Understanding how to clean a commercial dishwasher is essential for maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in a commercial kitchen.
In this article, we discuss how to deep clean a commercial dishwasher, the importance of the activity, and the equipment required for the task.
Discover tips for keeping your dishwasher clean, avoiding common mistakes, and learning how to clean a restaurant dishwasher and sterilise it properly to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
The Importance of Cleaning Commercial Dishwashers
Before we get into how to clean a restaurant dishwasher, make sure you know the importance of this activity.
Maintaining a clean commercial dishwasher is crucial to ensure its efficient operation, prevent limescale build-up, and extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning with appropriate descaling solutions such as Cleanline products not only enhances performance but also adheres to the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures.
Limescale, a common issue in dishwashers, can lead to blockages, reduced water flow, and increased energy consumption if left unchecked. Using descalers like Cleanline helps dissolve limescale deposits effectively, keeping the machine running smoothly.
Adhering to maintenance guidelines recommended by manufacturers is essential for optimal dishwasher performance. Regular cleaning prevents odour, maintains hygiene standards, and ensures the longevity of the equipment.
What Supplies Do You Need to Clean a Commercial Dishwasher?
The discussion about how to clean a commercial dishwasher cannot be separated from the explanation of the equipment needed for this task.
To be able to effectively clean a commercial dishwasher, we need at least some specialised equipment such as:
a. Cleaning Solution
Selecting the right cleaning solution for a commercial dishwasher is crucial to effectively remove residue, limescale, and bacteria. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures ensures the compatibility of the solution with the dishwasher’s components, promoting optimal cleaning results.
When choosing a cleaning solution, it’s essential to consider its impact on residue removal, limescale prevention, and bacterial control.
- Residue removal is vital to prevent build-up that can lead to odours and poor cleaning performance.
- Limescale prevention helps maintain the efficiency of the dishwasher and extends its lifespan.
- Effective bacterial control safeguards against harmful pathogens.
By following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines, you ensure that the chosen solution is safe for the machine, preventing potential damage and maximising its effectiveness.
b. Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves are essential protective gear when cleaning a commercial dishwasher to shield hands from chemicals, hot water, and debris. Ensuring the use of quality rubber gloves enhances safety and comfort during the cleaning process.
Quality rubber gloves are specifically designed to provide a barrier against harsh detergents and high temperatures, preventing skin irritation and burns. The durable material not only offers protection but also ensures a better grip on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents. Wearing rubber gloves can help maintain hygiene by preventing cross-contamination between different cleaning tasks, promoting a cleaner environment.
c. Scrub Brush
A durable scrub brush with stainless steel bristles is ideal for removing tough stains, grease, and residue from commercial dishwashers. The robust construction and efficient cleaning ability of a scrub brush ensure thorough cleaning of both interior and exterior surfaces.
Stainless steel bristles not only offer durability but also provide superior scrubbing power to tackle the most stubborn grime. The stainless steel material is resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity and hygiene in dishwasher cleaning. The bristles are tough on grease and stains yet gentle on delicate surfaces, making them versatile for various cleaning tasks.
d. Microfiber Cloths
Microfibre cloths are excellent for wiping and polishing surfaces in a commercial dishwasher, leaving them spotless and streak-free. Their absorbent and lint-free properties make them ideal for ensuring a clean and hygienic environment.
Moreover, microfibre cloths are gentle on surfaces, preventing scratches or damage while effectively removing dirt and grime. Unlike traditional cloths, the fine fibres of microfibre attract and trap dust particles, leaving no residue behind. This makes them perfect for maintaining a sparkling clean dishwasher interior without the need for harsh chemicals.
Step by Step in How to Clean Commercial Dishwasher
Properly cleaning a commercial dishwasher involves several essential steps, including emptying and pre-rinsing the dishwasher, cleaning both the interior and exterior, sanitising components, and performing descaling routines using recommended descaler and water treatment methods.
Here’s a further explanation of the step-by-step on how to clean a commercial dishwasher:
a. Empty and Pre-Rinse the Dishwasher
Before cleaning a commercial dishwasher, it is crucial to empty it of any dishes, utensils, or debris.
Pre-rinsing the dishwasher with water helps remove excess food particles and prepares it for the cleaning process as per maintenance procedures. This step is essential for ensuring that the dishwasher runs efficiently and effectively, as any leftover food or debris can clog the machine and lead to poor washing results.
By thoroughly rinsing the interior surfaces, and filters, and spraying arms with water, you can prevent blockages and ensure that the cleaning agents can do their job properly.
b. Clean the Interior of the Dishwasher
Cleaning the interior of a commercial dishwasher involves removing limescale, residue, and buildup using a suitable descaling solution. Thoroughly scrubbing the interior surfaces ensures the removal of debris and contaminants for optimal hygiene.
Descaling a commercial dishwasher is a meticulous process that starts with ensuring the machine is unplugged and cool to the touch. Begin by removing any detachable components like racks and filters to access all surfaces. Then, create a solution using the recommended concentration of Cleanline descaling solution and water.
