Who Cleans the Restrooms at Restaurants and How It's Done

Cleaning restrooms in restaurants is an essential task that varies widely based on the establishment's size, location, and specific practices. Typically, this responsibility falls to janitorial staff or a dedicated cleaning service, but in smaller restaurants, it may be handled by waitstaff, kitchen staff, or managers as needed.

Employee Involvement in Restaurant Restroom Cleaning

In America, there are instances where employees clean restrooms top to bottom. While recognizing that this task often falls out of the usual job roles, many modern restaurants opt to pay specialized cleaning companies to handle toilet cleaning. The employees then focus on tasks such as picking up and mopping the floors.

During business hours, the intake of orders and food preparation is the responsibility of the employees, but restroom maintenance is handled by the dining room host, who checks bathrooms every 15 minutes and performs any necessary clean-ups.

Rotation-Based Cleaning Schedules

Most restaurants have a rotation system for cleaning during business hours, allowing the staff to pitch in and ensure restrooms remain clean. Some establishments employ a night cleaning crew to handle tasks outside of regular business hours.

Restaurant-Specific Cleaning Practices

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, as different restaurants handle restrooms differently. For instance, when working at a dishwashing position, the cleaning of the restaurant and restrooms can fall on the dishwashers, or the business owner may take on that responsibility. In such cases, some establishments hire janitorial companies to provide service outside of regular business hours.

At a Burger King, for example, all employees take turns in various responsibilities, including cleaning the dining room, washing dishes, and managing restrooms. However, the term 'porter' is not commonly used in this context.

Fast Food Restaurant Cleaning Protocols

Fast food restaurants generally have a more systematic approach to restroom cleaning. The first level involves the staff porter cleaning several times a day. The second level is carried out by the 'lot and lobby' staffer, who ensures restrooms are checked every 15 minutes. This person is responsible for tasks such as emptying trash, cleaning and spot mopping, wiping counters and mirrors, and helping the dining room crew with table cleaning.

In addition to restroom maintenance, the 'lot and lobby' staffer also ensures the parking lot is clean, collects litter, and handles snow removal tasks, contributing to a clean and inviting environment for customers.

Such practices are crucial for maintaining hygiene and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment. Proper restroom maintenance not only ensures cleanliness but also enhances the overall dining experience, thereby fostering customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth reviews.

For restaurants of all sizes, developing a clear and efficient cleaning protocol is essential. Whether it's done internally by the staff or through external cleaning services, the goal is to maintain high standards of cleanliness and provide a comfortable environment for both staff and guests.