What is the Correct Way to Clean and Sanitize a Prep Table?
Prep tables are incredibly useful items in any commercial kitchen. From sandwich-making to meat cutting and more, prep tables are vital for any restaurant or cafeteria. Since they see lots of use, it’s important to keep your prep table clean and sanitary to avoid cross contamination and to keep them working properly. Check out the guide below on how to correctly clean and sanitize your prep table.
Supplies You’ll Need
There are several supplies you’ll need to clean and sanitize your prep table, including:
- Cleaning cloths
- Microfiber cleaning cloths for stainless steel
- Mild detergent or dishwashing soap
- OEM-approved sanitizing solution
- Squeegee
- Nylon cleaning pad
- For stainless steel
- Stiff bristle brush
- Shop vacuum
How to Clean Your Prep Table
Depending on your prep table’s OEM, there may be some specific steps you’ll have to take to clean your unit. However, here are some universal cleaning tasks you can do for your prep table.
- Remove food products—Prior to cleaning, remove food bins and store food products.
- Clean condenser coil—Clean the condenser coil monthly or as needed. This ensures the condenser works as it should to keep your refrigerated prep table cooling and at-temperature. Use a stiff-bristle brush or shop vacuum.
- Remove debris—Wipe off any debris throughout the day and at the end of the day to ensure there’s no stuck-on food.
- Wipe down and disinfect—Wipe down countertop surface and door gaskets with a cleaning cloth, water and a mild detergent or OEM-approved disinfecting solution.
- Clean and disinfect cutting board(s)—Remove, clean and disinfect cutting boards per OEM instructions, or run through the dishwasher or in a three-compartment sink. If your prep table’s cutting board isn’t removable, disinfect with an OEM-approved solution.
- Maintain gaskets—Inspect your gaskets regularly as you’re performing cleaning tasks. Make note of any signs of wear or damage, and replace as necessary.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Prep Table
If your prep table is made from stainless steel, there are certain cleaning procedures you’ll have to follow to not only keep it clean, but to also preserve the integrity of the stainless steel itself. Here are some tips to properly cleaning your stainless steel prep table.
- Use a microfiber cloth with a mild detergent to prevent scratching the surface.
- Always wipe down the surface along the grain lines.
- For tougher stains or spots, use a nylon cleaning pad.
- NEVER use abrasive items like steel wool, wire brushes or metal scrapers.
- Only use food-safe, stainless steel-friendly cleaning agents to sanitize.
- Promptly remove excess moisture with dry cleaning cloths and a squeegee.
How to Sanitize Your Prep Table
Sanitization is a vital step in the cleaning process for any commercial foodservice equipment—especially prep tables. Since prep tables and their cutting boards are used to prepare raw and fresh foods, keeping them sanitary prevents dangerous cross contamination and preserves the integrity of the food products.
In order to sanitize your prep table correctly, follow these five easy steps:
- Step 1—Remove all food debris from the surface.
- Step 2—Wash the surface.
- Step 3—Rinse the surface.
- Step 4—Sanitize the surface with a recommended sanitizing solution.
- Step 5—Allow the surface to thoroughly air dry.
Of course, be sure to follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on how to sanitize your exact unit and what chemicals to use, but these steps are universal for all commercial surfaces.