How often must baking equipment be cleaned?
At least every 24 hours. The food-contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment are to be cleaned at least once every twenty-four hours.
That is section 4-602.12 of the FDA Food Code, and in Ohio it is 3717-1-04.5(C)(1) of the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code, which follows the FDA model. The Ohio rule reads:
The food-contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment are to be cleaned at least every twenty-four hours. This paragraph does not apply to hot oil cooking and filtering equipment if it is cleaned as specified in paragraph (B)(4)(f) of this rule.
Twenty-four hours is the longest the rule allows. Surfaces are also cleaned whenever they may have been contaminated, and cooking equipment and pans are to stay free of encrusted grease and other soil under 3717-1-04.5(A)(2).
How often everything else is cleaned
The same rule, OAC 3717-1-04.5, sets the frequency for the rest of the kitchen. Most food-contact surfaces used with TCS (time/temperature controlled for safety) food are cleaned far more often than baking equipment.
| Equipment or utensil | How often | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Food-contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment | At least every 24 hours | 3717-1-04.5(C)(1) |
| Microwave oven cavities and door seals | At least every 24 hours, using the manufacturer's recommended procedure | 3717-1-04.5(C)(2) |
| Food-contact surfaces and utensils used with TCS (time/temperature controlled for safety) food | Throughout the day, at least every 4 hours | 3717-1-04.5(B)(3) |
| Utensils and equipment used in a refrigerated room or area, with the frequency documented | Every 24 hours at 41°F (5°C) or less; 20 hours above 41°F to 45°F; 16 hours above 45°F to 50°F; 10 hours above 50°F to 55°F | 3717-1-04.5(B)(4)(b) |
| Containers on salad bars, delis and cafeteria lines topped up with the same food at the right temperature | At least every 24 hours | 3717-1-04.5(B)(4)(c) |
| In-use utensils kept in water held at 135°F (57°C) or more, and the container | At least every 24 hours, or as often as needed to keep soil from building up | 3717-1-04.5(B)(4)(g) |
| Iced tea dispensers and self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops and ladles | At least every 24 hours | 3717-1-04.5(B)(5)(b) |
| Self-service condiment dispensers and display containers | Before restocking | 3717-1-04.5(B)(5)(c) |
| Ice bins, beverage nozzles, ice makers, beverage and syrup lines, coffee bean grinders and similar equipment | At the manufacturer's frequency, or, without one, often enough to keep soil and mold from building up | 3717-1-04.5(B)(5)(d) |
| Any food-contact surface or utensil | Between different raw animal foods, when switching from raw to ready-to-eat food, between raw produce and TCS food, and whenever contamination may have occurred | 3717-1-04.5(B)(1) |
| Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment | Often enough to keep soil residues from building up | 3717-1-04.5(D) |
Official text: OAC 3717-1-04.5 at codes.ohio.gov
Questions
How often does the Food Code require baking equipment to be cleaned?
At least every 24 hours. The food-contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment are to be cleaned at least every twenty-four hours under OAC 3717-1-04.5(C)(1) in Ohio, and under section 4-602.12 of the FDA Food Code.
Does the 24-hour rule apply to fryers?
Not always. The rule does not apply to hot oil cooking and filtering equipment that is cleaned on a schedule the licensor has approved under OAC 3717-1-04.5(B)(4)(f).
How often are microwave ovens cleaned?
The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens are cleaned at least every 24 hours, using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure, under OAC 3717-1-04.5(C)(2).
How often are other food-contact surfaces cleaned?
Surfaces and utensils used with TCS food are cleaned at least every 4 hours, unless an exception in OAC 3717-1-04.5(B)(4) applies, such as a refrigerated preparation room.
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Review and disclaimer
Last reviewed: November 10, 2026. Checked against OAC 3717-1, effective September 5, 2024.
FoodCodeBuddy is not an official government app. It may be incomplete or out of date. Before you rely on a rule, check the official text at codes.ohio.gov.