You’ll want to adhere to a strict bar equipment maintenance routine to keep your bar running smoothly. Following the steps below, you’ll discover further nuances to keeping your bar pristine and in top condition.
See our full range of bar equipment here.
Summary
- Bar Cleaning Checklist: Follow a clean-as-you-go routine to prepare the bar for service and maintain hygiene throughout the shift.
- Closing Service Tasks: End each shift by sanitising key equipment, refreshing supplies, and fully resetting the bar for the next day.
- Weekly Deep Clean: Perform deeper weekly tasks to clean fridges, storage areas, and behind equipment for long-term upkeep.
- Deep Cleaning: Conduct a full 4–6 month deep clean to sanitise every surface, item, and hidden area for optimal hygiene.
- Bar Equipment Cleaning: Clean and sanitise all essential bar equipment daily to maintain safety and the longevity of each piece of equipment.
Bar Cleaning Checklist
A checklist will guide you through the must-do’s to keep your bar clean before and during service.
Start with the basics:
- Melt leftover ice from the previous night and refill bins with fresh ice.
- Wipe down the bar, counters, and seating areas before opening.
- Follow a “clean as you go” approach: wipe the bar after each customer, clear and clean tables between guests, and wash glasses and tools as needed.
1. Closing Service Tasks
Essential tasks needed to leave your bar clean and ready for the next service
Closing tasks are just as important:
- Sanitise the bar top, speed rails and soda guns.
- Clean and check beer taps and clear beer lines.
- Check and empty trash cans
- Check all glassware and bar tools are clean and put away.
- Top up ice bins and fridges.
- Empty, sanitise and then top up the ice bins and fridges.
- Wrap and store garnishes in the fridge
- Sweep and mop the floors.
2. Weekly Deep Clean
Essential weekly tasks to keep your bar maintained and performing, rotate these tasks among your staff.
These tasks include:
- Empty and clean all fridges and reach-in coolers
- Clean behind movable equipment and storage areas.
- Polish draught taps and silverware.
- Tidy drawers and cabinets.
3. Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning your bar every 4-6 months is necessary for a clean and hygienic environment. Schedule this task during off hours or when your bar is closed, gather all your cleaning supplies and equipment beforehand and assign tasks to your team so everything is covered.
Focus on the following:
- Remove all bottles, glassware and equipment from shelves and counters, and clean and sanitise every surface.
- Before you put everything back, wipe down each bottle and piece of equipment.
- Polish all glassware and sanitise items like speed rails and soda guns.
- Remove fridges and other movable equipment to clean behind and underneath.
- Remove floor mats for a deep clean, scrub the floor, get into the corners and clean and sanitise floor drains.
- Empty, clean and tidy all fridges and reach-in coolers. Check drawers and cabinets.
Bar Equipment Cleaning
Maintaining strict hygiene standards is essential for any bar, ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for both staff and customers. Daily cleaning prevents cross-contamination but also extends the life of your equipment, keeping your service area running well.
Below is a comprehensive list of bar equipment that requires routine cleaning, along with the necessary tasks to keep everything in top condition:
| Bar Equipment | Cleaning Task |
|---|---|
| Bar Top | Wipe down and sanitise after each customer |
| Speed Rails | Clean and sanitise at close |
| Soda Guns | Clean and sanitise nozzles |
| Ice Bins | Empty, sanitise and top up with fresh ice |
| Glassware | Wash and polish |
| Bar Tools | Wash and sanitise (shakers, jiggers, strainers) |
| Beer Taps | Clean and sanitise spouts |
| Liquor Bottles | Clean and top up with fresh garnishes |
| Garnish Trays/ Bar Mats | Wash or run through dishwasher |
| Cutting Boards/ Blenders | Clean and sanitise after each use |
| Sink Areas/ Glasswashers | Clean and sanitise |
| Bar Stools/Chairs/ Counters | Wipe down and sanitise |
| POS Terminals | Clean and sanitise touchscreens |
| Napkin Holders | Clean and top up |
| Trash Cans | Empty and sanitise |
| Floor Behind Bar | Sweep and mop |
“Well-maintained equipment can lead to 20% savings on energy costs, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.“
ETprotein, 2024
(modelled from industry trends and surveys)
FAQ’s
Linking specific cleaning tasks to individual roles or stations makes it clear who is responsible for what, reducing the chance that jobs are skipped. Building quick spot checks into manager walk-throughs, and recognising teams that keep areas consistently clean, helps turn cleaning from a chore into a visible performance standard.
Setting up “micro-cleaning” points—such as cloths, sanitiser spray, and a glass dump bucket at each station—allows staff to wipe, rinse, and reset quickly between orders. Simple habits like immediately binning garnishes and napkins and never letting dirty glassware pile up keep chaos under control even at peak times.
Setting up “micro-cleaning” points—such as cloths, sanitiser spray, and a glass dump bucket at each station—allows staff to wipe, rinse, and reset quickly between orders. Simple habits like immediately binning garnishes and napkins and never letting dirty glassware pile up keep chaos under control even at peak times.
Why Ascot Wholesale?
At Ascot Wholesale, we supply durable, easy-to-clean bar tools and equipment designed to withstand daily use while simplifying upkeep for busy bars and venues. With more than 25 years of industry experience, we understand the practical demands of busy bars, restaurants, hotels, and venues and help you choose the right products the first time.
We combine expert product guidance with competitive trade pricing on leading brands. Ascot Wholesale makes it easier to equip or upgrade your bar efficiently and cost-effectively. We offer great benefits such as trade accounts, flexible payment and leasing options and fast delivery, as well as our strong focus on service, helping us to build trusted partnerships.
Last Orders
Thank you for reading. We appreciate your time and wish you the very best with your new setup.
If you need any support along the way, we’re always here to help you make the most of your business with trusted support and quality equipment. Looking for more? Explore additional resources using the links below. ↓
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