Commercial Dishwashers

Commercial dishwashers are the unsung heroes of the food service industry, working tirelessly to keep kitchens running smoothly and ensuring clean, sparkling dishes. However, like any equipment, they are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, commercial dishwashers can develop a range of issues that compromise their efficiency and performance. The good news is that many of these problems can be identified and resolved with a combination of routine maintenance and troubleshooting. 

This comprehensive blog will explore commercial utensil cleaner users' most common problems and provide practical solutions. Whether you're managing a bustling restaurant, a catering business, or any food service operation, this guide will assist you in keeping your titular product in top condition. 

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Why Addressing Dishwasher Issues Is Crucial 

Before diving into the specific problems, let's take a moment to understand why promptly addressing equipment issues is so important: 

  1. Hygiene and Safety: A malfunctioning dishwasher may leave dishes, utensils, and glassware improperly cleaned or sanitised, putting your users at risk of foodborne diseases. 

  1. Efficiency: Delays caused by faulty products can disrupt kitchen workflows during busy hours. 

  1. Cost Savings: Fixing small problems early on can avoid more extensive (and costly) restorations or changes later on. 

  1. Compliance: Many food service operations must meet strict hygiene and cleanliness standards. A well-functioning product plays a crucial role in achieving compliance. 

Let's dive into the most common commercial cleaner issues and their solutions. 

1. Dishes Are Not Getting cleaned 

Symptoms: 

  • After a rinsing cycle, food particles, grease, or stains remain on dishes. 

  • Dishes don't look or feel clean. 

Causes: 

  • Clogged spray arms. 

  • Low water pressure or temperature. 

  • Insufficient detergent or poor detergent quality. 

  • Overloading the dishwasher. 

  • Failure to pre-rinse dishes in the commercial kitchen dishwasher before rinsing. 

Solutions: 

  1. Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms: 

  • Take out the spray arms and look for clogs created by food debris or mineral buildup. 

  • Soak the arms in a vinegar solution to dissolve deposits and use a brush to clear any blockages. 

  1. Check Water Temperature: 

  • Ensure the water temperature is between 120°F and 160°F for effective cleaning. 

  • If the water isn't hot enough, inspect the heating element and replace it if necessary. 

  1. Use the Right Detergent: 

  • Select a top-quality, industrial-grade detergent that is perfect for your product and water type. 

  1. Don't Overload: 

  • Ensure items are adequately spaced to allow water and detergent to circulate freely. 

  1. Pre-Rinse Dishes: 

  • Scrape off food scraps and pre-rinse dishes to prevent clogging and ensure thorough cleaning. 

2. Cloudy or Spotty Glassware 

Symptoms: 

  • Glasses come out of the commercial dishwasher for sale with cloudy residue or water spots. 

Causes: 

  • Hard water deposits. 

  • Inadequate rinse aid. 

  • Improper detergent usage. 

Solutions: 

  1. Use a Rinse Aid: 

  • Add a rinse aid to the cleaner to stop water from sticking to glass surfaces, reducing spots. 

  1. Install a Water Softener: 

  • If you have hard water, a water softener can prevent mineral buildup that causes cloudiness. 

  1. Adjust Detergent Usage: 

  • Use the recommended amount of detergent; too much or too little can cause residue. 

  1. Polish Glassware: 

  • For persistent spots, hand-polish glasses with a vinegar solution to restore clarity. 

3. Dishwasher Is Leaking 

Symptoms: 

  • Water is accumulating around the base of the equipment. 

Causes: 

  • Damaged door seals or gaskets. 

  • A clogged or damaged drain. 

  • Improperly levelled equipment. 

Solutions: 

  1. Inspect Door Seals: 

  • Examine the rubber gaskets around the door for cracks or wear. Replace them if necessary to make the working of the product sourced from leading commercial dishwasher suppliers easy. 

  1. Clear the Drain: 

  • Check the dishwasher's drain and filter for clogs caused by food debris. Clear blockages with a brush or plumbing snake. 

