Maximising the Performance of Your Commercial Dishwasher

In the fast-paced hospitality and foodservice industry, a reliable commercial dishwasher is an essential asset. These machines ensure the smooth running of operations, providing a continuous supply of clean dishes and glassware. To maintain peak performance, your dishwasher needs proper care and attention.

This guide outlines practical steps to optimise your dishwasher's efficiency, maintain hygiene standards, and extend its lifespan. From selecting the right detergent and loading techniques to regular maintenance and staff training, we cover everything you need to know.

How to Improve Dishwasher Performance

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance is essential to maximise the performance and longevity of your commercial dishwasher. A cleaning programme should be implemented, with daily cleaning tasks and periodic deep cleaning based on the dishwasher's usage and manufacturer's recommendations.

Quick cleaning tips:

• Daily cleaning: Remove food debris, clean interior surfaces, wipe the exterior and run a wash cycle.
• Weekly/monthly deep cleaning: Inspect and clean interior components, check door seals, and ensure detergent and rinse aid levels are adequate.

Regular descaling is crucial to prevent damage to heating elements and other components. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use a high-quality descaling solution for the best results.

To further safeguard your equipment, schedule a professional service at least once a year. A trained technician can identify potential faults early, perform necessary adjustments, and ensure your machine operates at peak efficiency.

For more in-depth information, read our guides on Commercial dishwasher cleaning, Descaling and the Importance of regular servicing.

Choosing the Right Detergent

The type of detergent plays an equally important role in the performance of commercial dishwashers. While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, investing in high quality chemicals will significantly improve results and reliability. This is because of a number of factors:

1. Better cleaning power: High-quality detergents are formulated to break down and remove tough food residues, grease and stains, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.
2. Protection for dishes and machine: Premium detergents contain ingredients that protect your dishes and the dishwasher itself, prolonging their lifespan.
3. Enhanced efficiency: Superior detergents require a lower quantity per wash, offering better value in the long run.

Correct Loading

Failure to load plates and crockery into the basket correctly will result in dirty plates, wasted resources and potential damage to the dishwasher itself. Follow the tips below to get the most out of your machine: 

1. Pre-rinse dishes: Pre-rinse dishes to remove any large food particles.
2. Load strategically: Place dishes so they do not obstruct water jets, ensuring that every dish gets adequately cleaned.
3. Avoid overloading: Overloading the dishwasher can prevent dishes from being cleaned properly. Always adhere to the machine's capacity.
4. Use the right baskets: Make sure dishes are placed in the correct baskets to avoid breakage.

Water Pressure and Quality

Water pressure and quality play a crucial role in your dishwasher’s performance. Insufficient pressure can result in poor cleaning, while excessive pressure may damage dishes. Regularly monitor and maintain water pressure within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Water quality also plays a big part in the performance and longevity of commercial dishwashers. Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can lead to limescale buildup. Over time, hard water can cause limescale to accumulate in the dishwasher damaging its components. It also risks poor cleaning results, because hard water can reduce the effectiveness of detergent, resulting in dishes that aren't properly cleaned.

To combat these issues, consider the following water treatment options:

1. Water softeners, which remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water, preventing limescale build up.
2. Filter systems, which can remove impurities from the water, improving its quality and the dishwasher's performance.
3. Chemical treatment, using certain chemicals to treat water, improve its quality and prevent limescale build up.

For more information, read our article on Water treatment for glass & dishwashers

Staff training and Education

When your team knows exactly how to operate and maintain the machine, you are both improving the efficiency of your operation and maximising the return on investment. 

Benefits of staff training and education:

• Improved machine performance: Well-trained staff operate the dishwasher in the most efficient manner to deliver optimal performance.
• Reduced risk of breakdowns: Proper operation and regular maintenance will prevent common issues that lead to breakdown.
• Increased machine lifespan: Correct care and usage will extend the lifespan of your commercial dishwasher.
• Compliance with health and safety regulations: Adequate training ensures that staff are aware of and adhere to relevant health and safety regulations.

Owning a commercial dishwasher is not just about having a machine that cleans dishes; it's about investing in an asset that plays a critical role in the efficiency and success of your food service operation.

As we've outlined in this guide, optimising the performance and extending the life of your commercial dishwasher involves a multi-faceted approach. From choosing the right detergent to implementing regular cleaning and maintenance routines, each aspect contributes to the machine's overall performance and longevity.

In summary, a commercial dishwasher is more than a one-time investment. It's a long-term commitment that, when managed properly, can pay dividends across your kitchen operation.

Feel free to call us on 020 8993 6199 or email office@nelsonwash.co.uk if you have any questions or need any further information.