Cleaning the inside of your industrial dishwasher is crucial for hygiene, performance, and longevity. It involves several key steps, ranging from daily tasks like clearing debris to more detailed cleaning of components.
Ensuring a sparkling clean interior not only guarantees the highest standards of sanitation for your dishes but also prevents common issues like blockages and inefficient operation. Regular cleaning, following a systematic approach, will keep your machine running smoothly and effectively.
Based on standard practices for cleaning commercial dishwashers, here's a breakdown of the essential steps to clean the inside of your industrial unit, incorporating guidance from key areas like removing food residue and cleaning spray arms (see reference source).
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Industrial Dishwasher's Interior
Cleaning the inside of your industrial dishwasher requires attention to detail and adherence to a routine. Follow these steps to ensure a thorough clean:
1. Remove Food Residue
Before starting any cleaning cycle, it's vital to manually remove any large food particles, debris, or foreign objects from the wash chamber and the door seal. This prevents clogs in the drain, filter, and spray arms.
- Open the dishwasher door.
- Scrape off visible food waste from the bottom of the wash tank.
- Wipe down the inside of the door and the door gasket to remove food soil and grime.
2. Use the Correct Detergent
Always use cleaning chemicals specifically designed for commercial or industrial dishwashers. Using the wrong type can damage the machine or leave residue on dishes.
- Confirm you are using appropriate dishwasher detergent and rinse aid recommended for your machine type and water hardness.
- Ensure chemical dispensers are filled.
3. Wash Inside
Once the initial debris is removed and chemicals are ready, run a cleaning cycle. This typically involves using specialized dishwasher cleaning chemicals or descalers if hard water buildup is an issue.
- Consult your machine's manual for specific cleaning cycle instructions.
- Run an empty cycle using a recommended cleaning solution or descaler to wash down the internal walls, tank, and components.
4. Drain the Dishwasher
After the cleaning cycle, the machine needs to be fully drained. This removes the dirty cleaning solution and any dislodged soil.
- Locate and open the drain valve or activate the drain function.
- Ensure all water is emptied from the wash tank.
5. Clean Spray Nozzles
The spray nozzles within the wash and rinse arms can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, affecting water pressure and coverage.
- Inspect the spray nozzles for any blockages.
- Use a small brush or probe to clear any debris from the nozzle openings.
6. Empty the Filter
The filter traps food particles and debris, preventing them from recirculating or clogging the drain pump. It needs to be emptied regularly, often daily.
- Locate and remove the dishwasher filter (usually found at the bottom of the wash tank).
- Empty trapped debris into a trash bin.
- Rinse the filter under running water to remove any clinging particles.
- Reinsert the filter correctly.
7. Clean Wash/Rinse Arms and Jets
Beyond just cleaning the nozzles, the entire wash and rinse arms require cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
- If removable, detach the wash and rinse arms.
- Soak or wash the arms to remove grease, food residue, and mineral buildup.
- Ensure all jets (the holes along the arms) are clear and free of blockages.
- Reattach the arms securely.
8. Top Off Detergent
Maintain adequate levels of dishwasher detergent, rinse aid, and any required sanitizers. Running the machine with insufficient chemicals compromises cleaning effectiveness.
- Check the levels in the chemical containers or dispensers.
- Refill as necessary to ensure continuous operation.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning, especially daily, prevents buildup that can harden over time, making it much more difficult to remove. It extends the life of your machine and ensures consistent, high-quality wash results, preventing the need for rewashing dishes.
Here's a simple overview of common cleaning frequencies:
| Cleaning Task | Recommended Frequency | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Remove Food Residue | Daily (or per shift) | Wash tank, door seal |
| Empty & Clean Filter | Daily (or per shift) | Filter basket |
| Clean Wash/Rinse Arms & Jets | Daily/Weekly | Spray arms, jets |
| Run Cleaning/Descaling Cycle | Weekly/Monthly | Internal chamber, components, mineral buildup |
| Check & Top Off Chemicals | Daily | Detergent, rinse aid, sanitizer dispensers |
Implementing these steps as part of a routine cleaning schedule will keep the inside of your industrial dishwasher clean and operational.
