How to Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Dishwasher
A commercial dishwasher is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of equipment in any commercial kitchen. It’s a valuable investment that makes cleaning dishes a breezee, especially when you’re running a large food business. Regular maintenance and repairs go a long way in preventing early stages of damage from your dishwasher’s components and will help extend its lifespan in the long run.
Commercial dishwashers are heavily relied on to clean even the dirtiest of dishes. And while it is extremely beneficial for your kitchen, your dishwasher is getting beat up with each use. Repairs can be costly on dishwashers, especially when it comes to replacing the components. Proper care and maintenance should be your utmost priority to get the most from your commercial dishwasher.
While it’s a piece of convenient equipment to rely on, your dishwasher cannot do everything for you. It can sometimes fail if you neglect it completely. Over time, you’ll notice that your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they were before. If that’s the case, then your dishwasher needs your help. Here we’ve compiled 8 helpful tips that will keep your commercial dishwasher in good working condition.
Follow these 8 tips to get the most from your commercial dishwasher
1. Clean your dishwasher every day
Commercial dishwashers speed up kitchen traffic by cleaning plenty of dishes throughout the day. Being a piece of cleaning equipment itself, that doesn’t mean your dishwasher doesn’t require regular cleaning as well. Think about all the food bits and oily particles that your dishwasher has to remove. All of this adds up quickly when you’re cleaning large amounts of dishes which can result in moulds and bacteria buildup inside your dishwasher.
When you’re finished washing all of your dishes, grab a sponge and soak it in warm, soapy water. Wash the insides of the dishwasher and pay attention to the sprayer arms. Reach through the corners of the dishwasher and don’t forget to wash the top and bottom racks too. When you’re done washing, run a normal cycle to give it a final rinse. This will prepare your dishwasher for some heavy cleaning the next day.
2. Check your detergent and rinse aid
It’s a good idea to check your detergent and rinse aid levels before using your commercial dishwasher. Having adequate amounts of both chemicals will ensure proper cleaning of your dishes as well as speeding up the drying process. Check the soap container first and load it up with the correct amount according to manufacturer instructions. Then open up the rinse aid dispenser and fill it up until it’s full. Rinse aid helps prevent water spots from forming on your dishes as well as protecting it from stains, streaks, and bubble marks.
3. Follow the instruction manuals
Commercial dishwashers have different functions and specifications depending on the manufacturer. Always refer to your dishwasher’s instruction manual on how to operate it correctly. Things such as the different wash cycles, mode of wash, and the capacity of the dishwasher all require proper knowledge to maximize dishwasher efficiency. The owner’s manual will also show you how to clean the different parts of the dishwasher so make sure to read it carefully before attempting to clean it.
4. Replace worn out dish racks
Inspect your dishwasher racks regularly to see if there are any damages due to constant usage. If your dishwasher racks are completely worn out, don’t hesitate to replace it. Dishwasher racks are often coated with paint to protect it from damage and over time, it can be chipped away. Faulty dish racks might not support your dishes properly and the chipped pieces of paint can even clog up the food filter. You can coat up chipped dish racks with food-grade paint, but it’s much better if you go ahead and buy a new one. New dish racks will hold your bowls, plates, and utensils much better and it’ll be more stable during the wash cycle.
5. Change the tank water daily
Here’s a good tip for achieving better cleaning results with your commercial dishwasher. Empty the tank and fill it up with fresh water daily, preferably before using the dishwasher. Clean tank water will inhibit the growth of moulds and bacteria inside the tank and will also deliver much cleaner dishes. Leaving the tank water overnight can result in filthy water which reduces the efficiency of your dishwasher.
6. Don’t’ forget to scrape your dishes
Your dishwasher will have a tough time cleaning super dirty dishes, especially those that have been soiled with cakes and soups. Scraping your dishwasher makes the cleaning process much faster since you don’t have to run a longer cycle just to remove stuck food particles. You can do this by rinsing the plates on running water to dislodge any food bits that are stuck on the surface.
Excessive food and oily residue can quickly deteriorate dishwasher components and result in clogged up wash arms, filters, and nozzles. This preventive maintenance procedure will help prolong the lifespan of your dishwasher’s integral parts.
7. Sanitize and deodorize your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
Gunk and grime buildup are the main culprits of a foul-smelling dishwasher. Bacterial growth also contributes to the offensive smell. If your dishwasher reeks of stinky odour, you can sanitize and deodorize it by using vinegar and baking soda. Pour a cup of vinegar on the soap dispenser and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher. This washing method will kill bacteria and neutralize any funky odours caused by food particles and accumulated gunk. Run a second cycle to completely rinse the insides of your dishwasher.
8. Have your dishwasher serviced manually
Acquiring the services of a professional technician is a good idea to assess the overall condition of your dishwasher. Faulty components should be immediately replaced and any underlying issues will be fixed by the technician. Have your dishwasher repaired annually to prevent further damages from occurring. This will prevent you from spending money on expensive repairs.
Conclusion
Keeping your commercial in good working order is vital to successful food business. Conducting regular maintenance and cleaning on your dishwasher will not only result in spotlessly clean dishes but also help prolong the lifespan of its parts and components. Give these tips a try or get in touch with a commercial dishwasher supplier in your area.
I appreciate you reminding me to check the rinse aid and detergent levels before using a commercial dishwasher. As you mentioned, having sufficient quantities of both chemicals will guarantee that your dishes are cleaned properly. I’ll be sure to share this with my cousin so she can keep it in mind as she’s been considering getting one for her business. For her, I’ll definitely look into commercial dishwashers for sale. I appreciate you sharing!