Question: I have witnessed on several occasions and not just in Gastonia, but in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as well, that in cleaning the dining room the staff uses the “same” wet wash cloth to clean the table and the seats simultaneously. This cannot be sanitary by any means. Can something be done about this? I have spoken with managers at different restaurants. but it appears that it does not help as it continues on. — Edward Porter, Gastonia
Should a restaurants wait staff use a different towel for the table than they do for the chairs? One holds our seats, while we place our food on the other, after all?
That may sound like an easy question, but the rule and maybe obvious answer are not the same.
First, North Carolina rules governing the health inspections of restaurants and food establishments do not specifically address the cleaning of the dining room area, said Samantha Dye, the assistant environmental health administrator for the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services.
So, an inspector will not count off points if a waiter uses the same towel to clean the seat and the table, she said. But, Dye added, for perception and looks, a restaurant would be well served not to use the same towel.
“But you need to remember, the tables not coming in contact with the food itself,” Dye said. “You might have silverware, but thats usually on top of a napkin.”
But we also talked to Angelo Koutsoupias, owner of Georgios on Market Street in Cramerton. He said he admonishes new wait staff if he catches them using the same towel after they have cleaned a seat.
“Our policy here is that anytime you clean the table you should also look to see if you need to clean the seat,” Koutsoupias said. “But you cannot use that towel again (after cleaning a seat) until it has gone into the sanitizer.”
Dye said restaurant health inspections rules have more to do with the handling of food, keeping food at the proper temperatures, sanitation of food contact surfaces and storage. Since plates and glasses are used as food contact surfaces they need to be properly cleaned, but the dining table would not be considered a food contact surface, she said.
“The key thing is whats going on back there in the kitchen that could possibly make you sick,” Dye said.
The general sanitizing solution used in restaurant food prep tables is diluted bleach water or chlorinated detergents.
It’s important to follow best practices for properly cleaning restaurant tables. This is true every single day that a restaurant is in operation, but will be even more critical as restaurants start to re-open for dine-in services.
Taking care to clean your table tops right speaks to the quality of your business and is part and parcel of operating a safe establishment. These restaurant cleaning procedures will help you keep your customers satisfied and also help your table tops last longer, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Once again, warm water, mild soap, and a clean dish towel are all that you need to keep this surface clean. For stain removal, opt for natural options like a paste made from white vinegar and baking soda. Apply after removing any dirt from the table, and follow up with a full cleaning.
Skip the chemical-based cleaners when it comes to wood table tops, since in addition to not wanting those chemicals anywhere near food they can also degrade the quality of the wood. Instead, use warm, soapy water and a clean dish towel to wipe the table clean, then dry it. Make sure to use a mild soap, and to dry the surface completely when you’re done.
Keep your resin table tops clean with a mixture of warm water and mild soap, and apply with a clean dish towel. Resin is prone to scratches, and those scratches can harbor bacteria. If you have any scratches, take care of them fast with fine-grit sandpaper, and then proceed with cleaning.
But we also talked to Angelo Koutsoupias, owner of Georgios on Market Street in Cramerton. He said he admonishes new wait staff if he catches them using the same towel after they have cleaned a seat.
That may sound like an easy question, but the rule and maybe obvious answer are not the same.
Question: I have witnessed on several occasions and not just in Gastonia, but in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as well, that in cleaning the dining room the staff uses the “same” wet wash cloth to clean the table and the seats simultaneously. This cannot be sanitary by any means. Can something be done about this? I have spoken with managers at different restaurants. but it appears that it does not help as it continues on. — Edward Porter, Gastonia
So, an inspector will not count off points if a waiter uses the same towel to clean the seat and the table, she said. But, Dye added, for perception and looks, a restaurant would be well served not to use the same towel.
Dye said restaurant health inspections rules have more to do with the handling of food, keeping food at the proper temperatures, sanitation of food contact surfaces and storage. Since plates and glasses are used as food contact surfaces they need to be properly cleaned, but the dining table would not be considered a food contact surface, she said.
Clearing tables
FAQ
What do restaurants spray tables with?
What chemical should be used to clean tables?
What disinfectant do restaurants use?
What solution is used to clean a table?
How to clean tables in a restaurant?
Here are some tips on how to clean tables in a restaurant: 1. Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need a clean cloth, a bucket of hot water, and a mild dish soap. 2. Start by wiping down the entire table surface with the clean cloth. 3. Dip the cloth into the hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. 4.
How to clean and sanitize a food preparation table?
Follow these steps to clean and sanitize food preparation tables: 1. Wipe the table top and remove all visible debris of food or any waste on the surface. 2. Wash the surface of the table with soapy, warm water to remove oil and food residue. 3. Rinse the table with clean water to remove any detergent residue. 4.
How to clean a kitchen preparation table?
1. Wipe the table top and remove all visible debris of food or any waste on the surface. 2. Wash the surface of the table with soapy, warm water to remove oil and food residue. 3. Rinse the table with clean water to remove any detergent residue. 4. Soak the kitchen preparation table with chosen disinfectant solution.
Why is it important to clean tables in a restaurant?
Once the majority of the liquid has been absorbed, you can proceed with cleaning the area as you would normally. Cleaning tables in a restaurant is important for several reasons. First, it creates a more inviting environment for customers. Secondly, it helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs.