Clean as You Go
Cleaning and sanitising is a basic step in a kitchen.
Which revolves around cleaning during the day and between various tasks. Cleaning and sanitising is one of the key ways to prevent bacteria from getting into foods. During which tasks is it important to clean and sanitise?
These tasks include :

- Remove excess dirt or grease
- Spray on a multi-purpose cleaner
- Wipe off with a clean material cloth
- Spray on a sanitiser
- Allow a sufficient contact time (3 – 5 minutes)
- Wipe off with paper towel
This is the only proven method to remove dirt and kill bacteria. These steps need to be followed in the order set out, such that bacteria cannot hide behind dirt and grease. This allows a good contact time for the sanitiser to be effective.
Using an approved supplier is also critical to the cleaning process. Chemicals, especially sanitisers should be registered and tested against your local or international standards.
The sanitiser must be correctly diluted (ideally with an automatic dispenser), placed in a spray bottle with the nozzles adjusted to emit a fine mist.
Chemicals should also be correctly labelled at all times. The best chemical suppliers will also have various colours to easily distinguish the different chemicals during the clean as you go process.
Some suppliers have a 2-in-1 cleaner/disinfectant and advocate a 1-step cleaning and sanitising procedure. However be aware of this, as international best practice dictates a 2-step cleaning and sanitising. This would mean spraying the same chemical twice, once to clean and again to sanitise.
Regardless of the sanitiser used, it is extremely important to physically clean a surface before sanitising. This ensures that dirt and grease are removed, as bacteria can ‘hide’ behind these and discourage the sanitation process.
It is also important to remember that the use of a clean material cloth must be used to do the cleaning. This is because the physical action of scrubbing is almost more effective in removing bacteria than the sanitiser.
The contact time for the sanitiser on a surface is also important. So, be wary of suppliers who promise very short periods for sanitising.
3 – 5 minutes is reported as being the most effective.
Cleaning and sanitising are distinctly different from the way we would deep clean the kitchen. Check out our article on deep cleaning in the kitchen. We also have a deep cleaning schedule available for download.
