by
Lawton Brothers
| Jun 16, 2022
Cleaning a Commercial Dishwasher
Of course, using a commercial dishwasher and proper cleaning chemicals is the best way of cleaning your cookware and serving utensils. However, if your dishwasher isn’t properly maintained, you could be allowing bacteria to be dispersed onto your “freshly cleaned” dishes. No matter how great and effective the dishwasher is, it will not get clean during a regular dish cycle. Cleaning a commercial dishwasher begins with daily steps to prevent buildup.
Remove Food Residue
The first step is to scrape, rinse, and remove as much waste and scraps from the dishes as possible prior to placing them in the machine. Leaving excess food can clog up the drains and jets, making it more difficult for the dishwasher to actually clean your dishes.
Use the Proper Cleaning Agent
Most commercial dishwasher brands will have a manufacturer’s recommendation – it is the best operating procedure to use the recommended chemical. While it may be tempting to use a cheaper alternative, there may be specific chemicals that could degrade your machine.
Daily Cleaning
Since your dishwasher is likely used every day, it is best to also clean your machine daily. After the last wash of the day, open the door to allow the inside of the machine to cool down and prevent potential burns. Using a soft cloth, clean the interior of the machine with a mild detergent. Be sure to clear any food scraps and debris from the arms, nozzles, and jets and scrape it into the waste basket.
Once all large debris is removed, clean and rinse the interior with warm water. Remove and clean all screens and baskets. Try to prevent large amounts of food waste go down the drains to avoid buildup that can cause odor and damage your pipes in the long run. Inspect all moving parts and re-install any components that were removed.
Finally, fill up the detergent used in your commercial dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle. Note that a cleaning cycle is different from a regular wash and most dishwashers will have a specific setting for this. Following the cycle, open the doors and allow the machine to air out. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria inside the unit by removing excess moisture.
Give us a Call
As always, make sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and maintenance. And when it comes time to de-scale your dishwasher, give us a call! Eliminate any confusion with our professionally certified staff, who are ready to help answer your questions and solve your problems together. Give us a call today and see about getting a free cleaning audit at: 800.432.0813.