With proper cleaning and maintenance, your commercial glasswasher will run smoothly, produce better quality wash results, last longer, and save you from costly repairs. Here’s a simple guide on how to keep your machine in tip top condition.
Use the Recommended Temperatures
Make sure your glasswasher is set to the right temperatures, these are usually:
55°C for washing
70°C for rinsing
Check these settings on installation. If the water is too hot, it can damage your glassware. If it’s too low, the glasses won’t get properly cleaned, leading to potential hygiene & result issues.
Use the Correct Detergent
Always use the glasswasher detergent recommended by the glasswasher’s manufacturer. The wrong detergent can leave streaks or damage the machine. If you’re not sure, check the manual or ask your supplier. Using the right detergent keeps your glasses sparkling clean and protects your machine.
Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Follow the maintenance schedule in the user manual to keep your machine working at its best. Some tasks, like cleaning filters and checking the wash arms for blockages, can be done by staff, but more complicated maintenance might need a professional. Regular upkeep helps avoid expensive breakdowns.
Load the Machine Properly
Loading the glasswasher the right way makes a big difference in cleaning results:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket, so water can reach all the glasses
- Do NOT wash light-weight plastic items, e.g. shot glasses, which can bounce around the wash zone and often jam wash arms
- Wipe off lipstick stains before putting glasses in the machine
- Remove debris like lemon peel, pips, cocktails sticks etc from the glass before washing
Clean the Machine Daily
At the end of each day, give your glasswasher a good clean:
- Drain the machine and switch off the power
- Remove filters and wash arms and clean them to prevent blockages
- Wipe down the outside with a sanitiser to keep it hygienic
- Clean the inside with warm water and a damp cloth
- Clean around the door wells
- A Wet Vac is highly recommended, ideal for safely removing glass & debris from the wash zone
Daily cleaning will help keep your glasswasher in top condition and make sure it cleans effectively.
Example of a dirty glasswasher
Do a Deep Clean Regularly
In addition to daily cleaning, you should give your glasswasher a deeper clean every week or month, depending on how much you use it.
- Check the wash arms, nozzles, and filters for blockages
- Inspect door wells and door corners making sure they’re free from debris
- Check detergent and rinse aid levels
This will prevent problems from building up and keep your machine running smoothly for longer.
Water Softener Regeneration
If you are in a hard water area your glasswasher should either have an integral or external water softener fitted. Make sure Salt replacement is regularly carried out in accordance with the instructions of the device fitted. Limescale is a huge contributor to poor wash results, damage and costly breakdowns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Slime
Pink or orange slime can build up in glasswashers, especially in warm, wet areas like around the door or in the corners. This slime is caused by leftover drinks, and it can be full of bacteria and mould. If you see it, it means either, the machine isn’t being cleaned enough, the detergent dose is insufficient, or the detergent is poor quality. Make sure to clean the machine regularly to keep it safe and hygienic.
Not Leaving the Door Open
After using or cleaning the glasswasher, don’t forget to leave the door open, where possible. If the door stays closed, moisture gets trapped inside, which can cause bacteria and mould to grow. Leaving the door open lets air dry it out and stops bad smells developing.
Handle Doors with Care
Slamming, yanking or standing on the glasswasher door can damage them. The hinges are important for keeping the door shut tight and preventing leaks. If the door gets damaged, the machine won’t clean as well and might use more water or energy.
Inadequate Detergents and Rinse Aids
Make sure to always check detergent and rinse aid levels. If they run out, glasses might come out dirty or streaky, which doesn’t look good. Also, check regularly that the tubes for detergent and rinse aid are in the correct bottles.
Not Emptying Glasses Before Loading
Always empty glasses before putting them in the glasswasher. Leftover drinks, like beer or wine, can mess with the cleaning water and make the detergent less effective. If there are solid bits like confetti, lemon or straws, they can block the machine’s filters and cause it to clean poorly or break down faster.
With these simple steps, your glasswasher will stay in great condition, giving you spotless glasses and hassle-free operation for years to come.
Professional Servicing
Even with regular upkeep, glasswashers can develop issues over time. Smart diagnostics can alert you to problems early, such as blocked filters, leaks, or performance drops. Acting quickly is crucial. Delaying repairs can lead to bigger, costlier breakdowns.
Having a dedicated service team ready for diagnostics and repairs provides peace of mind and minimal disruption to your operations.
Barcare Supreme offers a comprehensive warranty that covers repairs and access to our expert service team. With our warranty, you get support whenever needed, minimising downtime and protecting your business.
Our Maintenance Plans
We offer flexible glasswasher maintenance plans for all models in the Classeq range. Explore our maintenance services and find the right plan for your needs:
