Refrigeration systems are one of the most important parts of commercial kitchens. They are frequently used in commercial kitchens for the success of the business. These systems are often used for preserving food items, ingredients, ready-to-use mixes, soft drinks, meats, and so on.
These systems often include fridges, deep freezers, and others. These are essential for storing various items on your menu. However, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure the proper functioning of freezers for a long time. Moreover, keeping your freezers clean will help you avoid any kind of foul smell that may affect the odour of your other ingredients or food items.
Having a schedule for cleaning and maintaining your equipment, including deep freezers and automatic frying machines, will help you save a huge part of your maintenance investments. In addition, following proper cleaning measures enhances the durability of the freezers and helps to avoid minor issues.
If you are searching for ways to keep your refrigeration system clean, then explore this article. In this article, we will delve into some of the effective ways to keep your fridges clean and up to the mark at all times.
Thus, utilise this guide that presents you with effective maintenance tips and advice for commercial freezers. Keep exploring to learn about them and implement them in your commercial kitchen.
Let’s begin…
Top Tips To Maintain Commercial Kitchen Equipment
#1. Clean The Exterior And Interior
You must clean both the interior and exterior of your refrigeration system. Whether it is a fridge or freezer, ask your workers to switch off the system and scrub the shelves with cleaners specifically meant for cleaning refrigeration systems. Doing so will effectively remove the foul odour, dirt, or any spillage.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use a soft brush and cloth to wipe the interior and exterior parts of the freezer. Consider using warm water and soft sponges to remove dirt and avoid scratches on the exteriors of the freezers.
Benefit: Cleaning the inner part of the freezers maximises the cooling capacity and performance.
#2. Regularly Check The Condenser And Evaporator Coil
Both condenser and evaporator coils play a pivotal role in refrigeration systems. These coils are responsible for carrying out the heat exchange process that is essential for the proper functioning of freezers and fridges. The condenser is located on the back side of the fridge and is most likely to get stained soon. You can clean the condenser coil with a soft bristle brush or a small coil comb. A soft bristle brush will prevent any harm to the coil and effectively remove dirt and debris.
The evaporator coil is inside the refrigerator and keeps the food frozen. Failure to maintain these coils results in underperforming refrigeration systems that can also increase electricity bills. Ensure you regularly clean the freezer if it is placed near the Automatic Frying Machine or grillers.
Pro Tip: Use a small evaporator comb and remove the grime or grease with a powerful coil cleaner for effective cleaning.
Benefit: Regular cleaning and maintenance of condenser and evaporator coils can result in reduced electricity bills and cost savings.
#3. Keep Acidic Foods Covered
Not only effective cleaning tips but also a proper routine helps to maximise performance and avoid spoilage of foods. As everyone knows, covering food minimises cross-contamination of items in your freezer. In that instance, preserving highly acidic dishes like pickles, tomatoes, and others in opened boxes could result in the spread of heavy odours.
Pro Tip: Consider storing them in a plastic container with a sealing lid or in freezer-safe bags to avoid damaging commercial cooling equipment.
Benefit: Your ingredients and other food items will smell fresh.
#4. Check The Door Gaskets
Ensure that you follow a cleaning schedule for door gaskets in the freezers as well. Know that door gaskets are the most essential part of the equipment. More often than not, grease settles over the gasket area of the freezer. This happens due to frequent usage. Improper maintenance or carelessness while cleaning the door handles and gasket affects the performance of the fridge.
In addition, a broken, cracked, or dirty door gasket negatively affects food preservation and leads to improper closing.
Pro Tip: Clean door gaskets with a soft bristle brush. Soft bristle brushes make removing the dirt and grease a breeze. Also, if it isn’t tight enough, then replace it with a new one.
Benefit: Better performance and lower electricity bills.