  1. Level the Dishwasher: 

  • Use a level tool to ensure the product is aligned correctly to prevent leaks. 

  1. Call a Professional for Persistent Issues: 

  • If the issue continues to persist, seek specialist repair assistance to resolve internal leaks. 

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4. Dishwasher Doesn't Drain Properly 

Symptoms: 

  • Accumulation of water at the bottom of the appliance after a cycle. 

Causes: 

  • Clogged filters or drain lines. 

  • Faulty drain pump. 

Solutions: 

  1. Clean the Filter: 

  • Take out the purifier and rinse it under hot water to clear the debris. 

  1. Inspect the Drain Hose: 

  • Ensure the drain hose doesn't have blockages or kinks. Use a plumbing snake to clear any clogs. 

  1. Check the Drain Pump: 

  • Test the pump for proper functionality. Replace it if it's not working. 

  1. Avoid Overloading: 

  • Too many dishes can block the drain, causing water to pool. Load dishes carefully using equipment sourced from top commercial dishwasher dealers like LCE. 

5. The Appliance Is Making Unusual Noises 

Symptoms: 

  • Loud banging, grinding, or humming sounds during operation. 

Causes: 

  • Obstructions in the spray arms or pump. 

  • Loose components. 

  • Worn-out motor bearings. 

Solutions: 

  1. Inspect Spray Arms: 

  • Ensure that spray arms rotate freely and are not obstructed by large dishes or debris. 

  1. Tighten Loose Parts: 

  • Check and secure any loose screws, nuts, or fasteners inside the appliance. 

  1. Check the Motor Bearings: 

  • If the motor bearings are worn out, you may need a professional to replace them. 

6. Dishwasher Doesn't Start 

Symptoms: 

  • The dishwasher doesn't turn on or start a rinsing cycle. 

Causes: 

  • Power supply issues. 

  • Faulty door latch. 

  • The control board is malfunctioning. 

Solutions: 

  1. Check the Power Supply: 

  • Check whether the equipment is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. 

  1. Review the Door Latch: 

  • Ensure the full closure of the door, and check whether the latch of the product bought from commercial dishwasher manufacturers & distributors is secure. Replace a faulty latch if necessary. 

  1. Test the Control Panel: 

  • If the control board is unresponsive, consult a technician for repairs or replacement. 

7. Foul Odors from the Product 

Symptoms: 

  • Unpleasant smells coming from the dishwasher. 

Causes: 

  • Food residue buildup. 

  • Mould or mildew growth. 

  • Clogged filters. 

Solutions: 

  1. Clean the Interior: 

  • Wipe down the interior with baking soda and vinegar to remove odours. 

  1. Clean the Filter and Drain: 

  • Clear any debris from the filter and drain to prevent odour-causing buildup. 

  1. Run a Cleaning Cycle: 

  • Use an appliance cleaner or vinegar to run an empty cycle for a deep clean. 

  1. Keep the Door Open After Use: 

  • Allow the product to air dry to prevent moisture buildup that leads to mould. 

8. Dishwasher Is Overheating 

Symptoms: 

  • Excessive steam or heat during operation. 

Causes: 

  • Malfunctioning thermostat. 

  • Blocked ventilation. 

Solutions: 

  1. Inspect the Thermostat: 

  • Use a multimeter to check the thermostat and change it if it's not working correctly. 

  1. Check Ventilation: 

  • Ensure ducts have no obstacles or debris to prevent proper airflow. 

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Conclusion 

A commercial dishwasher is a crucial part of any food service operation, and understanding its common problems can help you keep a clean and effective kitchen. By addressing problems promptly and following regular upkeep routines, you can enhance the lifespan of your product and minimise disruptions to your workflow. 

Remember, while DIY solutions can resolve some issues, others may require professional expertise. Don't hesitate to seek help from a certified assistant for tough restorations or persistent problems.