12 Essential Cleaning Supplies for Restaurants in 2025
In the high-stakes environment of a professional kitchen, maintaining impeccable hygiene is non-negotiable. The right cleaning supplies for restaurants are not just about passing health inspections; they are fundamental to food safety, staff efficiency, and customer trust. A clean kitchen prevents cross-contamination, extends the life of expensive equipment, and creates a safer, more pleasant working environment. From the front-of-house shine to the back-of-house deep clean, every surface demands specific, effective solutions.
This guide moves beyond generic recommendations to provide a comprehensive resource list for sourcing the best restaurant-grade cleaning chemicals, tools, and accessories. We will analyze everything from powerful degreasers and food-safe sanitizers to specialized tools for maintaining complex equipment. This includes a look at the various types of stainless steel prep tables, from standard work tables to specialized pizza and sandwich prep units that are essential for efficient and hygienic food preparation. We’ll also cover essentials like the proper setup and sanitation protocols for a three-bay commercial sink, a cornerstone of any food service operation.
Each platform and product category reviewed below includes practical implementation advice, honest assessments of limitations, and direct links to help you make informed purchasing decisions. This resource is designed to help restaurant owners, kitchen managers, and professional chefs streamline their procurement process, ensuring your establishment has the exact supplies needed to meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
1. Your Guide to the 3 Bay Commercial Sink
While not a consumable supply, the 3-bay commercial sink is the foundational piece of equipment upon which all effective restaurant cleaning protocols are built. This guide from PrepTables.com provides an exceptional deep dive into why this fixture is indispensable, positioning it as the command center for kitchen hygiene. It moves beyond a simple product description to offer a strategic overview of how the wash-rinse-sanitize workflow directly impacts health code compliance and operational efficiency, making it a critical resource for anyone outfitting a professional kitchen. The site's focused content excels at explaining the "why" behind the equipment, ensuring owners invest in a system, not just a sink.
Why It Stands Out: Beyond the Basics
PrepTables.com distinguishes itself by providing educational resources alongside its product offerings. This guide is a prime example, framing the 3-bay sink as an essential tool among all cleaning supplies for restaurants. The article details how its dedicated compartments enforce a systematic cleaning process that is crucial for preventing cross-contamination.
This educational approach helps restaurant managers understand the long-term value, connecting the initial investment to sustained operational benefits like reduced staff error and faster cleaning times. The platform also offers extensive information on the various types of stainless steel prep tables. This includes standard work surfaces for general use, refrigerated pizza prep tables with raised rails for holding toppings, and sandwich prep tables that combine a cutting board area with refrigerated compartments for ingredients, ensuring you can build out an entire cohesive and efficient workspace.
Key Takeaway: The guide's strength lies in its ability to articulate how a piece of hardware is central to the entire sanitation process, making it an invaluable read before purchasing any cleaning chemicals or tools.
Key Features & Practical Considerations
- Systematic Workflow: The three-compartment design is non-negotiable for enforcing proper wash, rinse, and sanitize procedures, a cornerstone of food safety.
- Durable Construction: The guide emphasizes the importance of NSF-certified stainless steel, which guarantees durability against heavy use and chemical corrosion.
- Compliance-Focused: It directly addresses how this setup helps kitchens meet and exceed local health department regulations. While an absolute necessity, it's important to pair it with proper staff training and a dedicated hand washing station. For more details on this, you can explore their guide to setting up a hand washing station on preptables.com.
Pros & Cons Analysis
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enforces a step-by-step cleaning process, drastically reducing cross-contamination risk. | Requires significant floor space, making it challenging for smaller or mobile kitchens. |
| Made from durable, NSF-certified stainless steel for longevity and hygiene. | Higher initial investment cost compared to single or double-basin sinks. |
| Streamlines dishwashing workflow, increasing staff efficiency and reducing cleaning time. | |
| Available in multiple sizes to fit various kitchen layouts and volume demands. |
Website: Your Guide to the 3 Bay Commercial Sink
2. WebstaurantStore
WebstaurantStore is a dominant force in the online foodservice supply industry, making it an essential destination for sourcing cleaning supplies for restaurants. Its massive catalog is curated specifically for commercial kitchens, meaning every product, from heavy-duty degreasers to mop heads, is designed for professional-grade performance and durability. This foodservice-first approach ensures you aren’t sifting through residential products to find what you need.
