Cleaning your equipment regularly and thoroughly can help prevent malfunction or breakdowns in the future, ensuring your commercial refrigerator is operating effectively. Below, we highlight key cleaning tips you should consider to prolong the efficiency of your commercial refrigerator.
Interior & Exterior
Cleaning both the interior and exterior of your refrigerator unit, preferably on a weekly basis, is a vital form of maintenance that should be scheduled and carried out regularly. Start by removing all the items from the interior of your fridge, placing them in a temporary storage facility if possible, and then scrub the shelves and surface of your refrigerator with warm water and soap or vinegar solution. Remove any drawers and shelving units, soak them in the sink for a while in soapy water and rinse when clean. The same is true for your refrigerator exterior, where a combination of warm water and vinegar works best for removing grease and stains. It’s important to use proper cleaning solutions for fridges with stainless steel exteriors, with a warm cloth without an abrasive edge preferred.
Condenser Coil
Cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser unit frequently is important to ensure your unit is able to maintain temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and component failure. Start by disconnecting power to the unit, then remove dust and debris from the condenser using a stiff bristle brush, before vacuuming any remaining remnants. We recommend cleaning your condenser coil once every three or four months.
Drain Pans & Tubes
Your refrigerator drain pans will attract large quantities of sludge and slime, the switch can cause your unit to stall, so checking your drain pans and tubing for any potential build-ups is pivotal in reducing the risk of malfunction. Blockages and clogs can happen frequently without regular maintenance, so try cleaning your pans and tubes with warm water and vinegar solution once a month.
Carry Out Inspections
As well as ensuring your commercial unit is regularly cleaned, carrying out consistent and thorough inspections are just as vital. Let’s take a closer look at some of the essential inspections one should carry out on their commercial refrigeration system.
Air Filters
Too much grease, dust and debris can play havoc with your refrigerator’s air filter, so routine checkups and cleaning are essential in ensuring your commercial unit is ventilating air properly. Grease and dust can damage the filter, so if you do notice visible signs of wear and tear, you must replace the filter immediately.
Evaporator Coil
Located by the evaporator fan, your commercial unit’s evaporator coil is a vital component in the functionality of your commercial fridge, helping to cool the unit’s interior by absorbing warm air as it passes through the refrigerator system. Ensure the space around your evaporator coil is clear and clean, to prevent water leaks and a rise in cabinet temperature.
Gaskets
Damage to your door gaskets can prevent the door from sealing properly, allowing for cool air to escape, placing great strain on your commercial refrigerator and impacting efficiency. Carry out routine checks on your gaskets to prevent damage and identify issues ahead of time, as a broken or faulty door seal can cause serious issues in both the short and long term.
Looking for Refrigeration Services in Gloucester? Here at Mitchell’s, we are a specialist refrigeration company working closely with a number of businesses in a wide range of industries. We have a wide range of experience and knowledge in both installing and servicing commercial fridges in Gloucester. Contact us today.