Food Truck Cleaning Tips
One of the many benefits of owning a food truck as opposed to a brick-and-mortar restaurant is the size. At a brick-and-mortar store, you’ve got a large kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a dining area that all demand constant attention. In a food truck, everything is condensed to a much smaller space, which means less cleaning! However, with less room to maneuver in, it’s even more important to stay clean and organized. Here are some tips for keeping your food truck squeaky clean.
How to Clean a Grill
Many food trucks use a grill, which can be notoriously hard to clean. When fats and oils meet extremely high temperatures, you get carbon deposits—that black, stubborn grime that seems determined to stick around for good. Enter the power of steam! Fill a tin can with water, place it on the grill, cover the grill, and bring it to a boil. Allow the steam to permeate inside the grill for a couple of minutes, then scrape the grime with a wire brush. Once the grill has cooled off, wipe it down with a damp rag to remove any remaining residue and fallen bristles from the brush. When the grill is completely cool, you can use a shop vac to suck up the junk that is down inside the firebox. Try to do this once a week.
What to Clean During Business Hours
Cleaning is always easier if you stay on top of it. Put things away immediately after using them. Wipe down the counters and sinks continuously. Scrape off the grill after each use. Wash the dishes as soon as you are finished with them. Don’t let the trash pile up. Not only will developing these habits help you stay organized and make closing time easier, but it will also set your customers at ease when they see how clean your kitchen is.
Cleaning at Closing Time
When it’s time to shut down for the night, think of it like tucking a child into bed. You want to feel like all the loose ends have been tied up and everything is ready for a new day. If you’ve been cleaning as you go, this shouldn’t take long. Sanitize the surfaces, sweep and mop the floor, and take out the trash.
A clean food truck is more likely to pass inspections, attract customers, and operate more smoothly. Cleaning never sounds fun, but it doesn’t have to be a big job. You will be amazed at how easy it is when you never let it get bad in the first place!
Your food truck is your baby! It needs regular TLC. Click here for more maintenance tips, and then make sure your info is up to date on the Where’s the Foodtruck app!
