Efficient refrigeration is an essential part of any kitchen; it keeps your supplies fresh, your environment pleasant and your customers safe. With the correct maintenance in place, you can also extend your refrigerator’s lifespan and potentially save you money in the long run. This article talks you through what’s involved with commercial refrigerator maintenance.

Why is refrigeration maintenance important?

It may seem like a daunting task but there are a lot of benefits that come along with keeping on top of your refrigerator maintenance:

  • Improves its performance
  • Limits wasted energy from overheating
  • Extends its lifespan
  • Keeps on top of health and safety
  • Ensures food and drink supplies stay fresh
  • Identifies early signs of concern
  • Avoids costly repairs or replacements

When does a commercial refrigerator need servicing?

Ideally, you should check your refrigerator on a daily basis to stay up to date with its condition, and easily spot any issues that need servicing. But there are also other signs to look out for:

  • When food and drinks are warm
  • Unpleasant smells as you open the door
  • Excess condensation inside
  • Frost growing inside
  • If you can’t hear the fan running
  • Changing the thermostat doesn’t affect the temperature

Commercial refrigerator maintenance procedure

By implementing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule you can easily keep on top of your refrigerator’s performance. We’ve provided the 10 key steps that you should include:

1. Be prepared

Before you start, remove all supplies within your refrigerator and store them in an alternative cooler if you can. If that’s unavailable, keep them in a cool location for no more than 4 hours. Turn off your refrigerator and ensure you have the correct cleaning equipment ready.

2. Clean the interior

This should be done either weekly or bi-weekly. Remove any shelves and wash them in warm soapy water, then wipe down the interior walls with a cloth and disinfectant. Ensure everything is thoroughly dried before replacing the shelves.

3. Check the condenser and coils

These should be checked weekly to remove any dust that can get caught up. Remove the protective grill and gently brush the coils and fan unit. Use a professional vacuum to finish up and then refit the grill.

4. Wipe down the exterior

The outside of your refrigerator is exposed to a lot of transferable germs. Use a soft brush or cloth with a disinfectant to wipe it down. Clean the surrounding worktops and a mop to clean the floor around and/or underneath it.

5. Fan blades and motors

Dirt and grease can build up on the fan blades but by using a soft cloth you gently, and carefully, wipe the blades clean. Remember to cover the motor with a dry cloth to protect it from any moisture.

6. Don’t forget the door gaskets

Door gaskets or seals experience constant wear and tear so should be checked regularly. Every week, remove the gaskets and soak them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes. Make sure they’re fully dry before resealing and take this opportunity to check any splits that could let cool air escape.

7. Clear your air filters

Blocked air filters not only prevent appliances from functioning effectively but they can create an unpleasant environment for your staff. A professional vacuum can remove any excess dust, whilst a degreasing solution can clear a build-up of grease.

8: Drain the pans and tubes

Your refrigerator drainage is a vital part and any blockages or excess water can release nasty smells into your kitchen. Once a month, use a vinegar solution and soapy water to clean both the pan and tubes.

9. Dry your chiller

Any excess liquid within your refrigerator can freeze up or affect other products. Check this daily and wipe up any spillages. Keep an eye on it too in case it’s a sign of a bigger problem.

10. Switch on and restock

Once everything is clean and you’ve checked for any faults, you can turn your refrigerator back on and restock with your supplies. Make sure to chuck away anything out-of-date!

How to keep your refrigerator maintained

With a regular cleaning plan in place, you can easily keep on top of your refrigerator’s health. You can also include helpful guidelines nearby for your staff, instructing them how to properly clean it and concerning signs to look out for. Make sure it’s regularly serviced too by a qualified engineer.

Planned Preventative Maintenance

To take a weight off your shoulders, a Planned Preventative Maintenance agreement can help you maintain your refrigerator’s lifespan. It also includes:

  • Regular servicing
  • Identifying any repairs or replacements
  • Fix any repairs early on
  • Guaranteed 24-hour response time
  • Expert engineers
  • Peace of mind

Our blog details the benefits of a preventative maintenance plan, or click here to see the different types of agreements available.

Speak to the experts

For more information about looking after your commercial refrigerator or our Planned Preventative Maintenance agreements, get in touch with our friendly team.

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