How to Be Restaurant Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The lack of regular cleaning in a restaurant can have a significant effect on the customer experience. Dirty tables, sticky floors, and smelly bathrooms can all turn customers away. Furthermore, unsanitary conditions can also lead to health hazards, such as the spread of diseases, pests, and foodborne illnesses.

To prevent these issues, it is important for restaurants to maintain high standards of cleanliness by regularly wiping down surfaces, mopping floors, sanitizing bathrooms, and disposing of garbage. Along with proper cleaning supplies and a regular cleaning schedule, restaurants should also ensure that their staff follows proper hygiene protocols to keep the environment safe and hygienic for their customers.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain formal education in the field. While you don't necessarily need a college degree, some employers may require a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire restaurant cleaners with some postsecondary education in the culinary arts or hospitality management.
2. Develop an understanding of cleaning and sanitation regulations. Be sure to become familiar with local, state, and national regulations regarding restaurant cleanliness and hygiene.
3. Obtain relevant experience. Try to get experience in other restaurants or related fields. This could include working as a dishwasher, janitor, or busser.
4. Obtain certifications. Become certified in food safety and sanitation. This will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to proper cleaning practices.
5. Apply for jobs. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you're applying for. Additionally, check out job-listing websites and local newspapers for openings.
6. Interview for the job. Be sure to dress professionally and arrive on time for your interviews. Be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and experience.
7. Negotiate salary and benefits. Once you've been offered a job, be sure to negotiate a salary and benefits package that meets your needs and expectations.

Maintaining a clean restaurant is essential for customer satisfaction. Having reliable and efficient cleaners can lead to positive reviews and an increase in business. Cleaners must be thorough, capable of working fast, and have a basic understanding of the safety regulations involved in food preparation.

To ensure reliability and efficiency, cleaners should use appropriate cleaning products and techniques, such as using appropriate cleaning solutions, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, and wiping down surfaces. it is important to make sure that all areas are properly sanitized, such as door handles and kitchen equipment. Proper cleaning practices can lead to a safe and inviting atmosphere for customers, as well as prevent the spread of germs and food-borne illnesses.

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Job Description

1. Dust and polish furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
2. Sweep, mop, and scrub floors.
3. Wash and sanitize walls, counters, and equipment.
4. Clean and sanitize restrooms.
5. Restock restrooms with supplies.
6. Empty trash cans and replace liners.
7. Wash dishes, glassware, silverware, and other utensils.
8. Clean food preparation surfaces.
9. Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, including ovens and grills.
10. Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
11. Clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
12. Follow safety procedures when using cleaning chemicals.
13. Move furniture and other items as necessary to clean areas.
14. Report any maintenance or repair issues to supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of basic cleaning and sanitation processes
2. Ability to use a variety of cleaning products and equipment safely
3. Ability to follow instructions carefully
4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
5. Knowledge of food safety regulations and requirements
6. Ability to lift heavy objects
7. Attention to detail
8. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
9. Good communication and interpersonal skills
10. Reliability and punctuality

Being a restaurant cleaner requires dedication and attention to detail. Having strong cleaning skills is essential for ensuring the restaurant area is spotless and sanitary. This includes being able to effectively use the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment.

being organized and knowing how to prioritize tasks is important for efficiently cleaning the restaurant and meeting deadlines. Furthermore, having good communication skills is important for being able to work with other staff members, as well as for providing customers with a pleasant dining experience. Restaurant cleaners must also be aware of food safety and health regulations and follow them accordingly.

