Restaurant Cleaning: Checklist and MAPAQ Standards

In the restaurant business, cleanliness isn't negotiable. A spotless kitchen protects your customers, your reputation and your permit. MAPAQ (Quebec's ministry of agriculture, fisheries and food) inspects food establishments, and non-compliance can be costly — up to closure. Here are the essentials to know, plus a concrete checklist.

What MAPAQ checks

Inspectors make sure food is handled, stored and prepared in a sanitary environment. The cleanliness of surfaces, equipment, floors, ventilation systems and the absence of pests are among the points examined. A poorly maintained establishment risks infraction notices, fines or even a temporary closure.

Restaurant cleaning checklist

Daily

• Degreasing of preparation surfaces and work stations
• Cleaning and disinfection of kitchen equipment
• Washing of floors in the kitchen and dining room
• Disinfection of bathrooms
• Cleaning of tables, counters and dining-room contact points
• Emptying and disinfecting bins

Weekly to periodic

• Deep degreasing of hoods, filters and kitchen walls
• Cleaning behind and under heavy equipment
• Descaling, cleaning of walk-in coolers and refrigerators
• Washing of windows, light fixtures and high surfaces
• Floor maintenance (scrubbing, polishing)

The trap of grease and ventilation

Grease build-up in hoods and ducts is both a hygiene problem and a major fire risk. It's one of the most often neglected — and most closely watched — points. Regular professional maintenance of these areas protects your establishment on both fronts.

Why a professional partner changes everything

Your kitchen team handles routine cleaning, but deep cleaning takes time, specialized products and equipment. A restaurant cleaning service handles the heavy part, outside service hours, so you're always ready for an inspection. To estimate the budget, see our price guide, or browse all our options in the commercial directory.