-based cleaner like Britenz-It to help maintain cleaner, safer floors between deep cleaning cycles. Enzyme-based cleaners work by producing biological agents that break down organic matter, continuing to clean long after the initial application.
For additional productivity and cleaning quality, consider investing in a micro-scrubber. Micro-scrubbers outperform traditional mops by removing more soil with their squeegee and vacuum system. See the list below for a variety of options.
Key Product:
- BRITENZ-IT – Hillyard Britenz-It® Hard Floor Cleaner is a no-rinse, enzyme-fortified solution that breaks down grease and food soils. Works with cold water and continues cleaning long after application.
MICRO-SCRUBBERS
One last thing...
While not part of your traditional deep cleaning routine, consider adding Crisp 104 Fruit and Vegetable Wash to your program next year to improve your foodservice operations. Crisp is specially formulated to remove soil, dirt, wax, and other contaminants from produce without leaving behind any taste or odor. It's safe, effective, and versatile enough for soaking applications or use in a quart spray bottle. Though it's a bit outside the scope of deep cleaning, incorporating Crisp can enhance food safety and help your team serve cleaner, fresher produce every day. It’s a small change that could make a big difference in your kitchen's daily workflow.
Get your project done right with Hillyard’s help
A successful end-of-year deep cleaning sets the foundation for a safe, efficient, and sanitary kitchen when school resumes. From appliances to floors to freezer interiors, each step plays a vital role in removing buildup and restoring a high standard of cleanliness. With the right products such as enzyme cleaners, neutral pH degreasers, and sub-zero freezer solutions, your team can clean more effectively while conserving time, energy, and water. Whether you are planning your first deep clean or refining your annual routine, having expert guidance makes all the difference. Use the "I'm Interested" form below to contact your Hillyard representative today to get help planning your school foodservice cleaning project from start to finish.