One of my favorite parts of running a communal kitchen is the cleanup. It may sound odd to some, but I genuinely enjoy the moments when everything is put back in its place, surfaces are wiped clean, and the space looks refreshed. Cleanliness matters in a busy kitchen: it improves efficiency, extends the life of equipment, and creates a welcoming environment for the next group that uses the space.
Recently, before our next group arrived, our team set aside some extra time for a deeper cleaning. We focused first on the walk-in cooler. The goal was straightforward and a little fun: could six of us clean one half of the cooler in under ten minutes? That challenge gave us a clear objective and let the team work together purposefully. We completed it quickly, which felt like a small but satisfying victory.
Another focus that day was the stove. Travis and Ben took charge of scrubbing and polishing it until it shone. A clean stove not only looks better, it’s also safer and more pleasant to use. In our kitchen, the stove is a hardworking appliance: it gets daily use, starting every morning when we grill eggs for breakfast. That means regular maintenance is essential to keep it operating well and to prevent buildup that can affect cooking.
We experimented with a variety of cleaning methods and researched options. Many commercial cleaners are effective but come with strong chemical smells and potentially harsh ingredients. We prefer gentler, more natural solutions wherever possible—not only for the comfort of the team working around them, but also for cost and environmental considerations.
One simple, natural cleaner that surprised us with its effectiveness is grapefruit juice. It’s inexpensive, easy to obtain, and it cuts through grease remarkably well. We used it on the grill and on stubborn areas of the stove, and it worked as well as—or in some cases better than—strong chemical cleaners we’d tried. Of course, effective cleaning also requires elbow grease: a good scrub, the right brush or pad, and a bit of patience are essential to getting a truly gleaming finish.
Using citrus-based cleaners, like grapefruit juice, can be a practical, low-cost alternative to harsh commercial products. For best results when cleaning a heavy-use grill or stove, follow these tips: remove removable parts and soak them if possible; apply the cleaner and allow it to sit briefly to break down grease; scrub with a nonabrasive pad to protect finishes; rinse thoroughly; and dry to prevent water spots or rust. Regular maintenance prevents the need for extreme measures later on.
Cleaning thoroughly also means working as a team. With six people coordinating, tasks like wiping down shelves, scrubbing racks, and sweeping floors move quickly and efficiently. Big cleaning jobs feel much more manageable when responsibilities are divided and everyone contributes. Many hands truly make light work—and it’s satisfying to see the immediate results.
Why did we clean only half of the cooler? To make the process manageable and thorough. We moved all stored items to one side, removed the empty shelves, and scrubbed the exposed shelves, floor, and walls. This approach let us focus on a well-cleaned section without disrupting all the inventory at once. On our next cleaning day we’ll repeat the process on the other half so the entire cooler receives the same attention.
A final note of gratitude goes to Travis and Ben for their hard work on the stove and to everyone who pitched in during our focused cleaning session. These routine deep-cleans keep the kitchen running smoothly and make it a nicer place for everyone who uses it.
{Thanks, Travis and Ben!}
