Menu
OSHA Certified
EPA Registered Products
CDC Approved
In New York City, where competition in the restaurant industry is relentless, cleanliness isn’t a back-of-house concern—it’s front and center for your brand, your reputation, and your bottom line. One missed detail can mean the difference between a glowing “A” in your window or a downgrade that causes customers to second-guess stepping inside.
Every restaurant operator knows the drill: health inspectors arrive unannounced, and they’re trained to look beyond the surface. That’s why restaurant owners across the city trust cleaning partners who understand not only how to make a kitchen shine—but how to make it pass.
At Ashland Maintenance, we help NYC restaurants stay ready 365 days a year. Our approach is rooted in prevention, precision, and practical support, designed to reduce the anxiety that comes with every surprise inspection.
When the NYC Department of Health shows up, their checklist is long—and detailed. Every food establishment is scored using a points-based system, where violations are added up to determine a final grade. The fewer points you get, the better your grade. Most aim for the coveted “A,” which means 13 points or fewer.
But here’s what many restaurant teams overlook: some of the most common violations have nothing to do with food itself. They’re about the condition of your space.
Think dirty baseboards in the walk-in. Grease buildup on hood filters. Evidence of pests near your dumpsters. An unkempt restroom. Even a dusty vent can land you in hot water. For the inspector, all of it adds up.
And when guests see that letter grade posted on your window, they make assumptions. A low score—even from minor oversights—can instantly impact foot traffic, reviews, and reservations.
Ashland Maintenance goes beyond surface-level cleaning. Our teams are trained to recognize the hidden risk zones that cause real problems during inspections. In the kitchen, we disinfect prep areas using food-safe chemicals that meet city health standards and ensure proper dwell time. Fryer backsplashes, grill hoods, and tile walls are degreased thoroughly, not just wiped down.
We also focus heavily on drains, sinks, and walk-in coolers—places where water and residue can build up quickly. Mold, mildew, or pests often start here if regular cleaning lapses. We make sure they don’t.
Even hard-to-reach areas behind appliances and storage racks are part of our routine, because inspectors aren’t shy about pulling equipment forward.
Health inspectors know what a well-maintained restaurant looks and feels like. If the floors are sticky or dusty, or there’s grime on the light switches, they assume deeper issues. That’s why Ashland takes a whole-facility approach.
Floors are cleaned using commercial degreasers that break down buildup and leave no slippery residue. Vents, ceiling fans, and fixtures are dusted and disinfected, even if customers never look up. Our crews don’t skip corners—and that includes the literal ones.
Customers—and inspectors—notice the bathrooms. And it’s not just about toilet paper or working sinks. Bad odors, water on the floor, or dirty fixtures immediately lower confidence in your operation.
Ashland keeps restaurant restrooms clean, stocked, and smelling fresh. We disinfect all surfaces, including handles, faucets, dispensers, and stall doors. We mop and dry the floors, neutralize odors, and ensure that soap and paper products are never missing.
For busy establishments or those with long service hours, we also offer midday resets and porter service to keep everything guest-ready all day long.
One of the most damaging types of health code violations is related to pest control—and poor trash handling is often the root cause. Overflowing bins, greasy bags, or unsanitary dumpsters invite trouble fast.
That’s why our teams include waste management in every service. We empty and sanitize trash bins, clean the surrounding areas, and apply deodorizing treatments when needed. We also help clients establish better disposal routines, so the back alley never becomes the reason for a citation.
A clean trash area isn’t glamorous—but it’s essential to keeping vermin, flies, and violations away.
Even though most inspections focus on back-of-house, inspectors don’t ignore the front. Dusty baseboards, streaky windows, or sticky floors in the dining room raise red flags about your overall cleanliness.
We clean front-of-house areas with the same rigor. That includes entry glass, tabletops, banquettes, floors, and even door handles. We understand that the dining room represents your brand just as much as the kitchen does.
For restaurants with open kitchens or chef’s counters, we coordinate timing to clean without disrupting the view or interfering with service.
Ashland Maintenance offers flexible cleaning schedules based on your hours of operation. If you prep at 5 AM, we’ll be done before your team arrives. If you close at 2 AM, we can clean overnight. And if you need midday attention—say, a restroom reset or a dining room sweep before dinner—we can handle that too.
We also offer weekly walkthroughs with your general manager, allowing you to update the cleaning plan based on changing needs, seasonal rushes, or new inspection requirements.
Even the best professional cleaning service can’t be there 24/7. That’s why we support your team by helping them keep things inspection-ready between visits. We provide basic training, printable checklists, and systems like color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination.
The goal is to build a clean culture—one where your staff knows how to protect the “A” grade long after we’ve left the building.
Ashland Maintenance is more than a vendor—we’re a partner in your success. We work with restaurants across NYC that can’t afford to risk their letter grade, their customer trust, or their hard-earned reputation. That includes neighborhood spots, high-volume chains, upscale bistros, and everything in between.
Our team brings experience, professionalism, and a sharp understanding of what inspectors actually look for—because we’ve helped hundreds of clients sail through inspections with confidence.
In NYC, the health inspector can show up at any time. There are no warnings. No grace periods. Only the standards—and whether or not you’ve met them.
With Ashland Maintenance, your space will always be clean, always be prepared, and always be worthy of the “A” grade that keeps your doors open and your diners coming back.
Let’s talk about how we can help your restaurant pass with confidence.
We strive to exceed expectations. If you’re not happy, we are always willing to come back and get it right. We pride ourselves on communication and customer satisfaction.
Over 85 Years experience keeping New York facilities clean.
Keeping you, your staff and your family safe is of the utmost importance.
We prioritize your well-being, ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
We believe in open communication, keeping you informed every step of the way.
We’re always here to listen to your requests and keep you in the loop.
It's a nice place with friendly staff and great communication. They went above and beyond in cleaning our commercial space.
I will definitely choose Ashland again.
As the world changes, we pride ourselves in our ability to adapt. Our primary mission is to keep you, your staff, and your family safe and healthy.
We thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.