Whether you manage a chain restaurant or own an independent grocery store, keeping your commercial refrigeration equipment clean should be a priority. Beyond maintaining efficiency, a sanitary unit will prevent food contamination that could make patrons sick. To give your machine a thorough cleaning, follow these steps.

How to Clean a Commercial Refrigeration Unit

1. Empty Out the Interior

To save time, you might move items to the side to clean the refrigerator shelves. However, maneuvering around boxes, bags, and cartons increases the likelihood that you’ll miss spots. To make sure an entire surface is cleaned, remove all the contents on each shelf before you start. This will also prevent cleaning solutions from getting on food.

With a sponge, use a mixture of mild dish soap and water to wipe down the interior. Then, use a toothbrush to access small crevices. Finally, to remove bacteria and mold spores, spritz shelves and door compartments with a food-safe sanitizer.

2. Wipe Down the Sides & Doors

Dirt, dust, and grime accumulating on the sides, doors, and condenser covers of your commercial refrigeration equipment could filter inside the appliance. Also, if the condenser is dirty, heat from the refrigerant can’t escape, which increases the risk of premature wear to the compressor as it overheats. Use a rag soaked in soapy water to wipe down the exterior.

3. Throw Away Expired Food

Before you put items back in the refrigerator, check the expiration dates and throw out food that’s moldy or reached the end of its shelf life. If it hasn’t already, anything that’s expired could begin to rot. This means the recently cleaned interior will quickly fill with foul smells and mold spores that other foods could absorb.

To keep your commercial refrigeration equipment in great condition, contact Tri-City Services in Wisconsin Rapids. These NATE-certified professionals repair and maintain walk-in coolers, freezers, and ice machines for commercial clients throughout Wood County. Find out which commercial refrigeration equipment they service online, and call (715) 423-5840 for an appointment. You can also keep up with company news on Facebook.