Barracks Kitchen Inspection Checklist
Keeping shared rooms clean can be a pain. The kitchen is a room notorious for hidden grime.
Tape the Barracks Kitchen Inspection Checklist to the back of the kitchen door or post it on a board, and always be prepared.
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No one likes inspections, but they are a vital part of the military experience. Plus, neat and tidy is always the way to go.
Even if you have a mini bar or kitchenette in your room, you will most likely have a shared kitchen.
Even if you don’t use it, you may still be expected to take care of it. Below are the same tips to help ensure you have everything covered.
Inspections can be stressful, so a quick peek at a checklist might help remind you of something you may have forgotten.
It’s always a good practice to have the kitchen clean, whether or not there is an inspection. Bugs, grime, and other nasties are easy to attract, and no one wants that.
Some of the biggest nasties and common places that might not get as clean as you would want are the fridge, oven, trash can, and the floor.
Fridge – Do a thorough job, remove trays and clean, and get into the cracks and hard-to-reach spots while you clean. Simply throwing out old food is not enough on its own.
Appliance – The oven and stovetop are cleaning beasts. Check under burners and all sides of the surface. Don’t forget to clean the glass and remove any bit of dried food.
Floors & Trash – A new trash bag with no regard for what’s under it is not going to cut it. Turn the can upside down and shake out bits that may be in there. Wipe down and let it dry before you put a new bag in. This way you won’t collect unwanted odors.
Below are some quick tips if you would rather pull out your phone and get a friendly reminder.
Quick reminders
Stove & Microwave
Always check under parts and cracks.
Outside: Wipe down surfaces, glass, burners, buttons, & set the clock if available.
Inside: Clear out food, clean racks, remove burnt food bits, and check corners for grime.
Make sure items are not stored during inspection and are free of clutter.
Follow safety policies and ensure a fire extinguisher & safety equipment are available.
Dirty Dishes
Try to keep them always clean and put away. You never know when you will get a visit from leadership
Make sure all plates, silverware, pots, pans, and related items are clean and put away.
Remove any chipped, broken, or items that should be discarded.
Large items that can’t be stowed should be hung up and placed neatly in a rack out of sight.
“Soaking” pots & pans takes a few minutes, not a few hours or days. If brass sees this, they will call you out on it.
Sinks & Surfaces
Check under stoppers
Sinks and surfaces should be clean and free of food, dirt, and grime.
Brass/Steel fixtures should be free of spots and calcium.
Ensure sinks have no odor and are not dripping. Wipe sinks & surfaces so they are dry.
Fridge
Alway you self some time for the fridge. May have a lot of pieces to take out and clean.
Outside: Wipe down fingerprints, stains, dirt, and replace the filter if applicable.
Inside: Remove expired & old food. Ensure containers are fully closed.
Any tray or component should be removed and cleaned. Check surfaces, drawers, and grooves for grime. Check the freezer; defrost if needed and throw out older saved foods.
Trash & Floor
Dust bunnies live everywhere. Don’t sweep into a corner; throw it out.
Removed and replaced the trash bag. Wipe down the can. Make sure it’s clean and dry under the bag.
Swept the floors. Check under appliances and fixtures for dust bunnies.
Can wiped down
Check door frames and window seals for dust bunnies.
Final Walkthrough
When you think you’re done, give it one more look.
Click the Guide Hub & Barracks Kitchen Guide for a more in-depth look into inspections.