All of these skills are essential for restaurant cleaners to be successful and ensure the restaurant remains a safe and welcoming environment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in restaurant cleaning?
• What safety procedures do you follow when cleaning a restaurant?
• How do you clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces?
• Describe a time when you successfully solved a challenging cleaning issue.
• What strategies do you use to ensure that all areas of the restaurant are thoroughly cleaned?
• How do you prioritize tasks when cleaning a restaurant?
• What supplies are necessary for restaurant cleaning?
• How do you handle waste disposal properly?
• How do you handle customer complaints regarding the cleanliness of the restaurant?
• What would you do if you found a health or safety violation while cleaning?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Vacuum cleaner. Used to clean carpets, rugs, and hard floor surfaces. (Eg: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner)
2. Mop. Used to clean and sanitize hard floor surfaces. (Eg: O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop)
3. Broom. Used to sweep dust and debris from floors and other surfaces. (Eg: Libman Precision Angle Broom)
4. Scrub brush. Used to scrub tough stains and dirt from surfaces. (Eg: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush)
5. Microfiber cloths. Used to wipe down surfaces and absorb liquids. (Eg: Rejuvenate Microfiber Cleaning Cloths)
6. Glass cleaner. Used to clean and shine glass surfaces. (Eg: Windex Original Glass Cleaner)
7. Toilet brush. Used to scrub and clean toilets and other fixtures. (Eg: OXO Good Grips Hideaway Toilet Brush)
8. Disinfectant. Used to kill bacteria and germs on surfaces. (Eg: Lysol Disinfectant Spray)
9. Trash bags. Used to collect and dispose of garbage. (Eg: Hefty Ultra Strong Trash Bags)
10. Dustpan and brush set. Used to sweep up dust and dirt. (Eg: OXO Good Grips Dustpan & Brush Set)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Restaurant Association
2. International Foodservice Distributors Association
3. National Association for Clean and Sustainable Environment
4. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
5. National Environmental Health Association
6. Association of Food and Drug Officials
7. Green Restaurant Association
8. International Sanitary Supply Association
9. International Association for Food Protection
10. National Federation of Independent Business

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Common Important Terms

1. Sanitation. The process of keeping an environment clean and hygienic by preventing the spread of disease and contamination.
2. Disinfectant. A chemical substance used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces.
3. Cleaning Supplies. Products used for cleaning, such as mops, sponges, and other cleaning materials.
4. Health and Safety Regulations. Laws and guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of employees and customers in the workplace.
5. Waste Disposal. The process of disposing of trash, garbage, and other waste materials in a safe and responsible manner.
6. Kitchen Maintenance. Regular maintenance of the kitchen area, including the floors, walls, appliances, and other surfaces in the space.
7. Food Handling. The practice of properly handling food sources to prevent contamination or spoilage.
8. Pest Control. The management of pests in the workplace in order to maintain a healthy and safe environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cleaning products do Restaurant Cleaners use?

Restaurant Cleaners typically use a variety of products including all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, sanitizers, and disinfectants to clean and sanitize surfaces.

How often should Restaurant Cleaners empty grease traps?

Restaurant Cleaners should empty grease traps at least once a month or as needed.

Are Restaurant Cleaners responsible for cleaning the kitchen floors?

Yes, Restaurant Cleaners are responsible for mopping and scrubbing kitchen floors on a regular basis.

What temperature should Restaurant Cleaners use to sanitize surfaces?

Restaurant Cleaners should sanitize surfaces with a solution of 200 ppm chlorine bleach and water at a temperature of 75°F (24°C).

How often should Restaurant Cleaners clean exhaust hoods?

Restaurant Cleaners should clean exhaust hoods at least twice a year or as needed.

What are jobs related with Restaurant Cleaner?

• Restaurant Expeditor
• Restaurant Cook Helper
• Restaurant Quality Assurance Analyst
• Restaurant Banquet Server
• Restaurant Food Safety Manager
• Restaurant Ice Cream Server
• Restaurant Janitorial Staff
• Restaurant Delivery Person
• Restaurant Busser
• Restaurant Barista

Web Resources

• Restaurant Hygiene | Ash Center ash.harvard.edu
• 7 restaurant technology trends to watch in 2022 - EHL hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu
• Restaurant Cleanliness, Sample of Reviews - EduCheer! educheer.com