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How To Clean a Commercial Fridge

Polar Salad Counter Fridge

1. TURN OFF AND EMPTY BEFORE CLEANING

For safety, make sure to disconnect the power supply before starting the cleaning process.

Trying to clean around gastronorms full of sauce or vegetables just makes cleaning more difficult. Emptying the fridge before you start helps your food rotation and also lets you identify any containers which might require replacement.

2. USE THE RIGHT CHEMICALS

Remember that some chemicals can react with stainless steel, rubber or aluminium, so to prevent discolouration or damage make sure to check the label before using any chemicals. A great all-round cleaning chemical to use is Jantex Sanitiser which can also be used throughout your kitchen – not just in the fridge. Avoid using scented cleaning chemicals as these can mask the tell-tale odours of food that needs discarding.

3. CLEAN THE DOOR SEALS / GASKETS

In most circumstances, the only chemical you'll need to clean door seals with is simple washing up liquid. As long as the seals are cleaned and dried on a daily basis, significant bacteria or mould will not be able to form on the seals. However, if there are any signs of contamination, Jantex Sanitiser can be used to clean the seals. Simply apply, wait for five minutes and then wipe down thoroughly to leave the seals dirt-free and hygienic. Many modern commercial fridges, including models from Polar Refrigeration feature removable door seals which makes cleaning much faster and more convenient. Make up a simple bowl of warm soapy water and immerse.

4. CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT

Where possible, remove the shelves, runners and floor protectors then spray the interior and exterior with Jantex Sanitiser. Leave for five minutes and then wipe down. Don't forget commonly missed nooks and crannies such as handles, inside the door seal channel and fixed position shelf runners. Also remember to thoroughly dry once finished.

Many commercial fridges feature a drainage hole at the bottom of the fridge cavity. It's important to give this a good clean too, as any spillages or residue naturally drain down here and can quickly breed bacteria. Removing any debris and a quick spray of sanitiser spray leaves the drainage hole clean and hygienic.

TIP: Don't forget the condenser tray. This is mounted on the underside of the fridge and catches water and residue which has gone through the drainage hole. Simply empty, clean with sanitiser spray and dry.

5. CLEAN THE CONDENSER FILTER

Commercial fridges have to work hard to keep to the right temperature. Not only do they battle against constant door opening, air-cooled fridges also encounter air filled with grease, steam and dust which can quickly obstruct the air flow to the condenser. To protect against damage, the filter prevents the majority of air contaminants hitting the delicate condenser components. However, if the filter isn't cleaned regularly it can quickly clog up, causing the fridge or freezer to fail - potentially leading to an expensive repair.

Each piece of refrigeration is different, so refer to the user manual to locate the filter in your machine. Once removed, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the filter.

TIP: Even with a filter in position, the condenser may still accumulate dirt and grime over time. Use condenser cleaner spray to help keep the fridge working as expected.

6. DRY EVERYTHING

Drying is absolutely essential. A common mistake after cleaning a commercial fridge or freezer is to let it air dry. However, this can cause a multitude of long-term issues. Sitting water or chemicals can quickly discolour metalwork, even stainless steel. If water is left on the seals, they can rot, providing an easy home for bacteria or mould. The solution is simple though. A thorough wipe down with Jantex Centrefeed Blue Roll or Microfibre Cloth ensures your fridge is clean, dry and ready for service once again.

Finally, once cleaning is completed, don't forget to turn the appliance back on!

The following video provides the basics on Polar Refrigeration maintenance.

Polar Refrigeration Maintenance Guide

A quick guide for essential maintenance tasks required to keep the range of Polar Refrigeration units clean and working efficiently. Many Polar fridges come equipped with the attachments shown in this video and are removed/detached in a similar fashion.