How to Clean a Commercial Dishwasher

To make sure your commercial dishwasher doesn’t get bogged down with gunk, it’s important that it’s cleaned daily.
Just because it’s a dishwasher it doesn’t mean it will clean itself during the dish-washing cycles.
Remember, your shower doesn’t clean itself when you’re using it, it actually becomes dirtier.
This also applies to commercial dishwashers. If the filters and jets become clogged or you get limescale buildup, it will result in your dishes not getting clean.
Cleaning a commercial dishwasher begins by taking steps to prevent buildup. Steps to implement daily:

Remove Food Residue

Always scrape, spray rinse and remove as much waste as possible from dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.
Leaving excessive food residue on the dishes before loading the dishwasher can result in avoidable clogs in your jets and filters.

Use the Correct Detergent

Don’t deviate from the detergent your commercial dishwasher manufacturer recommends.
It may be tempting to try cheaper alternatives when you’re looking to cut business expenses, but this is one area you will want to make sure you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Since your commercial dishwasher is likely used every day, you will need to clean it daily as well. Here are the steps needed to keep your dishwasher clean:

1. Wash Inside

Wash the inside of the dishwasher. This can be done with detergent and a cleaning cloth or by using the spray nozzle to rinse with warm water.

2. Drain the Dishwasher

Drain the dishwasher and empty the tank. After you’ve cleaned the inside of the dishwasher, you will need to allow it to drain and to empty the tank.
Leave the dishwasher open for ten to fifteen minutes to cool down.

3. Clean Spray Nozzles

Clean the spray nozzles. Using white vinegar as a cleaning agent will ensure that hard water doesn’t build up in your nozzles.

4. Empty the Filter

Empty the filter. Clear the filter of debris by hand and use a brush with detergent to scrub it clean.

5. Clean Wash/Rinse Arms and Jets

Clean the wash/rinse arms and jets with warm water. This will clear any water holes that have become blocked with food debris.
Make sure to replace the parts you have removed and cleaned when done.

6. Top Off Detergent

Fill the detergent and rinse aid compartments or make sure feeder tubes are running freely.
This ensures that the dishwasher will be ready for use upon its’ next cycle.

7. Air Out

The final step is to leave the dishwasher open to allow for air circulation and prevention of bacteria buildup.
Always refer to the manufacture’s instructions