Running a successful café is not only about having a diverse menu or professional equipment. What customers notice most is the cleanliness and hygiene of the café environment. In fact, maintaining hygiene is not only a legal requirement but also directly affects the quality of the coffee, customer satisfaction, and even your brand’s reputation.
One of the smallest but most important aspects of café hygiene is the proper use of barista towels next to the coffee machine.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine why barista towels are essential, what types exist, how to use them properly, and why adhering to standards such as SFBB (Safer Food Better Business) and obtaining the SFBBCERT certification matters. If you are a café owner, barista, or simply interested in workplace hygiene management, this guide is for you.
Why Are Barista Towels Important?
The espresso machine is the heart of any café. If it is not used hygienically, not only does the coffee quality decline, but the risk of bacterial contamination also rises. Barista towels help you to:
Clean the steam wand after every milk frothing session.
Keep the portafilter dry and free from coffee residues.
Maintain a clean work surface, free from coffee or milk stains.
Dry your hands to prevent cross-contamination.
That’s why using the same towel for all tasks is a major mistake. Each towel has its own function and should be stored separately.
Essential Towels for Baristas
1. Steam Wand Cloth
Always damp, dedicated for cleaning the steam wand.
Prevents milk residue and bacterial buildup.
Should be washed several times during a shift.
2. Portafilter Cloth
Used to dry the portafilter and group head.
Ensures better extraction.
Must not be shared with the steam wand or counter.
3. Counter Cloth
For cleaning coffee or milk spills.
Keeps the workstation tidy and hygienic.
Microfiber or industrial cloths are recommended.
4. Hand Towel
Exclusively for drying the barista’s hands.
Reduces the risk of contamination.
Should be washed and replaced frequently.
Hygiene Tips for Using Towels
Each towel should have its own color or label.
Wash towels daily or several times during a shift.
Never use one towel for multiple tasks.
Always use standard cleaning and disinfecting products.
Connection Between Hygiene and SFBB
The SFBB (Safer Food Better Business) standard is an internationally recognized guideline for food safety and hygiene. Following this standard in cafés ensures:
Reduced risk of cross-contamination.
A cleaner and safer workspace.
Better hygiene training for staff.
Stronger customer trust and confidence.
Proper towel management, keeping the espresso machine clean, and maintaining overall hygiene are integral to implementing SFBB.
SFBBCERT: Hygiene Accreditation for Cafés
In Iran, the SFBBCERT certification is recognized as an official hygiene mark for food establishments. Cafés and restaurants that fully comply with hygiene standards can obtain this certificate.
To achieve SFBBCERT, it is required that:
The café environment and equipment remain clean and hygienic at all times.
Staff receive proper hygiene training.
Tools such as hygiene-specific towels are used correctly.
Having an SFBBCERT not only builds customer trust but also serves as a competitive advantage in your café’s marketing and promotions.
Why Does Café Hygiene Affect Coffee Quality?
Milk residue on the steam wand creates sour flavors in lattes and cappuccinos.
A dirty portafilter leads to burnt, bitter coffee.
A messy workstation gives an unprofessional impression and ruins the customer experience.
This is why even the smallest hygiene practices, like towel usage, have a direct impact on coffee quality and customer satisfaction.
Practical Solutions for Towel Hygiene Management
Invest in durable, high-quality towels.
Assign different colors for each towel type.
Wash and disinfect towels daily.
Train baristas on correct towel use.
Keep extra towels in stock for emergencies.
Conclusion
Café hygiene is not optional—it’s a necessity. If you want to run a professional café and keep customers satisfied with your drinks, you cannot ignore the smallest hygiene details. Barista towels are one such detail that, when managed properly, can make a big difference in coffee quality and customer experience.
Moreover, by adhering to standards such as SFBB and earning the SFBBCERT, you not only guarantee café hygiene but also strengthen your brand’s credibility. So if you haven’t been paying attention to these details until now, it’s time to start making changes today.
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