Making sure that your commercial glasswasher is clean, safe and operating to the best of its ability is a non-negotiable for any food or beverage service business. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only extends the life of these invaluable machines but also ensures they perform at their best.
As experts on glasswashing, offering an end-to-end service across specification, supply, installation and aftercare, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to cleaning and maintenance. Read on for more about the recommended cleaning process, frequency, the importance of descaling and the appropriate use of specialist glasswasher cleaning products.
What should I include in everyday glasswasher cleaning procedures?
Regular cleaning will prevent residue build-up and maintain smooth operation of the glasswasher. It’s important to build these simple tasks into your everyday cleaning procedures:
- Once the day's service ends, ensure all leftover debris is removed from the glasswasher's interior, including the filter and the top and bottom wash and rinse arms.
- Using a soft brush and warm water or a non-foaming surface cleaner, such as our Sanitiser & Degreaser, clean the interior surfaces of the glass washer. Special attention should be paid to door seals, corners, and any areas that are difficult to reach.
- Avoid any soap-based glass washer cleaner to prevent residual soap leading to foaming and subpar results.
- Maintain a professional look by wiping down the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Reassemble the machine and run a wash cycle to ensure no cleaning residue remains.
Why is it important to undertake periodic in-depth cleaning on glasswashers?
Regular cleaning tasks will keep your machine running smoothly, but it’s also important to complete more in-depth cleaning procedures. This can help identify any faults earlier, prevent more serious damage and keep glasswashers running for longer. For example:
- Inspect the glass washer's interior components, such as wash and rinse arms, nozzles, and filters; to confirm they are free from blockages and build-up.
- Check door gaskets for signs of wear and tear and thoroughly clean them to ensure a good seal.
- Monitor the detergent and rinse aid levels in your commercial glass washer.
How often should I clean commercial glasswashers?
It’s important to set out your cleaning schedule, as with any other kitchen cleaning task. Generally, daily cleaning tasks should be carried out after each day's operation, while more comprehensive deep cleaning tasks can be undertaken on a weekly or monthly basis. This will depend on usage and the manufacturer's recommendations. Factors such as the number of glasses, the type of beverages served, and local health regulations might also determine the required cleaning frequency.
Why descaling is an essential part of glasswasher maintenance
As with dishwashers, mineral deposits may accumulate inside a glasswasher over time, affecting its performance and potentially causing damage to its components.
Regular descaling with a high-quality glass washer descaler, such as our own brand, helps to keep your machine running smoothly by removing these deposits. We’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide to descaling here.
You can prevent limescale build-up by fitting your commercial glass washer with a water treatment system that removes mineral deposits from the wash water. This can be a water softener, demineralisation, or reverse osmosis system.
What else can I do to protect my commercial glasswasher?
Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential, but maintaining a reliable, effective glasswasher is also down to correct usage and handling of the machine.
Always load your glassware correctly, avoiding overcrowding that could lead to damage or insufficient cleaning. Regularly inspect and clean the glass washer filter to ensure it's not causing any blockages. Lastly, always ensure that the water temperature and pressure are set as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
It’s also essential that you keep your glassware in pristine condition with regular renovation. Check out our article 'Glass Renovation: The Key to the perfect Pint'.
Following these steps will not only enhance the performance of your glass washer but also contribute significantly towards achieving the highest standard of cleanliness for your glassware.
How to get professional help from Nelson experts
If you spot any signs of malfunction or poor performance, such as unusual noises, leaks, or consistently dirty glasses, it's important to get professional help. Our expert in-house technicians are trained to maintain and repair various brands of commercial glass washers. You can book a call with them by contacting our support team at 020 8993 6199 or emailing service@nelsonwash.co.uk.