Spring is usually the time for a bit of a clean and spruce up, but this year in particular, with the reopening of pubs and restaurants getting closer, you want to make sure your customers are being welcomed back to a clean environment that is going to make them feel safe. So, while your doors are currently closed, it’s the perfect time to get out the paintbrushes and the rubber gloves and get cleaning with some of the following tips!
1.Clean and replace furniture
Other than the food, the furniture in your bar or restaurant is arguably the most important thing you need to consider. So, if you’ve got a few wobbly tables and chairs being propped up by folded napkins or menus, now is the time to replace them! Similarly, you should think about updating your outdoor furniture if you haven’t in a while, as it will be taking centre stage for the next few months.
If your current furniture is still in good nick it’s still important to give it a good clean – deep clean fabric chairs and sofas to remove stains, varnish or polish wooden table tops, and give everything a once over with a speciality anti-bacterial furniture cleaner. Make sure you’re also cleaning the underneath of your chairs and tables, as these likely won't get much attention as part of your regular cleaning schedule.
2.Increase your kerb appeal
Outdoor areas will be seeing more traffic than ever this year. Ensuring windows are clean and streak-free, paint is refreshed and not chipped, leaves and debris are regularly swept up, and the floor and outdoor furniture are jet-washed will encourage more diners both now and in the future, whether they are dining inside or out. Incorporating decorative items such as flowers and lights will also help make the area feel like a truly natural extension of the interior.
3.Clean your floors and carpets
While your counters and surfaces might be scrubbed to within an inch of their lives, if you have dirty, dusty or stained floors, your customers are likely going to assume that your food prep areas look the same. Steam cleaning your floors will give them a new lease of life that you won’t get from a quick daily sweep and mop. Especially if you have carpet, thoroughly cleaning it and letting it dry can take a couple of days, so it makes sense to get this done now while no customers are coming inside.
4.Refresh the bathrooms
Although customers won’t be able to eat inside for a little bit longer, they will still be able to come in to use the bathroom, and if they haven’t been used in a few months you want to make sure they are still looking their best. A fresh coat of paint, flowers and diffusers will keep them looking and smelling bright and new, while a proper clean of the toilets, sinks and floors will ensure that nothing puts people off of their delicious meal.
5.Don’t forget about staff areas
Just because some areas won’t be seen by your customers doesn’t mean they couldn’t also use a good spring clean. After all, happy staff will lead to happy customers and giving them a nice, clean area to get ready for their shift or relax on their break will make all the difference. Investing in some comfortable furniture such as a big leather sofa or some tables and chairs will show that your employees are valued, without it needing to cost a fortune.
By following these five simple spring-cleaning tips, your bar or restaurant will be able to confidently welcome back customers into a safe and hygienic environment, and they’ll help to keep your premises looking spick and span for years to come too.
If your spring clean involves replacing some of your furniture, take a look at our full range of contract grade restaurant and pub furniture, including tables, chairs, stools and sofas. As experts in all things furniture, we can help you find what you’re looking for. Contact us to find out more.