So how do you maintain commercial fridges once you buy one?
Here are 7 great maintenance and cleaning tips.
1. Keep it Clean
Keeping your commercial fridge clean is essential maintenance in a kitchen. Focus on cleaning both the interior and exterior at least once a week to keep your fridge in the best condition.
Cleaning the Interior
When cleaning the interior, remove everything inside first to avoid contamination. Also, you will have the doors open whilst cleaning it out, so the temperature will rise. This can lead the contents to spoil, so move them to a temporary cooling unit.
Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning, as they can leave toxic residue behind. Instead, use warm water and soap to wipe over the shelves and doors.
If you have a stain, then find a non-toxic product that can tackle tough or sticky substances.
Once in a while, it is also a good idea to empty it and turn it off so that any ice buildup can melt. Then you can mop up any excess water whilst cleaning out the interior.
Cleaning the Exterior
Cleaning the exterior of your commercial fridge prevents corrosion and other surface damage. Make sure that you match your cleaning products to the material of the fridge exterior.
If your unit is stainless steel, use a soft cleaning utensil that won’t scratch the surface. Sponges, soft brushes, or microfibres cloths are all good options.
2. Banish Mould & Mildew
Excess water in fridges can lead to mould and mildew. So make sure that you clean up any spills and water deposits straight away.
Always check behind shelving and drawers when checking for mould. These are the typical pockets where condensation can get trapped.
One of the best, natural remedies to mould and mildew is a mild vinegar and water solution. One cup of white vinegar mixed with 2 cups of lukewarm water should do the trick!
3. Check Fridge Coils
Checking and cleaning the coils in your fridge is the secret to a long life for your appliances. Let’s look in more detail at each of the coils you need to maintain.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coil in fridges is there to condense and cool the refrigerant. The coils cover the back and bottom of the fridge, to circulate the refrigerant.
You need to keep these coils clean from dirt to prevent them from getting clogged. This will allow them to release heat so they won’t burn out and they will be much more efficient.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil helps to remove heat from the refrigeration. It keeps the inside of your fridge at the correct temperature. You can clean this in the same way as the condenser coil, making sure to remove any unwanted debris.
4. Keep Vents Clear
Commercial fridges also have vents to keep air flowing through the mechanisms. It also helps to maintain the temperature both inside and outside of the unit.
Ensure that they don’t get clogged with dust or debris by cleaning them often with a cloth.
5. Store Food Properly
Storing your food in the correct way helps prevent spills from happening in your fridge. This is important for acidic or sticky foods like citrus or honey-based dishes.
Keep food and liquid in sealed containers to avoid leaks. You should also try to organise your fridge in an effective way to keep everything sanitary.
6. Check Gaskets
A refrigerator gasket is an elastic strip that seals the edges of your fridge doors. It prevents air from getting in and out, so you can maintain a consistent temperature inside the unit.
First, you need to make sure you clean the gaskets with the rest of your fridge. Often moisture can get trapped in there due to condensation, so mould and slime can build up there.
Second, look out for signs of wear and tear on the gaskets. If the fridge gets opened and closed many times a day, it may get ripped or damaged.
Also, with age, sometimes gaskets can dry out and become cracked. This prevents them from sealing your fridge, so you may end up with the temperature too high. This can overwork your fridge and shorten its lifespan.
7. Maintain Drain Pans & Tubes
Make sure you clear out the drain pans and tubes of your commercial fridge. Often sludge can build up in these areas, especially in the bends of the tubing.
Without cleaning them out, your fridge may freeze up and stop working. You only need to do this once a month, so make sure you remember!
*For specific information on performing maintenance on your product, please refer to the User Manual.
