Looking for reliable kitchen cleaning jobs near you? 🍽️ With food safety more important than ever, kitchens in restaurants, cafeterias, and commercial facilities are hiring dependable cleaning staff to maintain hygiene standards. Whether you're looking for full-time work or flexible evening shifts, kitchen cleaning offers steady demand and valuable experience.
What Are Kitchen Cleaning Jobs?
Kitchen cleaning jobs focus specifically on sanitizing and maintaining cleanliness in food preparation areas. This includes regular cleaning as well as deep-cleaning protocols to meet health and safety standards. Daily tasks often include:
- Scrubbing prep tables, counters, and cutting surfaces
- Degreasing stovetops, ovens, fryers, and exhaust hoods
- Sweeping and mopping kitchen floors
- Emptying trash bins and recycling containers
- Cleaning sinks, dishwashing areas, and backsplashes
- Disinfecting handles, knobs, and shared surfaces
- Restocking soap dispensers, paper towels, and sanitizing supplies
Because kitchen environments are high-traffic and high-risk for contamination, cleaning must be precise and timely. Some cleaning positions are scheduled after restaurant service hours, while others operate throughout the day in coordination with chefs and staff.
Typical Responsibilities in a Kitchen Cleaning Role
Working as a kitchen cleaner means maintaining strict cleanliness in areas where food is handled and served. Specific responsibilities often include:
- Cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation surfaces
- Washing walls, equipment exteriors, and mats
- Removing grease buildup from grills, ovens, and hoods
- Handling garbage, recycling, and compost sorting
- Replacing liners and organizing trash storage
- Reporting any safety hazards or maintenance issues
- Logging cleaning tasks to meet food safety audit standards
In many commercial kitchens, cleaners also work closely with supervisors or chefs to meet health department codes. Some roles may even include specialty training in operating cleaning machinery or managing hazardous waste.
What Skills Do Kitchen Cleaners Need?
While kitchen cleaning doesn’t always require previous experience, employers often look for the following traits and abilities:
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to follow strict hygiene and food safety protocols
- Knowledge of cleaning products and chemical safety
- Physical stamina and ability to bend, lift, and scrub for extended periods
- Time management for cleaning on tight schedules
- Punctuality and dependability
- Willingness to work late hours, weekends, or split shifts
Some employers provide on-the-job training, especially in hospital, hotel, or school cafeteria settings.
Who’s Hiring Kitchen Cleaners?
Kitchen cleaners are in demand across various sectors, including:
- Restaurants (fast food to fine dining)
- Hotel kitchens and banquet halls
- School, university, and hospital cafeterias
- Catering companies and food prep centers
- Cruise ships and event venues
- Commercial cleaning service companies
Depending on the company, you may be hired directly or placed via staffing agencies or facilities management providers. Some full-time roles may offer benefits like paid time off, uniforms, and evening shift differentials.
Where to Find Kitchen Cleaning Jobs
You can find open positions through a variety of sources:
- Job boards (Indeed, Craigslist, ZipRecruiter)
- Local staffing or janitorial agencies
- Restaurant and hotel career pages
- Commercial cleaning companies
- Local Facebook groups or community job listings
- Walk-ins with your résumé or referral
Pro tip: Smaller or family-owned restaurants may not post listings online. Walking in and asking to speak with a manager can be a fast-track way to land a position—especially if you’re available to work nights or weekends.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen cleaning jobs are essential to public health and food safety—and they can be a great starting point for a long-term career in hospitality, maintenance, or food service. If you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, kitchen cleaning could be a perfect fit.