#5. Keep Ice Makers Clean
Don’t avoid ice makers, for god sake! If your commercial freezer has ice makers, clean them regularly. Leaving the ice maker as it is for a long time could result in the spread of bacteria and mould growth, which can significantly impact your ROI! Of course, no customer would want to fall ill by having something that has mould growth. As a restaurant owner, decreased profits will be the last thing you would want. Hence, make sure to ask your workers to clean ice makers in a timely manner.
Pro Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools to clean your ice makers. Instead, invest in mild cleansing agents to maintain a consistent quality.
Benefit: Keeping your ice makers clean will prevent the spread of bacteria and mould growth. Also, it helps improve the freezers’ performance and, of course, your ROI!
#6. Clean The Air Filters
Air filters are essential for the ventilation of freezers and other refrigeration systems. There is a chance for heavy oil builds or debris if it is not maintained properly. In addition, it also happens, especially when cooling equipment is placed near the Automatic Frying Machine, grillers, or other commercial products.
You can use a powerful vacuum cleaner to clean the air filters. A good vacuum can absorb dust, debris, and other minute dirt particles very easily. Once you vacuum it, apply a degreasing solution in a soft cloth and wipe the air filters. If you notice too much grease or damage, then consider replacing it with a new one.
Pro Tip: Consider washing the air filter in warm, soapy water. In addition, let the filer dry completely before you place it back.
Benefit: Proper ventilation of refrigeration systems, leading to better performance.
#7. Clean Refrigerator Drain Pans And Tubes
It is a good idea to clean the drain pans and tubes of the refrigerators to increase their overall performance. These parts of the freezer could experience heavy and frequent buildup. It can be food particles or others; thus, give it a check and clean the pans. Clean them at least once or twice a month for optimal results.
Pro Tip: Consider using vinegar solution and warm water to clean drain pans and tubes.
Benefit: Cleaning drain pans and tubes will help you effectively maintain the commercial freezers and economise your resources.
#8. Remove Water And Keep the Unit Dry
As soon as the liquid accumulates on the shelves or surface of the reach-in unit, check for buildup and wipe it. Also, check behind the shelves and beneath the freezers for water spillage. It’s because too much moisture may disrupt the functioning of your commercial refrigeration system.
Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to extract excessive water and cleanse it using a mild cleaning liquid.
Benefit: Ensuring proper maintenance and cleaning measures assures proper functioning and improves the commercial freezer’s life.
#9. Get It Checked By Professional Technicians
Even after following these things, you shouldn’t forget to give your commercial refrigeration system a technician check. Ensure that you call a professional technician (preferably from the company from whom you purchased your industrial refrigeration system) for a thorough evaluation of your freezer. It is strongly suggested that you appoint a technician to come in on a monthly basis.
Pro Tip: Make sure to carefully consider your restaurant requirements before scheduling visits from professional technicians. If there is regular usage, it is recommended to schedule maintenance twice a month. Otherwise, a check every two to three months is sufficient.
Benefit: By having your freezers serviced by a professional, you can increase their lifespan.
#10. Be Consistent
Consistency is the key to success! Cleaning and maintaining your commercial kitchen equipment consistently can go a long way. They will help you build a solid rapport in the market.
Pro Tip: Follow the tips outlined here consistently!
Benefit: Consistently following a cleaning and maintenance schedule can significantly impact your overall food business.
Last Few Words
So, these are some of the most recommended tips and tricks to maintain commercial freezers. Following proper cleaning and maintenance tips will help you save money and avoid minor issues. Regular cleaning of commercial refrigeration systems, automatic frying machines, and other commercial equipment will help you prevent spending excessive money on repairs and electricity bills. Thus, follow these tips mentioned above to enjoy the benefits. If all this seems like a task, then consider opting for a professional cleaning service provider to have your freezer or other appliances functioning at their best for a long time. Know that super-clean and tidy equipment also boosts the overall appearance of your commercial kitchen, leading to increased footfall and enhanced profits.
Thanks for reading! Hope this article is informative and helps you understand the benefits of cleaning and maintaining your commercial kitchen equipment.