Cleaning Your Commercial Dishwasher: A Guide

Keeping your commercial dishwasher in top working condition is essential for the efficiency and hygiene of any food service establishment. Proper cleaning and maintenance not only ensure the longevity of your commercial dishwasher but also help maintain optimal performance levels.

In this blog, we’re going to look at the importance of keeping your commercial dishwasher clean, the frequency of maintenance, and how to go about cleaning a commercial dishwasher. 

Daily Cleaning Routine

•    At the end of each service, remove any leftover food debris from the inside of the dishwasher, including the top and bottom rinse arms and the filter.
•    Clean the interior surfaces of the dishwasher with a soft brush and warm water or use a non-foaming surface cleaner. Pay extra attention to door seals, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. 
•    Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the dishwasher with a damp cloth to keep it looking clean and professional.
•    Reassemble the dishwasher and run a wash cycle to ensure all cleaning residue is removed. 

Important Note: Do not use soap-based chemicals for cleaning the inside of the dishwasher, as any leftover residue can lead to foaming and poor results.

Weekly and Monthly Deep Cleaning

•    Inspect and clean the dishwasher’s interior components, such as the wash and rinse arms, nozzles, and filters, to ensure they’re free from blockages and buildup.
•    Inspect the door gaskets for signs of wear and tear and clean them thoroughly to ensure a proper seal.
•    Check the dishwasher’s detergent and rinse aid levels. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Dishwasher?

While we’ve outlined daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning best practices for your commercial dishwasher, please view this as a general guideline. Factors such as the volume of dishes, the type of food being served, and local health regulations may also affect the required cleaning frequency. 

Can You Use Bleach in a Dishwasher?

Although bleach is renowned for effectively removing stains and sanitising surfaces, it may not be suitable for all commercial dishwashers. 

Bleach can damage interior components and cause certain materials to discolour. If you’re considering using bleach or other cleaning products, always refer to your dishwasher’s manufacturer’s guidelines. 

Dishwasher in Need of a Descale?

Limescale is one of the most common issues in commercial kitchens located in areas with hard water. The build-up of limescale will lead to decreased efficiency of equipment and increased energy costs. In addition to affecting your machines, hard water can also damage clothes, etch glass, bind with detergents causing odours, and cause chalky residue or spots to appear on dishes. 

Regular descaling is essential to prevent these issues, ensuring your kitchen appliances function optimally and maintain their lifespan. 

For more information on descaling your commercial dishwasher, read our blog on the topic here.

Looking for Something Else?

Read our guide on Commonly Asked Commercial Dishwasher Questions here and see if we haven’t already solved your problem for you. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent many common dishwasher issues. However, if you notice any signs of malfunction or poor performance, such as unusual noises, leaks, or consistently dirty dishes, it’s time to call in the professionals. 

Our team of engineers at Dishwashers Direct have over 25 years’ experience in commercial dishwasher repairs and servicing. Our repair services cover a range of commercial warewashing equipment including dishwashers, glasswashers, utensil washers, rack conveyors, and more. 

For more information, get in contact with Dishwasher Direct today.