As the hospitality industry gets ready for a slightly different festive season than normal this year, it is more important than ever before to ensure that the table tops in your restaurant or pub are properly cleaned and maintained. While before it was the food that would get people talking about your establishment and keep them coming back for more, now it will be the level of hygiene and customer care, so it’s vital that your diners feel as comfortable as possible.
But how do you ensure your surfaces are completely clean without using harmful chemicals that could damage the table top’s protective layer and reduce the lifespan of your furniture? Below are some of our top tips for maintaining your table tops.
Know your material
Some materials are much more hardwearing than others, so different table tops will require different cleaning solutions. Ensuring you know what material your surfaces are made of and what cleaners work best for them specifically will not only guarantee a hygienic environment for your customers but will also prevent any damage or warping.
Veneer table tops – Veneer is a popular alternative to solid wood as it is durable and easy to clean with just a damp cloth and mild anti-bacterial detergent. Avoid using large quantities of liquid and harsh detergents as the moisture and chemicals can affect the protective lacquer.
Laminate table tops – Laminate is one of the most hardwearing table top materials, meaning it can withstand a bit more force when cleaning. While most stains and bacteria will be removed with a cloth and warm soapy water, the scratch-resistant surface of laminate means tougher marks can be scrubbed with a brush and detergent without causing damage. Our American Diner table tops are an ideal laminate solution for restaurants, providing both durability and style!
Solid wood table tops – Solid wood looks and feels expensive and luxurious, but it is slightly harder to maintain than cheaper alternatives. These table tops are highly susceptible to water damage, so using a barely damp cloth with mild soap is recommended. All-purpose cleaning sprays should be avoided as some of the ingredients may be too harsh for the surface.
Stainless steel table tops – As they are often used for outdoor dining, stainless steel tables are easy and efficient to clean as they are highly water-resistant. Soap and water are therefore all that is needed to keep these table tops clean and hygienic, whether indoors or out.
For more information about our full range of table top materials and their benefits, take a look at our comprehensive table top guide.
Use a purpose-made cleaner
There are many highly effective detergents and cleaners on the market, and this will include ones created specifically for your table top material. Using one of these purpose-made cleaners means you can rest assured that your customers are safe AND your table tops are protected from damage.
Our relay spray has been formulated specifically for the relaying of tables during service and is suitable for wood, metal and plastic surfaces. Unlike standard cleaners, this spray doesn’t leave any sticky residue or chemical smell, but it does offer high-quality sanitisation.
Don’t forget your chairs
Unlike tables, chairs often don’t come into contact with food or sticky drinks, so it can be tempting to only clean them after the lunch rush and at the end of the day. While this wouldn’t have been a problem previously, now your customers will be expecting you to clean everything that has been touched by previous diners before they are seated.
If you have wooden or plastic-covered chairs, you will likely be able to use the same cleaner as you do for your tables, but if you have leather or fabric chairs it is important to invest in a fabric cleaner to ensure they are properly protected and cleaned.
As specialists in all things furniture, at Trent Furniture we can help you get the most out of your tables, chairs, stools and sofas, from choosing the right furniture for your needs to advising on how to maintain it for a long lifespan. With choices available for any style and budget, and contract furniture that meets required fire safety standards, we’re sure to have the solution for your needs. Browse our site or get in touch today.