The platform excels by offering a wide range of commercial SKUs that are often hard to find elsewhere. It also features its own private-label lines, like Lavex Janitorial and Noble Chemical, which provide a significant cost advantage without sacrificing quality. This is particularly useful for high-volume consumables such as sanitizers, floor cleaners, and trash can liners. Each product page includes detailed specifications, customer reviews, and Q&As, which helps managers make informed purchasing decisions for their specific operational needs.
While its selection is a major pro, a key consideration is shipping costs. The WebstaurantPlus subscription offers free shipping on many items, but non-subscribers should be mindful of freight fees, which can accumulate. Items often ship from multiple warehouses, potentially leading to staggered deliveries. For a deeper look at their extensive equipment offerings, including various types of stainless steel prep tables, such as standard worktops, pizza prep tables, and sandwich prep tables, you can explore their commercial kitchen equipment.
Website: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/restaurant-janitorial-supplies.html
3. KaTom Restaurant Supply
KaTom Restaurant Supply serves as another comprehensive e-commerce hub, providing a vast selection of cleaning supplies for restaurants tailored for both front-of-house and back-of-house needs. Its strength lies in a well-organized janitorial category that covers everything from commercial cleaning chemicals and floor care equipment to restroom dispensers and pest control solutions. This makes it a reliable one-stop shop for maintaining operational hygiene.
A standout feature is KaTom’s “Learning Center,” which offers buyer’s guides and articles to help managers make informed decisions that align with safety standards and compliance. The product pages are transparent, clearly indicating stock status and estimated lead times. While its range is extensive, KaTom also provides essential equipment. Their inventory includes various types of stainless steel prep tables, from basic work surfaces to more specialized refrigerated pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables, which are crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient workflow in any commercial kitchen.
The primary advantage is the blend of major brands and educational resources. However, freight costs on bulky items can add up, so it's wise to bundle orders. Additionally, while the overall selection is deep, inventory levels can sometimes vary within very specific subcategories. Despite this, its focus on both products and knowledge makes it a valuable resource for restaurant operators committed to a high standard of cleanliness.
Website: https://www.katom.com/cat/janitorial.html
4. Amazon Business
Amazon Business leverages its massive global marketplace to offer a centralized procurement solution for cleaning supplies for restaurants. While not exclusively a foodservice supplier, its sheer scale provides an unparalleled selection of everything from commercial-grade chemicals and PPE to paper goods and janitorial hardware. The platform's main advantage lies in its powerful procurement and administrative tools, designed for multi-unit operators or managers who need to control spending across their teams.
The platform distinguishes itself with features like Business-only pricing, quantity discounts, and Guided Buying policies that allow owners to restrict purchases to preferred suppliers or product categories. This simplifies compliance and budget management. Spend Visibility dashboards provide analytics to track purchasing patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities. For delivery, the Business Prime subscription offers fast, free shipping on eligible items, which is a significant logistical advantage for keeping essential supplies like sanitizers and mops consistently in stock.
A key consideration is the marketplace model. Product quality can vary significantly between sellers, so it is crucial to vet third-party vendors and verify that items meet commercial-grade specifications. Unlike specialized suppliers, you may find consumer-grade products mixed in with professional SKUs. When sourcing equipment like the various types of stainless steel prep tables available—including standard work tables, refrigerated pizza prep tables, or sandwich prep tables—thoroughly check specifications and seller reviews to ensure they meet commercial kitchen standards.
Website: https://business.amazon.com/en/business-prime
5. Restaurant Depot
Restaurant Depot operates as a members-only, cash-and-carry warehouse, making it a go-to for operators seeking aggressively priced cleaning supplies for restaurants. Its model is built for immediate access; instead of waiting for shipping, managers can walk in and purchase bulk chemicals, paper goods, and janitorial tools on the spot. This in-person approach is ideal for last-minute needs and allows for physical inspection of products before buying, a key advantage over online-only retailers.
The platform excels by offering wholesale pricing directly to food service professionals, with a free membership for qualifying businesses. It features an extensive range of private-label products that deliver substantial savings on high-use items like sanitizers, degreasers, and trash liners. In addition to cleaning supplies, it serves as a one-stop shop where you can also find a variety of kitchen equipment. For instance, you can source everything from standard stainless steel prep tables to the different kinds of specialized refrigerated units, such as pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables, combining supply runs efficiently.
While the pricing is a major pro, the primary limitation is its business-to-business model. Membership requires valid business credentials, which can be a barrier for some. Although Instacart offers a delivery workaround for non-members in many areas, the core experience is designed for in-person shopping, with e-commerce features being secondary and less robust than dedicated online suppliers.
