Spring Cleaning Tips for Your NYC Commercial Kitchen

Spring is in the air, and that means one thing for your commercial kitchen: it’s time for a deep clean! A fresh, spotless kitchen goes way beyond making things look good. It keeps your team safe, your food delicious, and your health inspector happy. So, grab your gloves and let’s get to work with these smart, no-nonsense cleaning tips!

1. Give Your Exhaust and HVAC System Some Love

NYC kitchens work overtime, and so does your exhaust system. Grease buildup can lead to poor ventilation, higher fire risks, and even health code violations. Schedule a professional deep clean for your exhaust hoods and ducts. And while you’re at it, make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly to keep the kitchen cool when summer heat kicks in.

2. Every Surface

Counters, cutting boards, walls, ceilings—yes, even those hard-to-reach spots. Grease and grime have a way of sneaking into every corner. Use a food-safe degreaser and give every surface a deep scrub. Check for cracks that could nest bacteria.

3. Deep Clean Your Floors and Drains

Your kitchen floors see everything—spills, crumbs, grease, and who-knows-what-else. Start by scrubbing tiles, grout, and mats with a strong degreaser. Then, clear out the floor drains to prevent clogs and nasty odors. A good enzymatic cleaner can help break down built-up gunk.

4. Give Your Equipment a Spa Day

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to deep clean and inspect your equipment. Focus on:

• Ovens, fryers, and grills: Scrape off baked-on residue and replace filters.
• Refrigerators and freezers: Defrost, clean the coils, and toss expired items.
• Ice machines: Mold and bacteria love damp spaces, so give yours a full scrub and sanitize it.

5. Declutter and Restock Smartly

Take a hard look at your storage areas. Expired sauces? Mystery containers? Get rid of them. Organize your pantry and fridges to keep things first in, first out. This prevents waste and keeps your food fresh.

6. Sanitize High-Touch Areas

Handles, knobs, touchscreens, and switches get touched constantly but are easy to forget when cleaning. Use disinfectant wipes or a food-safe cleaner to sanitize everything your team touches throughout a shift.

7. Refresh Your Pest Control Plan

NYC and pests go hand in hand (unfortunately). Spring is when bugs and rodents start getting active. Make sure your pest control measures are up to date. Seal cracks, clean under equipment, and store food properly.

8. Check Plumbing and Fire Safety Systems

Leaks, clogged drains, and faulty fire suppression systems can lead to big trouble. Inspect all plumbing for leaks or slow drainage, and make sure your fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are in top shape.

Need a Pro to Handle the Tough Stuff?

Some cleaning jobs need expert attention, especially when it comes to grease traps, exhaust systems, and HVAC maintenance. If your NYC commercial kitchen needs serious help, Commercial Repair LLC has your back. From HVAC cleaning to emergency boiler fixes, we’ll help you keep things running smoothly and up to code.

Ready to get your kitchen spring-ready? Contact Commercial Repair LLC today!