Commercial cleaning equipment is the lifeblood of any business that uses them. Whether you use a commercial washing machine, a commercial dishwasher, or both, you need to make sure that you take the appropriate steps to keep the equipment working as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Remember, all machinery needs maintenance. Your commercial laundry equipment and dishwashers are no different. Take the time to read the manuals that come with your equipment to familiarise yourself with their recommended servicing schedule.
Here are some tips to help you prolong the useful service life of your commercial washing machines and dishwashers.
Commercial Washing Machines
The first tip you should remember with your commercial washing machine – though it applies to dishwashers and all of your commercial equipment – is that you should invest in the best quality piece of equipment that you can possibly afford. The better built the equipment is, the easier it will be to maintain and the more reliable it will be in the long run.
Something else to remember is that the quality of the water your machine is using matters greatly. Especially if you live in a hard water area, you must remember to check your machine’s water filters regularly to ensure there are no blockages and no damage. This will mean your machine lasts longer, but it will also help it to more efficiently clean the laundry.
Also remember to check the drum and door gaskets regularly, as build ups of dirt, grime, and detergent can cause the drum to become dirty and the gasket to break down. In the event of a worn gasket, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible because it runs the risk of hampering the efficiency of the machine. In certain circumstances, it could even be the cause of a leak.
Commercial Dishwashers
Using the right detergents can go a long way to prolonging the service life of your commercial dishwasher. You may be tempted to use off-brand products because they’re cheaper. But you don’t know what the chemicals they contain are doing to your dishwasher. Meile, for example, have their own brand of detergents that they recommend for use with their products. And if you want to increase your dishwasher’s lifespan it’s a good idea to consider investing in them.
At the end of every day, spend a few minutes giving the interior of your dishwasher a good rinse. You can either do this manually, or you can set the machine to run a washing cycle again while empty. This will help flush away any residual bits of detergent and food debris. When that’s done, allow your dishwasher the time to cool properly by leaving the door open for around ten to fifteen minutes, or until the interior is comfortable to the touch.
Also remember that the rinsing arms and jets can be prone to blockage, which will make the machine inefficient. Consult your manufacturer’s instruction book to learn how to safely remove the jets. Alternatively have your maintenance technician do it during routine servicing. Ensure they are thoroughly rinsed to flush free any debris. Use this time to check the condition of the gaskets to make sure they are not showing any signs of wear or cracks.
If you live in a hard water area. Your dishwasher may be prone to developing limescale deposits. If these are left untreated they will drastically shorten the life of the machine. It will also prevent the machine from washing dishes properly. So remember to descale the machine regularly in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent build-up and blockages from developing.