Website: https://www.restaurantdepot.com/membership/signup
6. Gordon Food Service Store (GFS Restaurant Market)
Gordon Food Service Store, often called GFS Restaurant Market, acts as the public-facing retail arm of a major foodservice distributor, making it a highly accessible source for cleaning supplies for restaurants. It bridges the gap between massive distributor orders and last-minute retail runs by offering professional-grade janitorial products with transparent, posted prices. This model is perfect for operators who need immediate access to core supplies without the commitment of a full distribution contract.
The platform’s strength lies in its convenience and reliability for essential consumables like sanitizers, dish detergents, and degreasers from trusted brands. Because it's open to the public, there's no business membership required, allowing anyone to purchase commercial-quality items. Existing GFS customers can also integrate their store purchases with their broader account. Beyond cleaning, GFS provides access to essential equipment. Their selection often includes different types of stainless steel prep tables, such as standard work tables, as well as specialized pizza prep tables with refrigerated rails and sandwich prep tables designed for efficient assembly lines.
A primary advantage is the in-store pickup option, which eliminates shipping costs and delays entirely. However, the trade-off for this convenience is a narrower product selection compared to their full distributor catalog or a giant like WebstaurantStore. Additionally, while local delivery is available in many areas, service zones and fees vary significantly, so checking availability for your specific location is a crucial first step.
Website: https://gfsstore.com/departments/Cleaning%20Supplies/
7. Sysco Shop
Sysco Shop is the digital ordering hub for one of the world's largest foodservice distributors, making it a powerful tool for existing customers needing cleaning supplies for restaurants. Rather than being a public e-commerce site, it’s an integrated platform for account holders to manage their entire supply chain, from food to janitorial products. This B2B focus means everything available is vetted for commercial use, ensuring professional-grade quality and performance.
The platform’s key advantage is its integration with your regular food and beverage deliveries. You can add floor cleaners, sanitizers, and warewashing chemicals to the same order, simplifying procurement and leveraging scheduled delivery routes. Sysco also offers the Keystone program, a partnership with Ecolab, providing access to specialized chemical solutions and training. A major consideration is that access is exclusive to Sysco customers, and product availability depends on your local distribution center. Sysco also supplies a range of equipment, including various types of stainless steel prep tables suitable for different kitchen layouts, from standard worktops to specialized pizza prep tables and sandwich prep units with refrigerated rails.
Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sysco-shop/id1374586010
8. US Foods (USFoods.com + US Foods Direct + CHEF’STORE)
US Foods is a major national distributor that integrates its broadline food service with a comprehensive catalog of cleaning supplies for restaurants. This one-stop-shop approach is ideal for businesses looking to consolidate vendors. Through their primary online platform, established customers can order everything from warewashing chemicals and degreasers to paper goods and janitorial tools alongside their regular food deliveries, streamlining inventory management and simplifying billing.
The platform's strength lies in its tiered access model. Core supplies are available through standard route delivery, but the integrated US Foods Direct catalog provides access to specialty items not stocked in local warehouses. This includes a wider array of equipment, such as various types of stainless steel prep tables, from standard worktables to specialized pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables. For businesses needing immediate supplies without a full account, their CHEF’STORE locations offer retail access, with some markets even providing delivery via Instacart.
The primary limitation is that full online ordering requires a business account with set delivery schedules and potential order minimums. The convenience of route delivery is a significant pro, but it lacks the on-demand flexibility of purely e-commerce rivals. Furthermore, the product selection and delivery options available through CHEF’STORE can vary significantly depending on the specific city and store inventory.
Website: https://www.usfoods.com/become-a-customer.html
9. Uline
Uline is a logistics powerhouse known for its high-availability, ship-from-stock model, making it a reliable source for essential cleaning supplies for restaurants. While not exclusively a foodservice supplier, its massive catalog covers nearly every janitorial basic a restaurant needs, from degreasers and restroom chemicals to mops, buckets, trash liners, paper products, and dispensers. The primary advantage is its unwavering commitment to having items in stock and shipping them out with remarkable speed from its numerous North American warehouses.
The platform's strength lies in its business-friendly logistics. When you need janitorial staples immediately, Uline’s quick fulfillment is hard to beat. Its iconic print catalog and well-organized website make finding standard supplies straightforward, with clear category navigation and readily visible stock status. This efficiency is ideal for restocking high-turnover items without the risk of backorders. Beyond just cleaners, they are also a key supplier for operational hardware, and you can explore their options for restaurant stainless steel tables, including the different types available such as standard worktops, refrigerated pizza prep tables, and sandwich prep units.
