A commercial dishwasher is one of the most essential appliances in a professional kitchen. Whether you run a restaurant, café, hotel or catering business, keeping your dishwasher clean and well-maintained ensures that it performs efficiently, extends its lifespan and provides spotless, hygienic results.
are known for their reliability and durability, but like any machine, they require regular care. In this guide, we will explore how to clean and maintain different types of dishwashers and the benefits of using a water softener to protect your machine from limescale and mineral buildup.
However, we recommend consulting your user manual for more in-depth and specific maintenance and cleaning practices. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to contact a technical expert or appliance manufacturer.
General maintenance for all dishwashers
No matter which Maxima dishwasher you use, a few key maintenance practices apply across all models.
The importance of daily maintenance
First, at the end of each day, removing any food debris that may have been collected in the filter is important. Food particles can clog the filter and affect the machine's efficiency if left unchecked.
The spray arms should also be checked to ensure that no dirt or limescale has accumulated in the nozzles, as blockages can lead to poor water circulation and ineffective cleaning.
Another crucial part of daily maintenance is wiping down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher, including the door and rubber seals. Grease, soap scum and food residue can accumulate over time, creating an unhygienic environment and unpleasant odours.
Keeping the interior clean prevents bacteria from growing and ensures a fresh-smelling machine.
Don’t forget to descale
Regular descaling is also necessary, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up inside the dishwasher, reducing efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
Depending on the water's hardness, running a descaling cycle with a suitable cleaning agent, such as every few weeks or months can help prevent this problem.
Use the correct detergents
Checking the detergent and rinse aid levels is another important step. Using the correct detergent for a commercial dishwasher helps maintain the quality of washes and prevents residue build-up inside the machine.
Rinse aid ensures that dishes dry properly without water spots or streaks, which is particularly important for glassware. On our website, you can find various suitable for your Maxima dishwasher.
Inspect components regularly
Lastly, inspecting the door seals and gaskets regularly is a good practice. If these components become worn or damaged, water may start leaking from the machine, leading to potential issues in the kitchen.
Replacing the seals promptly can help avoid more significant problems if you notice cracks or excessive wear.
Cleaning and maintaining different types of dishwashers
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your dishwasher running efficiently and prolong its lifespan. Every kind of dishwasher may have specific care requirements, so it's important to follow the recommended guidelines.
Undercounter dishwashers
are compact and ideal for smaller establishments like cafés and bars. To keep them performing at their best, they require consistent care.
The filter should be removed and rinsed daily under running water to clear any food debris. If necessary, the spray arms should be checked for blockages and cleaned with a soft brush or toothpick to remove any trapped particles.
After use, wiping down the interior and leaving the door slightly open is recommended to allow the machine to air dry. This helps prevent the build-up of mould and unpleasant odours.
Once a week, the detergent and rinse aid dispensers should be examined for any residue. If detergent accumulates inside the dispenser, it may affect the dosage and lead to inconsistent cleaning results. Cleaning the dispensers with warm water ensures they function correctly.
Over time, limescale deposits can form inside the dishwasher, especially if the water supply is hard. Running a descaling cycle once a month can help prevent mineral build-up and maintain the machine’s efficiency.
Pass-through (hood) dishwashers
or hood-type dishwashers, are designed for high-volume operations such as busy restaurants and catering services. Because they handle many dishes daily, they require thorough maintenance.
At the end of each shift, lifting the hood and allowing the machine to air dry is recommended. Moisture trapped inside the dishwasher can encourage bacteria growth and lead to unpleasant smells. The filters should also be removed and cleaned to prevent clogging.
Once a week, it is a good idea to inspect the lifting mechanism and hinges of the hood to ensure they operate smoothly. Applying a small amount of lubricant can help keep the mechanism functioning correctly if you notice any stiffness or resistance.
Every month, a deep clean should be carried out. This includes checking for limescale deposits inside the machine, especially around the heating elements and water nozzles. Running a descaling solution through the machine will help prevent mineral build-up and keep it working efficiently.
Glasswashers
are specially designed to clean delicate glassware without leaving streaks or marks. Because they handle fragile items, they require gentle maintenance.
After each use, it is essential to rinse the machine with clean water to remove detergent residues. If detergent is left to dry inside the machine, it can lead to cloudy or streaky glasses. The filters and spray arms should also be checked daily to ensure no debris is blocking the water flow.
Once a week, the rinse aid dispenser should be cleaned. Rinse aid helps glassware dry without water spots, but if the dispenser becomes clogged, it may not distribute the liquid properly.
Wiping it with a damp cloth can prevent issues. A monthly check of the water inlet is recommended to keep the machine performing at its best. If sediment or debris is found, it should be cleared to prevent any reduction in water pressure.
Utensil washers
are built to handle large and heavily soiled items, such as pots, pans and kitchen utensils. They need more frequent cleaning because they deal with greasy and stubborn residues.
The filters should be removed and rinsed thoroughly at the end of each day to prevent grease and food particles from clogging the system. Wiping the interior with a damp cloth will also help remove grease build-up.
Each week, the spray arms should be examined to ensure they are rotating freely and not blocked. If necessary, they can be removed and cleaned with warm water.
Once a month, checking for signs of rust or corrosion is recommended, particularly if metal utensils are frequently washed. If any corrosion is found, addressing it immediately can prevent further damage to the machine.
The benefits of using a water softener
One of the biggest challenges for commercial dishwashers is dealing with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause limescale to form inside the machine.
Over time, this reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption and may lead to costly repairs.
Using a can help prevent these issues. A water softener removes the excess minerals from the water, reducing the risk of limescale build-up.
This helps keep the dishwasher running smoothly and improves cleaning results. Dishes, glasses and cutlery come out cleaner, without streaks or spots caused by mineral deposits.
Another advantage of a water softener is that it helps extend the life of the dishwasher. Limescale can cause heating elements and internal components to wear out faster, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
Soft water can reduce maintenance costs and keep your dishwasher in top condition for longer.
In addition, soft water allows detergent to dissolve more effectively, meaning you may need less detergent to achieve the same results. This can lead to cost savings while reducing chemical residue on dishes.
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Keeping your commercial dishwasher clean and well-maintained is essential for its performance and longevity. Following the correct cleaning procedures for your specific model and using a water softener to prevent limescale can ensure your machine operates efficiently and delivers spotless results.
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the dishwasher but also reduces downtime and repair costs, making it a worthwhile investment for any commercial kitchen.
Disclaimer: Many dishwasher varieties and models are available in the market. This blog serves as a basic overview. For precise guidance on support, maintenance and problem-solving, it's advisable to refer to your product manual.
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Looking for a dishwasher that's efficient and easy to clean? Explore Maxima's range of high-quality today!