Let's face it; Covid-19 hasn't been kind to the catering and hospitality industry.
But things are slowly starting to look up. As restrictions ease and the border opens up to the world, the food and hospitality sector is moving into 2022 with confidence.
As you prepare to reopen your business, is your commercial kitchen equipment in good shape? How about your dishwasher?
When it comes to operating your business, a commercial dishwasher is one of the most important must-have tools. That's why it's essential to prolong its lifespan for as long as possible.
You can do this through regular cleaning and maintenance. Before you do, read this guide to find out how to clean your dishwasher the right way.
Signs That Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning
Aside from visible debris, there are a few other signs that are telling you it's time to clean your dishwasher:
- Food particles left on washed crockery
- Reduction in overall cleaning performance
- Strong odours emanating from the machine
If any of the above sound familiar, it's time you give your dishwasher a well-deserved clean.
How to Clean a Commercial Dishwasher 
The difference between a dishwasher that lasts 20 years and one that doesn't depends on how well you look after it. A machine that receives regular cleaning will spend many years in your kitchen.
Follow these steps to improve the longevity of your commercial dishwasher.
1. Turn Power Off
To avoid the risk of a potential accident, ensure the power is off. Although commercial dishwashers run automatically only when the door is closed, it pays to get into good practice.
Wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a clean cloth and some cleaning spray.
2. Drain the Dishwasher
At this point, it's time to drain your dishwasher and empty the tank. After you've wiped out the inside of the machine, you'll need to allow the water to drain.
This shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Wait for another 10 to 15 minutes with the door open for the dishwasher to cool down.
3. Clean the Spray Nozzles
Use white vinegar to wipe the spray nozzles clean. This will help loosen up the debris and any hard water deposits.
While you're there, inspect the gaskets for any wear and tear as these could limit the rotational performance.
4. Clean the Screens, Filters, and Baskets
Remove any screens, filters or baskets from the dishwasher. Gently clean each component using detergent and warm water with a soft-bristled brush. Check the filter for any signs of food particles.
If something is blocking the filter, it can clog the drain and cause unpleasant smells. Doing this simple step will help you avoid any serious issues later on.
5. Inspect and Clean
Carefully remove the dishwasher spray arms. Wipe over with warm water and rinse under a tap.
Take your time during this step. It's important to scrub away any gunk that might affect the dishwasher's efficiency.
If you have trouble unclogging the armholes, use a toothpick to extract the debris. While you're there, check the arms for signs of wear and tear.
If you've been experiencing any issues with your dishwashing, especially loud rattling or poorly cleaned dishes, it's time to consider replacing those parts.
6. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Fill up the dishwasher with detergent and rinse aid, if applicable. With everything back securely in place, it's time to run a cleaning cycle.
A cleaning cycle allows for additional cleaning to the interior with fresh water and quality detergent. It is also an excellent opportunity to check for any strange noises or leakages affecting its operation.
If you do hear strange noises, contact your local dishwater technician to inspect and solve the problem for you.
7. Leave the Doors Open
After the cycle is finished, leave the doors open. If it's the end of the working day, drain the tank and let it dry overnight. By allowing the dishwasher to air-dry, you're reducing the chance of bacterial growth.
How to Descale a Commercial Dishwasher
Whether we like it or not, commercial dishwashers are subject to the buildup of limescale deposits. Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit of calcium carbonate (CaCO³).
Limescale deposits pose a health risk and can result in the failure of heating elements and affect the accuracy of electrical sensors.
Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid costly repair fees.
- Drain the dishwasher and refill with fresh water
- Add 500ml of descaler
- Run the machine for 10 minutes
- Scourer to remove any leftover heavy buildup
It's recommended that you descale your dishwasher at least once a year to protect the buildup of limescale. Dishwasher maintenance will help prolong the life and performance of your dishwasher.
To protect your dishwasher from limescale, there are some preventative steps you can take at the end of each working day.
They include:
- Draining the dishwasher every night
- Cleaning scrap trays and filters
- Washing and rinsing jets
Avoid using abrasive cleaners and pads that can cause scratches and unnecessary damage.
Clean the dishwasher's exterior with a recommended product for that type of surface.
Ready to Clean Your Commercial Dishwasher?
A clean commercial dishwasher is just as important as serving quality food. Delicious food is only delicious when it's served on clean crockery. 
As businesses begin to open up and serve hungry customers again, there's never been a more important time to update your commercial equipment.
Federal Hospitality Equipment (FED) has a wide range of catering equipment, including several types of dishwashers to choose from. At FED, we know what you need to help your business grow. At Federal Hospitality Equipment, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality commercial kitchen equipment and supplies, from bain maries to bar fridges Australia offers.
Are you looking to buy a new dishwasher for your commercial kitchen?
Browse our wide range of commercial equipment today.