A key consideration is that Uline's pricing on certain SKUs may be higher than what restaurant-specific suppliers offer, as convenience and speed are their core value propositions. The platform also provides less specialized guidance on restaurant-specific cleaning protocols compared to a foodservice-focused vendor. It is best used for procuring high-volume, standard janitorial supplies when speed and reliability are the top priorities for your operation.
Website: https://www.uline.com/Cls_43/Cleaners
10. Grainger
Grainger is an industrial supply powerhouse that serves as a critical resource for cleaning supplies for restaurants, particularly for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). While not exclusively a foodservice supplier, its vast catalog of over 10,000 janitorial SKUs includes everything from industrial-strength chemicals and floor care machines to the niche replacement parts needed to keep them running. This makes Grainger an essential partner for facility managers focused on long-term equipment reliability.
The platform's key advantage is its robust infrastructure, combining a massive online inventory with a network of local branches. This hybrid model allows for quick pickup of essential items and hands-on support, a significant benefit when a floor machine breaks down mid-shift. Grainger excels in supplying high-performance equipment and the spare parts to maintain them, which is a major differentiator. It's an ideal source for items beyond consumables, and their selection includes various types of stainless steel prep tables, such as specialized pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables, that are fundamental to kitchen workflow.
While its selection is unparalleled for MRO needs, pricing can be higher than foodservice-specific distributors unless you have a negotiated business account. The product mix leans more toward general industrial use, meaning fewer restaurant-specific brands. However, for reliability, technical support, and immediate access to critical maintenance supplies, Grainger is an indispensable resource.
Website: https://www.grainger.com/category/cleaning-and-janitorial
11. Jon-Don
Jon-Don stands out as a specialist supplier for heavy-duty commercial cleaning, making it a valuable resource for restaurants needing powerful solutions for tough grime. While not exclusively focused on foodservice, its deep catalog of industrial-grade chemicals, floor care machines, and restoration equipment is ideal for deep cleaning tasks. This is the place to source cleaning supplies for restaurants when standard products fail, especially for kitchen floors, exhaust hoods, and high-traffic restrooms.
The platform’s strength lies in its expertise. Jon-Don provides extensive technical support, training resources, and hands-on seminars, which is a major advantage for managers looking to properly train their janitorial staff. They offer a robust selection of concentrated degreasers and specialized cleaners that can be more cost-effective for large-scale operations. For instance, their equipment offerings extend beyond mops and buckets to include floor scrubbers and pressure washers, essential for maintaining large kitchen environments. The platform also offers various types of stainless steel prep tables, including specialized pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables that are crucial for specific food service operations.
A key consideration is that users must filter through a broader janitorial catalog to find foodservice-specific items. However, their same-day shipping promise for in-stock orders placed by 5 p.m. is a significant operational advantage. Jon-Don is best suited for establishments that prioritize deep cleaning and staff education over a one-stop-shop for all restaurant supplies.
Website: https://www.jondon.com/
12. Global Industrial
Global Industrial serves as a B2B e-commerce powerhouse for all things facility maintenance, making it a valuable resource for sourcing cleaning supplies for restaurants that need a holistic, building-wide approach. While not exclusively a foodservice supplier, its extensive catalog is ideal for equipping an entire establishment, from back-of-house floors to front-of-house restrooms and outdoor waste management areas. This broad scope ensures you can consolidate purchasing for janitorial needs beyond the kitchen itself.
The platform’s strength lies in its comprehensive selection of facility equipment, including large-scale items like industrial trash receptacles, mop carts, and chemical dispensers. It offers a mix of national brands and its own private-label products, often providing competitive pricing on bulk orders, which benefits multi-site restaurant groups. For restaurant managers expanding or outfitting a new space, Global Industrial also carries various types of stainless steel prep tables. Their catalog includes everything from standard work tables to specialized pizza prep tables and sandwich prep tables that are essential for specific menu workflows.
A key consideration is that the product merchandising is geared more toward general industrial or commercial facilities rather than being fine-tuned for foodservice. This means operators may need to be more deliberate in their searches to find food-safe chemicals or kitchen-specific tools. However, for those looking to manage facility-wide hygiene and maintenance from a single vendor with reliable nationwide distribution, Global Industrial is an excellent and efficient choice.
