A commercial refrigerator is an essential piece of equipment within the commercial kitchen, with that being said it is extremely important to properly maintain it in order to keep it running properly. While routine maintenance visits are important, cleaning your unit on a regular basis is just as important. Today we are going to review a few refrigeration maintenances tips.
The first thing you will want to do is plan a cleaning schedule in advance, either on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This involves cleaning the interior and the exterior of your refrigerator. When cleaning the interior of your unit you will want to remove all items from the interior and place them into a cooler for the time being. If your units shelving is removable, it is recommended to remove both the shelving and drawers to soak while cleaning out your refrigerator. For cleaning the exterior, it is important that you have the proper cleaning solutions and materials on hand. You will want to avoid using abrasive scrubbers or sponges when cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator. Using a soft brush or wash cloth along with a combination of warm water and vinegar will do the trick. You can also use a detergent-based solution to clean the exterior of your refrigerator as well.
Another key part of your refrigerator that you will want to make sure you maintain is the condenser coil. It is recommended that once every three months you clean the condenser coil of your unit. If dirty and dusty, this can result in the refrigerator malfunctioning and having a difficult time maintaining the proper temperature. Like the condenser coil, the evaporator coil is just as important to keep clean. This is located by the evaporator fan and allows the unit to absorb heat as warm air passes through the system, ultimately helping cool the units interior.
Next, you will want to make sure to always keep an eye on the door gaskets. Any cracks or dents on the gaskets can prevent the door from sealing properly, which can result in unwanted air being expelled from the interior of the unit. If this goes on for too long, the contents inside of your refrigerator could be affected.
It is also important to check the air filters regularly. Since the commercial kitchen is a busy place that is typically filled with fryers and griddles that are filled with grease, this can impact your refrigerators air filters over time. When not maintained properly this can prevent your refrigerator from properly ventilating. Your units air filters can be cleaned by using a vacuum and a degreasing solution. It is also important to take note that too much grease and dust build-up can result in permanent damage to your refrigerators air filters.
Last but not least, routinely clean your refrigerators drain pans and tubes. Large commercial refrigerators are prone to grime, which can cause your unit to freeze up. Always make sure to check your train pan and tubing for any unwanted build up. It is recommended that you clean the pan with a vinegar-based solution or soap and water at least once a month and the tubing at least every couple of months. This prevents clogs that can result in your defrost system overflowing.
At Cook’s we have a wide range of refrigeration equipment in stock at all times. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of new foodservice equipment, we are happy to assist you.
