One of the most difficult aspects of running a bar—besides serving delicious food and drinks—is keeping it clean, in addition to serving perfect cocktails and beers. It won’t matter how delicious the food is or how cold the beer is; customers are unlikely to return to a filthy and greasy bar. The problem is that cleaning a bar can be difficult due to the high volume of traffic. It’s even more difficult to maintain cleanliness and order during happy hour when guests arrive and depart in rapid succession.
So, how do you keep a bar clean while keeping customers coming in? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Follow a Thorough Cleaning Checklist
It’s easy to overlook something in a bar because there are so many things to keep clean. You can help yourself in this area by making checklists and a cleaning schedule. If a comprehensive checklist is too much to focus on right now, make sure to at the very least create checklists for opening and closing.
The great thing about checklists is that they do more than just make sure that employees don’t forget anything. They are a straightforward but powerful way to instill the idea of accountability. Workflow is also improved by checklists. A bar opening cleaning checklist could include tasks like cleaning the bar itself, wiping down liquor bottles, throwing away outdated garnish, and replenishing the stock. You should replenish napkin dispensers, wash and put away glasses, replenish the liquor supply, and clean the floors, among other things, before closing.
Have a Place for Everything
Cleaning a bar entails more than just basic physical maintenance such as wiping and dusting. You must also maintain your organization. Everything, from the liquor bottles and glasses to the garnishes and syrups, needs a home. Maintaining cleanliness is easier when everything has a place. A well-organized bar also allows your bartenders to work more efficiently and comfortably.
Reset the Station as Often as Possible
Undoubtedly, it can be challenging to maintain order in a bar at all times. Your focus should always be on serving customers during the busiest hours of the night. No matter how busy things get, you should always try to keep your workspace as organized as you can. So that they are always usable, reset the stations as soon as you can.
In this case, simply follow the “claygo” or “clean as you go” principle. Take advantage of any opportunities to organize and clean up. The key is to devise a system for distinguishing between what is and is not urgent. This ensures that your station is spotless, uncluttered, and sanitary, making it ideal for creating excellent cocktails and mixes.
Even a few minutes of cleaning can significantly boost your productivity. Customers will appreciate a bartender who is in charge of their area, whether they are making drinks or cleaning up. A clean bar may even entice customers to stay longer.
Hire Professional Cleaners
One of the simplest ways to keep your bar clean is to hire professional cleaners. A professional team can ensure that your bar is in compliance with local health and cleanliness standards and will allow you to come into a fresh and clean bar without having to do the work yourself.
When you’re ready to hire professional cleaners for your bar, look no further than 12-15 Cleaning. Our experienced team members will get your bar in tip-top shape during closing hours, meaning that you can return to a clean bar without any of the stress. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or to get a free estimate.