Website: https://www.globalindustrial.com/t/janitorial-facility-maintenance
Top 12 Cleaning Supply Providers Comparison
| Supplier / Product | Core Features / Highlights | User Experience & Quality ★★★★✩ | Value Proposition 💰 | Target Audience 👥 | Unique Selling Points ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Bay Commercial Sink | 3-compartment NSF-certified stainless steel sink | Durable, hygienic, ergonomic | High initial cost, long-term compliance | Pro kitchens, food trucks, industrial | Enforces cross-contamination prevention 🏆 |
| WebstaurantStore | Wide janitorial supply range, private labels | Foodservice-first SKUs, ratings available | Competitive pricing, but shipping fees apply | Foodservice operators | Hard-to-find commercial SKUs, bulk purchasing |
| KaTom Restaurant Supply | Full jan-san assortment, buyer guides | Strong brand mix, educational content | Varies by product category, some freight fees | Restaurant operators | Buyer guides, stock lead times |
| Amazon Business | Multi-seller platform with business pricing | Large selection, fast delivery | Business pricing, variable product authenticity | Procurement teams, large businesses | Spend visibility & approval tools |
| Restaurant Depot | Cash-and-carry, free membership | Operator-friendly pricing | No minimums, aggressive pricing | Qualifying foodservice businesses | Instacart delivery for non-members |
| Gordon Food Service Store (GFS) | Public retail with janitorial essentials | Consistent core stock | No membership required | Small foodservice operators | Integration with GFS programs |
| Sysco Shop | Integrated digital ordering platform | Seamless reordering, route delivery | Account required | Sysco account customers | Keystone cleaning solutions program |
| US Foods | National distributor with specialty catalogs | Route delivery & expanded selection | Account-based, minimums apply | Account customers | CHEF’STORE retail delivery via Instacart |
| Uline | High availability, fast fulfillment | Clear catalog, quick shipping | Pricing higher than restaurant specialists | Businesses needing fast stock | Multi-warehouse US shipping |
| Grainger | Industrial jan-san SKUs, local branches | Reliable stock, technical support | Premium pricing without accounts | Maintenance & repair teams | Spare parts & floor-care equipment |
| Jon-Don | Commercial chemicals, floor machines, rentals | Expertise & training support | Not restaurant exclusive | Industrial & commercial cleaning | Same-day shipping on stock |
| Global Industrial | Broad janitorial & facility maintenance catalog | Business-focused service | Competitive bulk pricing | Multi-site operations | Mix of private label & national brands |
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of restaurant cleaning supplies can feel like managing a second, equally complex inventory. From powerful degreasers and food-safe sanitizers to the specific tools required for maintaining equipment, the choices are vast and the stakes are high. As we've explored, the right combination of products and suppliers is not just about passing health inspections; it’s about creating an environment that is safe for your staff, welcoming for your guests, and efficient for your operations. The key takeaway is that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work. The ideal arsenal of cleaning supplies for your restaurant will be as unique as your menu.
A high-volume pizzeria will have vastly different needs than a fine-dining establishment or a high-traffic cafeteria. Your selection process must be a strategic one, balancing cost, effectiveness, staff training requirements, and supplier reliability. Remember that the initial price of a chemical or tool is only one part of the equation. Consider the long-term value, such as the durability of a squeegee, the concentration of a cleaning solution, or the time saved by using an effective, specialized product.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Restaurant
Before placing your next order for cleaning supplies for restaurants, take a moment to conduct a thorough audit. Walk through your entire facility, from the front-of-house dining area to the back-of-house prep stations and warewashing zones.
- Identify Pain Points: Where do your staff struggle the most with cleanliness? Are your floors perpetually greasy? Do your stainless steel surfaces show streaks? Pinpointing these issues will guide your purchasing decisions.
- Evaluate Current Inventory: What are you currently using? Is it effective? Are you using products as directed, or is there a need for better training on dilution ratios and application methods?
- Create a Master Checklist: Use the categories and items discussed in this guide to build a comprehensive cleaning checklist tailored to your restaurant. This list should specify the product, the area, the frequency, and the procedure.
Ultimately, the foundation of a clean restaurant is not just the supplies themselves, but the systems you build around them. This includes a well-organized storage area, clear and accessible safety data sheets (SDS), and consistent staff training. A clean, safe, and hygienic environment is a non-negotiable aspect of running a successful food service business. By investing thoughtfully in the right tools and establishing robust protocols, you are investing directly in your restaurant's reputation, safety, and long-term success.
Now that your cleaning protocols are established, ensure the foundation of your kitchen is just as pristine and efficient. For the most durable and easy-to-clean surfaces, explore the extensive selection of NSF-certified stainless steel work tables, pizza prep tables, and sandwich prep units at PrepTables.com. A high-quality, non-porous prep surface is your first line of defense in maintaining food safety and streamlining your entire cleaning process.