Preventive maintenance in industrial kitchens is essential to ensure a safe, clean and efficient working environment. In these kitchens, where large volumes of food are handled and high performance equipment is used, maintaining hygiene and disinfection is not only a matter of regulatory compliance, but also of health and safety for employees and consumers.
In this article, we offer you a complete guide on best practices for maintenance and regular cleaning in industrial kitchens, highlighting specific products such as OXA GAMMA ONE and OXA ECOPLAK PLUS that ensure optimal hygiene and prolong the life of the equipment.
Importance of preventive maintenance in industrial kitchens
Industrial kitchens are dynamic environments where the accumulation of grease, food residues and the presence of moisture can create conditions conducive to the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Without proper preventive maintenance, these problems can not only compromise food quality, but also lead to equipment failure and fire hazards. Therefore, implementing a regular cleaning and disinfection plan is crucial to prevent these problems.
Keys to effective cleaning and disinfection
- Daily cleaning of surfaces and equipment
Surfaces and equipment used daily in food preparation should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each working day. This includes work tables, cookers, extractor hoods and utensils. The use of strong degreasing products is essential to remove grease residues that accumulate during the day.
OXA GAMMA ONE is an energetic degreaser ideal for this task. With its base of soda, glycols and surfactants, it is highly effective in removing difficult greases from both cold and hot surfaces. This product not only ensures deep cleaning, but also helps keep equipment in good condition, preventing the accumulation of residues that could cause failures.
- Disinfection of critical areas
In addition to cleaning, we must disinfect areas that are in direct contact with food, such as cutting boards, knives, and storage containers. Regular disinfection prevents the proliferation of bacteria and ensures that food is handled in a safe environment.
For effective disinfection, OXA BACTERDET PLUS is an excellent choice. This disinfectant degreaser not only removes dirt, but also acts as a bactericide, fungicide and virucide, ensuring that surfaces are free of pathogens that could contaminate food.
- Maintenance of extractor hoods and filters
Extractor hoods and their filters are key elements in the kitchen, responsible for removing smoke, steam and grease from the air. Without proper maintenance, these filters can become saturated with grease, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of fire.
OXA ECOPLAK PLUS is a degreaser specially formulated for cleaning hoods, filters and ovens. Its potash base makes it extremely effective in dissolving and removing persistent grease build-up, ensuring that hoods and filters work properly and remain in good condition.
- Weekly deep cleaning
In addition to daily cleanings, it is advisable to perform a weekly deep cleaning. This includes moving equipment to clean underneath it, degreasing walls and floors, and thoroughly cleaning larger kitchen equipment such as ovens and fryers.
During these deep cleans, it is important to use products that can remove the toughest residues without damaging the surfaces. OXA GAMMA ONE is again an ideal choice for deep degreasing, while products such as OXA MOUSSE ENZ can be used to clean and prevent biofilm formation on interior surfaces, ensuring that no organic residues are left behind that can cause bad odours or contamination.
- Equipment review and maintenance
Kitchen equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and deep fryers should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear or malfunction. Cleaning these appliances not only helps maintain their performance, but also extends their lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs or premature replacements.
For the maintenance of equipment such as ovens and griddles, OXA LPH is a recommended degreaser that helps keep these devices grease-free and in optimal working condition.
Best practices for implementing a cleaning and disinfection plan
- Create a cleaning schedule
Establish a cleaning schedule that details daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Make sure all staff are trained and aware of their responsibilities in maintaining the kitchen.
It is recommended to define a work plan detailing: products used, dosage, operator, frequency, and keeping a record of the cleanings carried out.
- Use specific products for each task
Select the appropriate cleaning products according to the task at hand and the type of surface or equipment. For example, use OXA GAMMA ONE to degrease hard surfaces and OXA ECOPLAK PLUS to clean hoods and filters.
- Staff training
Train staff on the proper use of cleaning products and the importance of preventative maintenance. Make sure they know how to handle products safely and efficiently.
- Regular inspection and adjustment of the maintenance plan
Conduct regular inspections to assess the effectiveness of the cleaning and disinfection plan, and adjust strategies as necessary. This includes verifying that the products used remain effective and that equipment is maintained in good condition.
It is recommended to keep a record of the internal audits carried out, together with their deviations, non-conformities and corrective actions implemented.
Conclusion
To ensure a safe and efficient work environment, we need to perform preventative maintenance in industrial kitchens. By implementing a rigorous cleaning and disinfection plan, using specialized products such as OXA GAMMA ONE and OXA ECOPLAK PLUS, it is possible to maintain hygiene, prevent the accumulation of residues and prolong the life of the equipment. These efforts not only comply with health and safety regulations, but also improve food quality and operational efficiency in the kitchen.