Bar Keeper's Friend

• Of all the chemical cleansers on the market, buy Bar Keeper's Friend. This cleanser has been used in bars for over a hundred years because it has so many uses. It can clean multiple surfaces such as brass and tile, but it isn't as abrasive as other cleaning products, so you get a nice, shiny, surface without having to worry quite so much about damaging the surface material. It also helps control pests--fruit flies, which are common in bars due to their attraction to fermenting liquor--hate the stuff. The main ingredient in this cleanser is oxalic acid, a bleach alternative, so it also has disinfecting power. To use simply apply the product to the bar surface you want to clean, and rub with a cleaning rag. Wipe the area clean with plain water. Do not use a scrubbing pad; since Bar Keeper's Friend already is abrasive, using a scrubbing pad is not necessary.
  
  

Bleach

• Bleach is an excellent disinfectant that kills bacteria and molds (on non-porous surfaces). Put a little in a spray bottle with some water to use as a quick wipe-down cleaner. Swish some hot water and a drop of bleach in glasses (particularly wine glasses) to get rid of residue. Rinse glasses thoroughly after using this method.
  
  

Soap

• When you man a bar, your hands and bar surfaces often get very sticky and can pick up the odor of alcohol. A bottle of your favorite dish detergent will let you wash the residue off your hands and bar surfaces and remove stains, and you can use it to wash glasses and other bar equipment like shakers.
  
  

Glass and Surface Cleaner

• Use glass and surface cleaner on areas where you need to cut through a little dirt and grime. Use one that is environmentally safe and made from natural ingredients if you can so that you can use the cleanser on areas where you prepare bar snacks. Buy a cleanser that is safe on multiple finishes so you save a little money; buying a separate glass cleaner and a surface cleaner is less economical.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• To work with the cleaning products you have on hand, purchase at least one package each of sponges, dish rags, and paper towels. Use the sponges and rags on areas food and drinks don't touch (e.g., the outside of the dishwasher), and use paper towels on areas where you want to be sure not to have any cross contamination or spreading of bacteria, such as cutting boards; you can toss these after use so that each paper towel is used only on one area.