How to Reduce Water Usage with Commercial Dishwashers?

Water conservation is becoming increasingly important in the commercial kitchen environment. Restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses rely heavily on commercial dishwashers, but these appliances are often one of the largest consumers of the fluid in the kitchen. Modern innovations and best practices can significantly reduce fluid usage without compromising efficiency. This blog will explore strategies to minimise the consumption with commercial offerings, helping your business save money while promoting sustainability. 

Griddle plates provide a large, flat cooking surface ideal for making multiple items simultaneously, offering efficient meal preparation. Check out our collection by clicking here. 

Invest in Energy-Efficient Models 

The first step to reducing such usage is selecting an energy-efficient commercial dishwasher. Look for models with certifications such as WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) or ENERGY STAR®, which indicate lower liquid and energy consumption. 

Features of Water-Efficient Models 

• Advanced Spray Technology: Optimises the distribution, ensuring thorough cleaning with minimal fluid. 

• Low-Water Cleaning Cycles: Reduces the volume of water used per cycle. 

• Built-in Recycling Systems: Filters and reuses the liquid for multiple wash cycles, cutting overall consumption. 

Although these models may have a higher upfront cost, they provide long-term savings on liquid and utility bills while being environmentally friendly. 

Use Dishwashers with Appropriate Capacity 

Selecting the right product size is essential for efficiency. A machine that is too small for your needs will require multiple cycles, wasting the fluid. At the same time, a piece of oversized equipment might not use its capacity effectively. 

Tips for Optimising Dishwasher Size 

• Assess Daily Dishwashing Needs: Calculate the average number of loads needed daily. 

• Opt for a Conveyor Dishwasher: Ideal for large establishments with high dishwashing demand. 

• Consider Undercounter Dishwashers: Perfect for smaller kitchens with limited space and moderate usage. 

Using the right-sized appliance ensures that the usage aligns with the volume of dishes washed, preventing wastage. 

Operate Dishwashers at Full Capacity 

Running a commercial kitchen dishwasher only when fully loaded is one of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary usage. Operating the machine for partial loads wastes the liquid and consumes unnecessary energy. 

Best Practices for Full-Load Operations 

• Organise Workflow: Schedule cleaning cycles during off-peak hours to accumulate full loads. 

• Train Staff: Educate employees on running the product only when fully loaded. 

• Use Racks Effectively: Arrange dishes strategically to maximise the offering’s capacity. 

Pre-Rinse Only When Necessary 

Pre-rinsing dishes are typical but can use a significant amount of fluid. Modern offerings sold by top commercial dishwasher suppliers are created to manage lightly soiled dishes without pre-rinsing, reducing the need for this step. 

Alternatives to Pre-Rinsing 

• Scraping Instead of Rinsing: Use rubber spatulas or scrapers to remove leftover food before loading dishes. 

• Invest in Pre-Rinse Spray Valves: If pre-rinsing is necessary, choose more efficient spray valves that use less water than traditional faucets. 

You can save hundreds of litres of liquid daily by minimising pre-rinsing. 

Regular Maintenance is Key 

Maintaining your commercial product ensures that it operates at peak efficiency. A poorly maintained machine can consume more fluid than necessary due to leaks, blockages, or malfunctioning parts. 

Maintenance Tips for Optimal Performance 

• Clean Filters Regularly: Clogged filters can reduce the efficiency by forcing the machine to work harder. 

• Inspect Spray Arms: Ensure spray nozzles are not clogged and distribute the liquid evenly. 

• Check for Leaks: Address leaks promptly to prevent unnecessary wastage. 

• Descale the Machine: Hard water deposits can affect performance and increase wasteful consumption. 

Routine maintenance not only conserves the fluid but also extends the lifespan of your equipment. 

Experience fast and efficient cooking by the process of direct cookware heating, reducing energy wastage & getting precise temperature control. Browse our collection of Induction Cookers here. 

Optimise Wash Cycles 

Many products from commercial dishwasher dealers come with multiple cycle options. Choosing the proper cycle for your needs can significantly reduce unnecessary usage. 

Cycle Selection Tips 

• Light-Soil Cycles: Use shorter cycles for lightly soiled dishes. 

