Foaming in Commercial Dishwashers and Glasswashers: Causes and Solutions

Have you come across your commercial dishwasher or glasswasher foaming? If your commercial dishwasher is bubblier than your bathwater, you have a problem. 

It easy to assume that the machine itself is to blame, but the reality is that foaming is often caused by external factors.  

In this guide, we’re going to identify the root cause and take steps to ensure your machines continues to operate efficiently. 

The Causes and Solutions

Residual Soap on Dishes

The most common cause of foaming in your commercial glasswasher or dishwasher is residual soap left over on glasses and crockery from the pre-rinsing process. The soap mixes with the water and detergent during the wash cycle and causes foaming.

Solution: Ensure dishes are thoroughly rinsed before loading the dishwasher. Training staff on the proper pre-rinsing techniques is essential to avoid this issue. 

Incorrect Wash Temperature

Foaming can occur when your commercial glasswasher or dishwasher has not been given enough time to get up to the correct temperature before being used, as rinse aid can foam when mixed with cold water. 

Solution: Always allow your dishwasher or glasswasher to reach the recommended operating temperature before use. This is typically 52°c to 55°c for glasswashers and 60°c to 65°c for dishwashers. 

Poor-Quality Detergent

Poor quality detergents might not dissolve properly or might contain chemicals and ingredients that are not compatible with commercial dishwashing. This causes an imbalance in the water-detergent mixture leading to foaming.

Solution: Always uses detergents and rinse aids specifically designed for commercial dishwashers and glasswashers. High-quality detergents are formulated to clean effectively without creating excess foam, ensuring optimal performance and protecting your commercial machine. 

Improper Cleaning

Foaming can occur when soap residue is left in the machine from cleaning. This soap mixes with the water and detergent during the wash cycle and leads to foaming. 

Solution: Avoid using soap-based products when cleaning the machine. Instead, use warm water and a clean brush or cloth to wipe down the interior. 

Water Softness

Depending on where your business is located, different areas have varying levels of water softness/hardness. Soft water contains fewer minerals and requires less detergent to create foam, whereas the higher mineral content in hard water means more chemicals are needed to produce foam. Misjudging water softness can result in overuse of detergents that can lead to excessive foam.

Solution: Test your water regularly to determine its hardness and adjust detergent use accordingly. If you’re in an area with hard water, install a water softener can help prevent limescale buildup and improve the machine’s performance. 

For more information on water softeners and commercial dishwashers, read our guide on the topic here. 

Protein-Based Foods

Some protein-based foods like eggs or milk can contribute to excess foaming. The proteins may react with certain chemicals in the detergent or rinse aid to cause this foaming.

Solution: Pre-rinse dishes that contained protein-based foods like eggs or dairy.

Mechanical Issues

Damaged or malfunctioning parts like detergent or rinse aid pumps or dispensers may result in the wrong quantities of chemicals being used, which can lead to foaming. 

Solution: Schedule regular maintenance to identify and fix mechanical issues such as faulty detergent pumps or rinse aid dispensers. Regular servicing also ensures that your commercial machine continues to operate at peak efficiency. 

If you find that after all these checks your dishwasher is still foaming, get in contact with our team of professional engineers at Dishwasher Direct today for expert help and advice with all your commercial dishwasher needs.