Professional-Grade Cleaning Supplies for Any Commercial Kitchen

Professional-Grade Cleaning Supplies for Any Commercial Kitchen

A clean kitchen isn't just a bonus—it's a legal and safety requirement. Keep your commercial kitchen up to standard with these essential cleaning supplies.

When it comes to commercial kitchens, cleanliness isn’t negotiable. Whether you’re running a busy café, restaurant, or catering service, maintaining hygiene is crucial to the health of your customers and your business reputation. Grease, spills, food scraps, and bacteria can quickly build up if not managed properly. That’s why having the right cleaning supplies on hand—and knowing how to use them—is a must.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential, professional-grade cleaning supplies every commercial kitchen should have, how they’re used, and why they matter. Let’s dive in!

Heavy-Duty Degreasers

Tackle tough grease and grime with powerful degreasers designed for commercial settings.

Commercial kitchens produce a lot of grease—from cooking oils to fatty food residue. A high-quality degreaser is one of the most critical items in your cleaning kit. These products break down stubborn oils and fats that build up on cooktops, exhaust hoods, and kitchen walls. Without them, you’re left with slippery, dangerous surfaces that are hard to clean and unsafe to work around.

Benefits of heavy-duty degreasers:

• Cuts through layers of built-up grease
• Improves kitchen safety by reducing slip hazards
• Helps maintain fire safety by reducing grease accumulation in vents
• Works on a variety of surfaces: stainless steel, tiles, benchtops

Look for non-toxic and biodegradable options that meet Australian safety standards. They clean effectively without putting your team or the environment at risk.

Food-Safe Surface Sanitisers

Sanitising is just as important as cleaning—especially when it comes to food-contact areas.

Once a surface is clean, you need to sanitise it to remove harmful bacteria and pathogens. Not all cleaning products kill germs, which is why using a dedicated food-safe surface sanitiser is vital. These products are specially designed for areas where food is prepared or served, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Use sanitisers on:

• Cutting boards
• Prep benches
• Food storage areas
• Serving stations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper contact time for killing bacteria. Choose products with a fast-drying, no-rinse formula to keep operations running smoothly.

Microfibre Cleaning Cloths

Go beyond ordinary rags—microfibre cloths trap dirt and reduce bacteria on contact.

Microfibre cloths are a must-have in any commercial kitchen. They lift dirt and grease more effectively than traditional cotton cloths, and they don’t leave lint behind. The fine fibres trap dust and bacteria rather than pushing them around. Plus, they’re reusable and can be colour-coded to reduce cross-contamination.

Benefits of microfibre:

• Can be washed and reused many times
• Excellent for glass, stainless steel, and benchtops
• Colour-coded options promote hygiene protocols
• Lint-free, streak-free results

Use different colours for different zones—for example, red for toilets, blue for general surfaces, green for food-prep zones—to avoid accidental contamination.

Commercial Mops and Buckets

Maintain sparkling floors with mops built for daily heavy use.

Floor hygiene is a high priority in commercial kitchens. Spills happen frequently, and a dirty floor is not only unappealing but also dangerous. Commercial-grade mops and buckets are stronger, more absorbent, and designed for regular use. Look for ergonomic handles and wringer mechanisms to make cleaning easier on your staff.

Recommended features:

• Microfibre mop heads for superior absorption
• Dual bucket systems to separate clean and dirty water
• Foot-operated wringers for hands-free use
• Anti-bacterial mop heads to reduce germ spread

Make sure to replace mop heads regularly and wash them between uses to maintain hygiene.

Stainless Steel Cleaners

Keep stainless steel surfaces gleaming and fingerprint-free.

Stainless steel is common in kitchens for good reason—it’s durable, easy to clean, and hygienic. But it can also show fingerprints, streaks, and smudges very quickly. A high-quality stainless steel cleaner not only cleans but polishes the surface, leaving it shiny and protected.

Why use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner?

• Removes grease, streaks, and smudges
• Leaves a protective layer to resist future marks
• Safe for food-prep surfaces when marked food-grade
• Enhances the professional look of your kitchen

Always spray onto a cloth, not directly on appliances, to avoid overspray and potential residue.

Scrubbing Brushes and Scourers

When grime builds up, it’s time to bring in the scrubbers.

No matter how efficient your cleaning products are, sometimes you need to put in a little elbow grease. Scrubbing brushes and scourers help remove burnt-on food, limescale, and other stubborn residue. Choose brushes with stiff bristles for heavy-duty work, and non-scratch scourers for more delicate surfaces.

Useful types of brushes:

• Handheld brushes for pots and pans
• Long-handled scrubbers for floors and hard-to-reach places
• Bottle brushes for cleaning dispensers or narrow containers

Use in combination with degreasers or dishwashing liquid for the best results.

Commercial Dishwashing Detergent

Clean dishes fast and effectively with restaurant-grade detergent.

Dishwashing is a constant task in commercial kitchens. You’ll need a reliable detergent that cuts through grease and food residue quickly, especially when you’re cleaning hundreds of dishes a day. Commercial options are more concentrated and efficient than supermarket products, saving time and money.

Look for features like:

• Low-foam formulas for use in commercial dishwashers
• Rinse aids for spot-free finishes
• Non-toxic ingredients for kitchen safety
• Strong degreasing performance

Ensure you have both a dishwashing machine detergent and a manual washing-up liquid for items that need hand-washing.

Disposable Gloves and Aprons

Protect yourself and your workspace with single-use gear.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays an important role in kitchen hygiene. Disposable gloves and aprons protect both the wearer and the food from contamination. They should be worn when handling raw food, cleaning chemicals, or doing dishwashing tasks.

Tips for proper PPE use:

• Change gloves between tasks to prevent cross-contamination
• Choose powder-free, food-safe gloves
• Use disposable aprons when cleaning with chemicals or dealing with food waste

PPE ensures staff hygiene, boosts confidence, and meets workplace safety standards.

Rubbish Bags and Waste Bins

Stay on top of waste before it becomes a problem.

Waste builds up quickly in commercial kitchens—food scraps, packaging, and general rubbish. Make sure your kitchen is equipped with heavy-duty bins and bags that can handle wet and dry waste. Bags should be leak-resistant and strong enough to carry heavy loads without tearing.

Helpful tips:

• Use colour-coded bins for recycling and general waste
• Line bins properly to make disposal easier
• Empty bins regularly to avoid odours
• Choose foot-pedal bins for hands-free hygiene

Clean your bins daily to prevent pests and bad smells.

Air Fresheners and Odour Neutralisers

Keep your kitchen smelling fresh even during the busiest times.

Cooking smells, bins, and food waste can create lingering odours in a commercial kitchen. Air fresheners and odour neutralisers can help maintain a fresh, clean-smelling environment. They’re especially useful in shared areas like break rooms, customer-facing spaces, or dishwashing areas.

What to look for:

• Non-toxic, food-safe air fresheners
• Automatic dispensers for consistent freshness
• Neutralisers that absorb odours, not just mask them

A pleasant-smelling kitchen supports a positive atmosphere for both staff and guests.

Final Thoughts: Stock Smart, Clean Smarter

A clean kitchen isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, hygiene, and efficiency.

Having the right cleaning supplies in your commercial kitchen isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. By using professional-grade tools and products, you’ll not only stay on top of health regulations but also create a more pleasant, efficient workspace. Invest in quality supplies, train your team on best practices, and make cleanliness part of your kitchen culture.

Keep it clean, keep it professional—and your kitchen will run like a dream.