Next, apply the solution to all interior surfaces, focusing on areas prone to limescale buildup. Allow it to sit for the specified time to break down the deposits before using a scrubbing brush to agitate and remove the loosened residue.
Rinse the interior thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the descaling solution. Inspect the surfaces for any remaining buildup or residue, reapplying the solution and scrubbing if necessary. Once satisfied with the cleanliness, reassemble the dishwasher and run a rinse cycle to ensure all traces of the descaler are removed.
c. Clean the Exterior of the Dishwasher
Maintaining the exterior of a commercial dishwasher involves cleaning stainless steel surfaces with appropriate solutions to prevent tarnishing and maintain a pristine appearance. Using mild bleach solutions can help disinfect and remove stubborn stains effectively.
Regular cleaning of the exterior of a commercial dishwasher is not just about aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in ensuring proper hygiene standards in a food service environment. Stainless steel surfaces are prone to fingerprints, grease, and grime buildup, which can tarnish the overall look of the machine.
By regularly using mild bleach solutions, you can not only disinfect the surfaces but also prevent the formation of unsightly stains that may develop over time. This practice is particularly important in busy kitchens where cleanliness is paramount for food safety compliance.
d. Clean the Filters and Spray Arms
Filters and spray arms in a commercial dishwasher require regular cleaning to prevent blockages and ensure optimal water flow. Engaging a qualified technician for thorough maintenance and using appropriate descaling solutions can enhance the performance and longevity of these components.
Regular maintenance of filters and spray arms in a commercial dishwasher is essential for smooth operations. By cleaning these components regularly, you can prevent the build-up of debris and grease, which can lead to blockages and inefficient water flow.
Technicians play a crucial role in carrying out in-depth inspections and cleaning procedures, ensuring that all parts are functioning correctly. They can also identify any potential issues early on, preventing costly breakdowns and extending the lifespan of the machine.
Using descaling solutions is another key aspect of maintenance. These solutions help to remove mineral deposits and limescale buildup, which can hinder the performance of filters and spray arms over time.
e. Sanitise the Dishwasher
Sanitising a commercial dishwasher is essential to eliminate harmful bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Using appropriate descaling solutions with antibacterial properties ensures thorough disinfection and protection against contaminants for safe and hygienic operation.
Regular sanitation of the dishwasher helps in preventing the build-up of bacteria, mould, and other pathogens that can compromise the cleanliness of dishes and utensils.
Descaling solutions with antibacterial properties not only remove mineral deposits but also target and kill harmful germs, ensuring a high level of cleanliness. It is crucial for restaurants, catering businesses, and other food establishments to follow strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe environment for patrons and staff.
By incorporating proper sanitisation practices, businesses can uphold their reputation for quality and cleanliness, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Commercial Dishwasher
To ensure the longevity and efficiency of a commercial dishwasher, implementing regular maintenance procedures is key. Tips include monitoring water quality, descaling on schedule, and following manufacturer recommendations for optimal performance.
Regularly checking the water quality in your commercial dishwasher is crucial to prevent mineral buildup and maintain proper cleaning efficiency.
Consider using water softeners or filters if your area has hard water, as this can significantly reduce scale formation.
Set a recurring schedule for descaling the machine using approved cleaning solutions, following the manufacturer’s guidelines closely to avoid damaging sensitive components.
Adhering to the recommended maintenance intervals not only ensures the dishwasher’s longevity but also prevents malfunctions that can disrupt your operations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Commercial Dishwasher
Avoiding common mistakes during the cleaning process can prevent damage to a commercial dishwasher. Mistakes such as neglecting descaling routines, using vinegar on stainless steel surfaces, and skipping essential maintenance steps can impact the dishwasher’s performance and longevity.
When cleaning a commercial dishwasher, it is crucial to use the right cleaning solutions to avoid damaging sensitive components. Many make the mistake of using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can corrode the internal parts and affect the dishwasher’s efficiency.
Failing to clean the filters regularly can lead to clogs and prevent proper drainage, resulting in poor cleaning results. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning frequency and procedures to ensure optimal performance.
This is an exhaustive explanation of how to clean a commercial dishwasher. In conclusion, maintaining the functionality and hygiene of commercial dishwashers is vital for ensuring top-notch cleanliness and long-term performance in your operations.
Accumulated grime and food particles not only compromise the quality of cleaning but can also shorten the lifespan of your equipment. Regular, professional maintenance is the key to avoiding costly breakdowns and ensuring continuous, efficient operation.
At TEKA Cleaning, we specialise in the deep cleaning and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment, including dishwashers. Our expert team uses the best tools and cleaning agents on the market to ensure your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently, safeguarding your investment and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.
Why not leave the hassle of maintaining your commercial dishwasher to the experts? Give TEKA Cleaning a call today at 01233 751 544 or book our commercial cleaning services directly through our website.
We handle the mess, so you can focus on driving your business to success. Our partnership with leading cleaning brands and our commitment to excellence means you can trust us to deliver outstanding results.
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