Restaurants and retail stores must regularly clean commercial refrigeration appliances to promote sanitation. These units see a heavy amount of use and can become unsightly and experience problems without some TLC once every three months or so. Some methods are more effective at removing spills and food bits while preventing moisture problems. Here’s a closer look at how to approach cleaning.

How to Clean a Commercial Fridge

1. Unplug & Empty

First, disconnect the power source to prevent electrocution around water and cleaning products. Go through the ingredients and condiments and toss anything that’s moldy or expired while removing every item from the appliance so you can easily reach every shelf and drawer. 

2. Wipe Down the Surfaces

Fill a bucket with water and mild dish detergent and use a sponge to wipe down the walls, shelves, and drawers of the commercial refrigeration appliance. Some people wear scrubbing mitts with loops that resemble floor mops to cover every angle. Scrub tiny corners or stubborn stains with a small brush before wiping the interior with a wet microfiber cloth and letting it dry.

3. Apply Food-Safe Sanitizer

Use a food-safe sanitizer and a sponge to wipe down the fridge a second time. Look for no-rinse varieties to cut down on your workload, and use only a tiny amount if the product is concentrated. Skip powerful cleaners like bleach or ammonia since they can add odors and flavors to foods and potentially make customers sick.

4. Remove Exterior Dust & Debris

Commercial refrigeration units feature coils full of refrigerant that move hot air from the interior to the exterior. Use a vacuum to suck up dust and debris that have gathered on the coils behind the fridge, as this buildup can slow heat transfer and limit energy efficiency. Wipe down the exterior of the fridge with a dry cloth to remove dust and grease before sweeping and mopping beneath the appliance and loading it up with the items you removed earlier.

Restaurants that need commercial refrigeration appliances or repair should contact the NATE®-certified team at Parker’s Heating and Cooling in Grady County, GA. The company serves Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia with scheduled and emergency services. Call the Cairo company at (229) 377-9129 or visit the website to learn about free estimates and financing options on appliance installation.