In the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen, your dishwasher is a silent workhorse, tirelessly cleaning dishes, glasses, and cutlery day in and day out. However, without proper maintenance, even the most robust machines can falter. Not only does neglecting maintenance compromise cleanliness, but it also risks voiding the warranty on your equipment. In this guide, we'll break down the essential steps for daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance to ensure your commercial dishwasher operates at its best.
Daily Cleaning:
- Empty and Wash Filters: At the end of each day, always empty the dishwasher and wash out the filters. This simple step prevents debris buildup and ensures efficient cleaning.
- Use Compatible Products: Only use compatible detergent, rinse aid, salt, and descaler recommended for your machine. Using the wrong products can damage the equipment and compromise cleaning performance.
- Check Water Availability: Never turn on the dishwasher if water is not available. This precaution prevents damage to the machine's components.
Weekly Maintenance:
- Replenish Water Softener: To maintain optimal water quality, replenish the water softener weekly. Turn both taps clockwise, remove the top, and drain water to a suitable level. Add approximately a pint of salt, replace the top (avoid over-tightening), and turn the bottom pipe connector back. Let water run for about 40 minutes into a nearby sink, then turn both taps anti-clockwise to complete the process.
- Inspect and Clean Washer Jets: Regularly inspect and clean the washer jets to ensure proper water flow. This step prevents clogs and ensures thorough cleaning of dishes.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks:
- Descale the dishwasher: Descaling and Machine Refurbishment: Once a month, descale and refurbish the dishwasher and glasses. Let the machine fill and heat up, then add approximately 10 ounces of descaler and leave for 5 minutes. Run three cycles without anything in the machine to clean the washer jets thoroughly. Finally, flush the machine with clean, fresh water to remove any residue.
- Refurbish your glassware: Glasses should be put a wash cycle with a full cup full refurb powder placed directly into the machine. This will help prevent any organic build-up or limescale on the glass surface that can affect drink presentation.
Conclusion:
A well-maintained commercial dishwasher is the backbone of any food service establishment. By incorporating these daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance tasks into your routine, you can ensure peak performance, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and maintain impeccable hygiene standards in your kitchen. Remember, investing time in maintenance now can save you from costly repairs and downtime in the future. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly, and your kitchen operations will follow suit.
