A commercial dishwasher is perhaps the single most important appliance in any restaurant, hotel, school, or healthcare facility. It plays a huge role in serving our meals every day. From utensils to glasses, plates, and cups, you simply cannot survive without a commercial dishwasher in your kitchen especially if you are running a commercial business. With that being said, purchasing a commercial dishwasher is one thing but using it is another, and for commercial dishwasher repairs, you shouldn’t handle it yourself and call a pro. Here we are going to discuss how to use a commercial dishwasher.

Machine Dishwashing Procedures

Step #1 Filling And Operating

To use a commercial dishwasher, the first thing you need to do is check the power switch and make sure it is turned on. Then, you need to check the drain, it should be closed. Now press and hold the fill button until the machine is filled up with water. It will fill up when it is nearly two inches from the bottom of the pan. Furthermore, check the temperature of the wash tank as well. It should be within the proper operating range. For best results, make sure that the temperature of the water is between 140 and 155 degrees. Moreover, check the rinse additive, detergent supply, and sanitizer before proceeding.

Step #2 Washing

Now that the dishwasher is filled with water and the operating temperature is right, proceed to the second step that is washing.

As the plates start to arrive in the dishwashing area, begin sorting out the dishes based on their size, shape, and type. Put the plates of the same size, type, and shape to one side. The organization should be done in a manner that the larger plates are racked at the back of the rack while the smaller plates are on the front. However, be careful not to overcrowd or stack the dish racks.

Then, pre-rinse the dishes with a pre-rinse spray before they are sent through the machine. Remember, the better you pre-rinse the dishes, the better the results will be. Therefore, take your time and pre-rinse them thoroughly. Once you are done pre-rinsing the dishes and organizing them inside the rack, put the rack inside the dishwasher. Press the start button for the machine to start washing the dishes.

When the machine is done with the first cycle and informs you via an alarm or light, open the door and remove the rack. Make sure that your hands are clean before you touch the dishware, otherwise it will make it dirty all over again. Now put the glasses as well as the plates in their proper racks. Place the glass racks into the machine and close the door. Wait for the cycle to complete and then open the door. Remove the rack and check for any flaws.

If you are using the dishwasher for stainless flatware, then it needs to be pre-soaked in water, detergent, or a tub. It is essential to soak stainless steel items in water before washing them. Once you are done with pre-soaking, put the pieces on a flat rack. Now, pre-rinse and put the rack inside the machine. Once the cycle is complete and you have removed the racks, you must use special baskets with the handles facing down for flatware.

Run the rack through the machine for the second time. Remember, that flatware always needs to be washed twice before letting dry. Once the flatware is dry, put it in a container and make sure to sanitize it.  Never use a towel to dry flatware or any dish glass under no circumstances whatsoever.

Step #3 Cleaning And Draining

Like all kitchen appliances, dishwashers require proper cleaning as well. Once you are done washing the plates, clean the dishwasher but first turn it off. Then, clean the pump screen and put it back into the washer. Moreover, remove and clean the scrap accumulator tray as well. Give the entire dishwasher a thorough look to make sure nothing is clogged.

Final Word

Commercial dishwashers are an expensive kitchen equipment. You should know how to clean and use them. Therefore, the next time you are unsure about using a commercial dishwasher, go through the above-mentioned instructions in detail. If there is any issue, go to the manufacturer if there’s warranty. If it’s expired, hire a commercial appliances repair Alexandria technician.