9. Oven Light Cleaning Procedure

The oven exterior, the crumb trays and the oven window should be cleaned daily to maintain cleanliness and prevent build-up.

Cleaning essentials

Frequency

Oven exterior, crumb
trays and oven windows

Daily

Oven hoods
Monthly

Oven deep clean
Restaurants over 500 weekly transactions
Monthly

Restaurants under 500 weekly transactions
Every two months

Chemicals

Heavy Duty Degreasing Solution

Supersoak Concentrate

Stainless Steel Cleaner

Sanitiser Mix

Note: Always follow the manufacturers’
chemical use instructions.

PPE

Gloves

Safety Goggles

Apron

Note: Always wear the correct
PPE when oven cleaning.

Overview

  • Parts to Clean: Crumb trays, oven exterior surface, and side window.
  • Frequency: Daily.
  • Assigned Personnel: One person (must be 18 or older).
  • When to Clean: At the end of the day before the restaurant closes.
  • Safety Tips: Always wear gloves and safety goggles.
  • Recommended Cleaning Supplies: Use a mild degreaser and stainless steel polish with a clean cloth. Always use only approved materials.

Crumb Trays

The crumb trays must be cleaned daily to remove food residue and maintain optimal oven performance. Allowing residue to build up can hinder the free movement of the oven belt, potentially causing operational issues and long-term damage. Regular cleaning also ensures the oven remains hygienic and safe for food preparation.

  1. Cool Down the Oven: Turn off the oven and allow it to cool completely. The exterior typically takes about 45 minutes to cool. Before beginning, ensure the oven blowers have stopped. The blowers shut off when the oven’s interior temperature is below 93°C (200°F).
    When you see the Papa John’s Logo on the control panel display, the oven is ready to clean.
  2. Wear Safety Gear: Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from cleaning chemicals and residue.
  3. Remove the Crumb Trays: Gently lift and slide the trays out from the brackets.
  4. Clean Off Residue: Use a clean brush or cloth to remove crumbs and food particles from the trays.
  5. Wash and Sanitise: Take the trays to the dishwashing sink. Wash, rinse, and sanitise them thoroughly.
  6. Air Dry: Allow the trays to air dry completely before reinstalling them.
  7. Reinsert the Trays: Slide the clean, dry trays back into their original positions in the oven.

Good to Know:

Some crumb trays have a perforated side or rectangular open spaces. These trays should be placed on the upper deck to allow heat from the lower deck to circulate correctly and prevent the tray from overheating.

Side Window

Cleaning the side window of an oven helps maintain visibility and hygiene. Follow these steps to ensure it is done safely and effectively:

  1. Turn Off and Cool the Oven: Switch off the oven and let it cool completely. The interior temperature must drop below 93°C (200°F), and the blowers must stop running before you begin cleaning.
  2. Wear Safety Gear: Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from cleaning chemicals and residue.
  3. Apply Degreaser: Spray a small amount of mild degreaser onto a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto the window to prevent excess liquid from seeping into gaps. Always use only approved cleaning materials.
  4. Wipe the Window: Gently scrub the window to remove grease and residue. Focus on corners and edges where build-up is common.
  5. Rinse with Warm Water: Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wipe the window to remove any remaining degreaser.
  6. Sanitise the Surface: Use an approved sanitiser mix and sanitise the glass surface.
  7. Dry the Surface: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the window, ensuring no streaks or liquid spots remain.

Top Tips:

  • Regular Maintenance: Clean the side window daily to prevent grease and grime build-up.
  • Avoid Abrasives: Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the glass.
  • Inspect the Seal: While cleaning, check the window seal for any signs of damage to maintain oven efficiency.

Exterior Cleaning

Regular cleaning of the oven exterior is essential for maintaining a professional appearance, ensuring hygiene, and preventing long-term damage. Here’s how to clean it safely and effectively:

  1. Cool Down the Oven: Turn off the oven and allow it to cool completely. The exterior typically takes about 45 minutes to cool. Before beginning, ensure the oven blowers have stopped. The blowers shut off when the oven’s interior temperature is below 93°C (200°F).
    When you see the Papa John’s Logo on the control panel display, the oven is ready to clean.
  2. Wear Safety Gear: Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from cleaning chemicals and residue.
  3. Wipe Down the Surface: Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and gently wipe away loose dirt or debris from the oven’s exterior sides and top.
  4. Apply Cleaning Solution: Spray a small amount of mild degreaser or stainless steel cleaner onto a soft cloth (not directly onto the oven to avoid streaking or excess residue). Wipe the oven’s surface, focusing on areas with grease or smudges. Use only approved cleaning materials.
  5. Rinse and Remove Residue: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
  6. Dry and Polish: A dry microfiber cloth cleans the surface, leaving a polished, streak-free finish.

Tip: If you use an oven model with a Magic Eye to save energy, ensure its surface is cleaned daily for optimum performance.

Tip: Inspect the oven fan filters and/or fan guards for dust and dirt every morning. Clean them as needed to maintain optimal performance.

  • For Ovens with Filters – Weekly
    • Remove the filters and rinse them thoroughly with water.
    • Gently squeeze out excess water to dry them.
    • Once dry, reinstall the filters as shown in the accompanying illustration.
  • For Ovens Without Filters – Daily
    • Simply check the fan guards and clean them if necessary.

Regular cleaning ensures proper airflow and helps prevent overheating or reduced efficiency.