Ensuring Safe and Efficient Use of an Automatic Dishwasher in a Commercial Kitchen

In any commercial kitchen, hygiene is a top priority to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. An automatic dishwasher plays a key role in achieving this, but it must be used and maintained properly to remain effective. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your commercial dishwasher running efficiently and safely.

1. Pre-wash Preparation: Scrape and Rinse

Before loading dishes into the dishwasher, always scrape off leftover food. Large food particles can block the machine, reduce cleaning quality, and may cause malfunctions. A quick pre-rinse can also help remove stubborn food bits, ensuring dishes are ready for an effective wash cycle.

2. Proper Stacking: Maximising Cleaning Power

How you stack dishes matters. Plates should go in the plate racks, cutlery in designated baskets, and glasses in their crates. This arrangement helps water and detergent circulate properly. Overloading or improper stacking can block water jets, leading to poor cleaning results.

3. Temperature Control: Critical for Hygiene

Water temperature is crucial for both cleaning and hygiene. The wash cycle should be between 50°C and 60°C to remove grease and food residues effectively. For the rinse cycle, ensure the water reaches at least 80°C to kill bacteria and provide a safe, hygienic finish.

4. Regular Maintenance: Keep It Clean

To maintain your dishwasher, drain the wash tanks after each shift. This prevents blockages and unpleasant odours caused by grease and food build-up. The machine should also be cleaned and sanitised daily. Routine maintenance not only ensures effective cleaning but also prolongs the machine’s lifespan.

5. Detergent and Rinse Aid: Use Correct Doses

Using the right amount of detergent and rinse aid is essential. Too much detergent can leave residues, while too little won’t clean dishes properly. Rinse aid is equally important for quick drying and avoiding water spots. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for the best results.

6. Monitor Performance: Spotting Issues Early

After the wash, dishes should come out clean, dry, and without watermarks. If they don’t, it could signal a problem with the machine, detergent dosage, or water temperature. Regularly checking performance helps catch and fix issues early, ensuring your machine operates optimally.

Conclusion

An automatic dishwasher is an indispensable tool in any commercial kitchen, but only when it’s used and maintained correctly. By following these simple steps—scraping and rinsing dishes, stacking properly, controlling temperatures, maintaining the machine, and using the right chemicals—you’ll ensure your dishwasher works efficiently and upholds the highest hygiene standards. Clean, dry, and spotless dishes are a sign your dishwasher is working well. If not, it’s time to take action!