Supplies & Tools Needed
Item | Notes |
Disposable gloves | Hygiene and safety |
Colour-coded cloths (e.g., blue) | For food-safe areas only |
Food-safe cleaner/disinfectant (BS EN 1276 certified) | Antibacterial, non-tainting |
Mild detergent | For general grease/dirt removal |
Bucket with warm water | For rinsing |
Spray bottles (labelled) | For diluted solutions |
Scraper or plastic spatula | For dried spills or frost |
Paper towels or blue roll | For drying |
Thermometer | To check temp on restart |
Labels for FIFO/date control | Optional but recommended |
Cleaning Frequency
Task | Frequency |
Quick wipe down | Daily (end of shift) |
Interior deep clean | Weekly |
Full defrost (freezer) | Monthly or as needed |
Gasket & seal check | Weekly |
Drain holes/vents check | Monthly |
Step-by-Step: Weekly Fridge Cleaning
1. Prepare & Unplug (If Needed)
Move food to another unit or insulated container.
Unplug or switch off if necessary for full clean (check with your maintenance team).
2. Remove Shelves & Drawers
Take out removable shelves, trays, and containers.
Soak them in hot soapy water or mild detergent.
3. Clean Interior Surfaces
Wipe down all internal surfaces using warm water + mild detergent first.
Then spray with BS EN 1276 food-safe sanitiser, ensuring full contact.
Pay attention to:
Back wall and corners
Door liners
Crumbs/spills in bottom tray
4. Dry Thoroughly
Use clean cloths or blue roll to dry all surfaces completely.
5. Clean Gaskets & Door Seals
Wipe rubber seals with damp cloth and sanitiser.
Check for cracks, mould, or debris buildup.
6. Clean Shelves & Replace
Scrub and sanitise shelves separately.
Dry completely before returning to the unit.
7. Plug In & Monitor
Turn fridge back on and monitor until it returns to ≤5°C (fridge).
Log temperature to confirm safety before restocking.
Step-by-Step: Monthly Freezer Cleaning & Defrost
1. Defrost Safely
Transfer contents to another freezer or cold hold unit.
Unplug freezer and leave the door open to defrost.
Use towels to catch water or a wet vac if needed.
2. Remove Ice Buildup
Use plastic scraper only — never chip with metal tools.
Wipe down moisture once ice has melted.
3. Clean Interior
Use hot water + food-safe sanitiser.
Dry all surfaces thoroughly to prevent re-freezing inside.
4. Plug In & Cool Down
Restart unit and allow to reach ≤-18°C (freezer) before restocking.
🚫 Don’ts
Don’t use abrasive pads or strong bleach inside food storage areas.
Don’t use hot water on still-cold glass/plastic shelves (risk of cracking).
Don’t return wet containers or food into the unit.