• Eco Modes: Many modern machines include eco-friendly modes that use less water and energy. 

• Avoid Over-Washing: Evaluate the level of cleaning needed for each load and avoid defaulting to the heaviest cycle. 

Customising cycles based on the level of soiling can prevent unnecessary consumption. 

Incorporate the Recycling Systems 

Advanced recycling systems are now a standard feature in many commercial appliances. These systems reuse rinse water from previous cycles for pre-cleaning, reducing the overall consumption. 

Benefits of Recycling 

• Lowered Bills: Recycled water minimises the need for fresh water in each cycle. 

• Higher Sustainability: Lessens the climate impact of your pantry operations. 

• Enhanced Cleaning Performance: Filtered fluid ensures dishes are cleaned effectively. 

Educate Your Team 

Sustainability efforts require teamwork. Teaching your employees water-saving techniques for products sourced from commercial dishwasher manufacturers ensures everyone helps reduce its usage. 

Training Tips 

• Provide Hands-On Demonstrations: Show employees how to load the machine efficiently and select appropriate cycles. 

• Create Guidelines: Develop simple instructions for operating dishwashers sustainably. 

• Encourage Reporting: Motivate staff to report leaks or inefficiencies promptly. 

A well-informed group can make a substantial difference in achieving your saving goals. 

Monitor and Track Water Usage 

Keeping track of your usage can help locate inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Many such modern products come with built-in monitoring systems, but you can also use external tools to measure the usage. 

Steps to Monitor Water Usage 

1. Install Water Meters: Monitor the amount of water your product uses daily. 

1. Analyse Data: Compare the usage before and after implementing the saving measures. 

1. Set Goals: Try to establish realistic reduction targets for your kitchen. 

Regular monitoring ensures your efforts are on track and provides data for future decision-making. 

Upgrade to Smart Dishwashers 

Smart products with IoT (Internet of Things) technology brought from top commercial dishwasher distributors offer advanced water-saving features. These machines can optimise their usage based on load size, soil level, and cycle requirements. 

Advantages of Smart Dishwashers 

• Real-Time Monitoring: Track water and energy usage via mobile apps or dashboards. 

• Automated Adjustments: Smart sensors adjust fluid volume based on the specific load. 

• Alerts and Notifications: Receive alerts for maintenance issues, helping prevent its wastage. 

While the initial capital inflow might be higher, smart commercial dishwashers deliver substantial savings and efficiency in the long run. 

Partner with Sustainability Experts 

Consulting with sustainability experts or several conservation organisations can provide tailored solutions for your kitchen. They can help audit your current practices, recommend equipment upgrades, and identify other areas for improvement. 

Benefits of Expert Guidance 

• Customised Strategies: Develop water-saving plans specific to your business. 

• Access to Resources: Gain access to the latest tools and technologies for required conservation. 

• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure your practices align with the local usage regulations. 

Get a wide variety of dishes, allowing guests to customise their meals according to their preferences with efficient and quick service. Check out our Buffet and Servery Stations. 

Utilise Greywater for Non-Critical Tasks 

Sometimes, greywater from your appliance can be reused for non-critical tasks like floor cleaning or pre-rinsing heavily soiled dishes. However, this requires proper filtration and compliance with local health and safety standards. 

Greywater Tips 

• Invest in Filtration Systems: Ensure the fluid is adequately treated before reuse. 

• Consult Local Regulations: Confirm that the reuse complies with health codes. 

• Implement Gradually: Start with a few small-scale applications and expand as needed. 

Collaborate with Equipment Suppliers 

Partnering with reputable equipment suppliers ensures access to the most liquid-efficient commercial kitchen dishwashers. Suppliers can also provide guidance on proper use and maintenance. 

What to Ask Suppliers 

• Water Efficiency Ratings: Request detailed usage data for their products. 

• Training Programs: Inquire about training for your staff on liquid-saving techniques. 

• Service Plans: Opt for maintenance plans to keep your equipment in top condition. 

Conclusion 

Reducing water usage with commercial dishwashers is environmentally responsible and financially beneficial. By investing in energy-efficient equipment, optimising operations, and educating your team, you can make a significant impact on fluid conservation. With these practical strategies, your business can achieve sustainability goals while maintaining high cleanliness and efficiency standards.