Preparing Plates for a Commercial Dishwasher: Best Practices

If you're working in a commercial kitchen, you know that time is of the essence. Every minute counts when you're trying to keep up with orders and keep your customers happy. One of the most time-consuming tasks in the kitchen is washing dishes, especially if you're doing it by hand. That's why commercial dishwashers are so important. They can save you a lot of time and effort, but only if you use them correctly.

One of the keys to using a commercial dishwasher efficiently is to prepare your dishes properly before loading them. If you don't, you could end up with dirty dishes or even damage your machine. But what exactly should you do to your plates before loading them into the dishwasher? Should you rinse them off? Should you scrape them? Should you stack them a certain way? In this article, we'll answer all of these questions and more, so you can make the most of your commercial dishwasher and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Before we dive into the specifics of loading a commercial dishwasher, it's important to understand why proper plate preparation is so important. Not only does it help ensure that your dishes come out clean and sanitized, but it can also help extend the life of your machine. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare your plates before loading them can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Scraping and Pre-Rinsing

When it comes to loading a commercial dishwasher, a few steps need to be taken to ensure that the dishes come out clean and sanitized. One of the most important steps is scraping and pre-rinsing the plates before loading them into the dishwasher.

Scraping the plates is the first step in the process. This involves removing any large pieces of food that may be stuck to the plate. This can be done with a scraper, a rubber spatula, or even a fork. It's important to remove as much food as possible, as this will help prevent the dishwasher from becoming clogged and help ensure that the dishes come out clean.

Pre-rinsing the plates is the next step. This involves rinsing the plates under running water to remove any remaining food particles. However, it's important to note that pre-rinsing is not always necessary. In fact, most commercial dishwashers are designed to work best with plates that have not been pre-rinsed. Pre-rinsing can lead to worse cleaning results, as the dishwasher may not detect the soil level on the dishes properly.

So, when should you pre-rinse your plates? If large pieces of food are stuck to the plates, it's a good idea to pre-rinse them to prevent the dishwasher from clogging. