If you’ve ever owned or operated a glasswasher, there’s a high chance at some point you’ve experienced results issues, such as poor head retention, poor lacing and flat pints. Regardless of whether you are using the most expensive machine with all the latest technology and features, or an old machine purchased second hand, if you are not following the correct glass maintenance procedures you will eventually encounter these problems, which can then lead to bigger issues, such as dissatisfied customers, bad reviews, and a loss of business.
To prevent these problems from arising, it’s essential you follow the correct glassware maintenance procedures – one of the most important being glass renovation. In this article, we explain the reasons why you need to renovate your glasses, how to test when your glasses need renovating, and we compare the two methods of renovating – powder and liquid.
Why is Glass Renovation Important?
In order for a glasswasher to function correctly it needs to be supplied with rinse-aid. Rinse-aid is a chemical which helps speed up the drying process after washing. It contains surfactants which reduce the surface tension of water allowing it to slide off the glass easier. After every wash a very small amount of rinse aid residue is left on the glass. As the residue builds up over time it traps proteins, yeast, tannins, and minerals within the water, which impacts the appearance of the glassware and the way beer behaves upon contact with the glass.
Renovating glasses with high-quality renovation liquid or powder removes these substances and ensures glasses are kept in the best condition to deliver fantastic results.
It’s also important to note that brand new glasses also need to be renovated before being used. This helps to remove the mould release agent which is applied during the manufacturing process along with any residues leftover from printing the glasses with brand logos.
When Should You Renovate Glasses?
Over-renovating glasses can cause degradation and make them more susceptible to scratches and damage. Striking a balance between renovating often enough to prevent yeast and protein build-up and not over-renovating is key. We generally recommend renovating glasses once a month for optimal results and at least once every two months as a minimum.
While we recommend making glass renovation part of your cleaning and maintenance routine, there are a number of signs that indicate when it is required.
Glasses:
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With a damp white napkin/towel, wipe the inside of a supposedly clean pint glass. A brown residue on the napkin/towel will indicate that there is protein build up and glass renovation is required.
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Water Break Test – fill a glass to the brim with the water, empty it and keep it upside down while drying. If the water inside the glass runs off in a continuous sheet, its clean. If droplets form the glass is contaminated and will need to be renovated.
Glasswasher:
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Wild Yeast – a build-up of beige or black film around the door and hinges indicates that yeast is present in the machine. This will contaminate the glass and ruin results.
Types of Glass Renovate: Powder vs Liquid
Powdered glass renovate is the traditional method for glass renovation. It typically contains:
- Non-Caustic Alkaline Detergent
- Water Conditioner
- Glass Protector
- Chlorine Release Agent
Liquid glass renovate, a more recent innovation, cleans and renovates glasses simultaneously. It usually contains:
- Caustic Based Alkaline Detergent
- Non-ionic Surfactants
- Sodium Hypochlorite
Powder vs Liquid Glass Renovate: Which is Better?
Both powder and liquid renovate have their pros and cons.
Pros
Powder:
- Less aggressive and better suited for manual washing
- Can be used without a glass washer
Liquid:
- More practical as it cleans and renovates simultaneously
- Less time-consuming and easier to use
Cons
Powder:
- Time-consuming and labour-intensive
- Can damage glasses if used too often
Liquid:
- Possible bleach odour during use
- Can degrade glasses if used too frequently
Both powder and liquid glass renovate are effective in maintaining glasses and ensuring quality drinks for your customers. It is recommended to test both to see which method suits your operation best. If you want try our liquid glass renovate, Refresh, you can order our Starter Pack of 2.5L Refresh and 2.5L Litre Supadri Rinse Aid.
Training Staff on Glass Renovation and Care
Educating your staff on the importance of glass renovation and proper glass care is crucial to maintaining the quality of your glassware. This includes training on how to handle and store glasses correctly, the correct use of renovate glass cleaner, and how to identify when glass renovation is needed.
High-Quality Glass Renovating Products
We manufacture a high-quality glass renovating detergent called Refresh as part of our range of detergents and rinse aids.