Any restaurant owner knows how important it is to have a good commercial dishwasher. It promotes a continuous workflow inside the kitchen by taking care of dirty dishes in a safe and efficient manner. But since commercial dishwashers go through plenty of abuse on a regular basis, you can quickly run into problems if you don’t look after it. It’s an expensive piece of machinery that requires frequent care and maintenance for it to function properly. A faulty or broken dishwasher is a massive expenditure and it can significantly hamper the workflow inside your kitchen.
To prevent this, you should do routine inspections on your dishwasher to remedy any small issues before they turn into huge problems. This will help lower the costs on repairs and keep your commercial dishwasher in good condition even after years of heavy usage. To get the most from your commercial dishwasher, we’ve gathered 8 crucial tips that will maximise both its lifespan and efficiency.
1. Remove all food scraps from your plates.
Commercial dishwashers are capable of cleaning tough stains on your plates, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t scrape off bits of food from your dishes. Food particles can quickly clog the drain filter and it can even clog up the wash arms on your dishwasher. For optimal cleaning results, always remove all food scraps from your plates before loading it inside the dishwasher. You can do this by grabbing a spoon and scraping food bits under running water to dislodge it easily.
2. Read the instruction manual.
Always refer to the owner’s manual of your commercial dishwasher to figure out how to properly operate its functions. This way, you can come up with short, easy-to-read instructions that you can put close to the dishwasher so your employees will know how to use it correctly. The length of the cycle, the temperature of the water, and the amount of detergent used will have a huge impact on the cleanliness of your dishes. Always make sure that these functions are set according to the instructions provided in the user’s manual. This will help ensure clean dishes each time you use your dishwasher.
3. Clean the insides of the dishwasher at the end of the day.
After going through several dirty dishes, your commercial dishwasher has collected plenty of food bits, grease, and sticky residue inside. Make it a habit to clean the insides of the dishwasher after all of your dishes have been cleaned. This will help prolong the lifespan of its components and prevent bacteria and mould buildup. You can use a damp cloth to wipe off the insides of the dishwasher, particularly the wash arms that can get clogged with food bits. To clean it more thoroughly, use a sponge soaked in warm, soapy water. This will remove the dirt and grime found inside your dishwasher.
4. Take out the filter and clean it twice a week.
Located at the bottom of your commercial dishwasher is the food filter. This is where all the food bits get trapped when your dishes have been cleaned. The food filter can accumulate plenty of food particles very quickly, especially when your dishwasher is under constant heavy usage. Take it out twice a week and clean it thoroughly by discarding the food bits and scraping it off with a brush. This will help mitigate foul odours from developing inside your dishwasher and promote proper waste drainage when washing your dishes.
5. Remove the wash warms and give it a good clean.
The wash arms on your dishwasher are usually removable so take it out and give it a good clean by scrubbing it with a sponge soaked in lukewarm soapy water. The water holes should be free of any gunk or food bits. If there are food particles stuck on the water holes, you can remove it by using a small toothbrush. To remove stubborn gunk, submerge the wash arms on warm water to soften the gunk. Replace it inside the dishwasher and test it out to see if all the sprayer arms are working perfectly.
6. Load up your detergent and rinse aid before use.
To make your dishwasher more efficient, always check the amount of detergent and rinse aid you’re using. Make sure you’re using the correct amount according to manufacturer specifications and always have your rinse aid dispenser full before use. This will result in much cleaner dishes and you’ll be able to dry your dishes much faster. Don’t skimp on rinse aid as it also protects your plates from water streaks, spots, and scratches.
7. Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher.
This is a simple tip that everyone should follow. Avoid jamming all of your dirty plates inside the dishwasher. This leaves little room for the soap and water to clean your dishes properly and the end result is unclean plates and utensils.. You’ll also end up using more water and more detergent which can double up on your costs quickly. If you’re really looking to wash dozens of dishes at a time, then invest in a higher capacity commercial dishwasher.
8. Have it repaired by a certified technician.
Ideally, you should have your commercial dishwasher inspected by a certified technician once or twice a year. The technician will evaluate the overall condition of your dishwasher and conduct any necessary repairs on its components. It can be quite difficult to diagnose hidden problems on your own, so make sure to hire the services of an experienced technician to repair broken parts. Replace any worn out components immediately so your commercial dishwasher can fully tackle even the heaviest of loads.
Conclusion
Commercial dishwashers require regular maintenance and care in order to effectively clean your dishes. By implementing these tips, your dishwasher will become more reliable, efficient, and it will help save you money by reducing costs on unwanted repairs. A clean dishwasher will result in clean plates so don’t forget to give it a good TLC by cleaning it regularly. Dealing with a commercial dishwasher expert can also help you moving forwards.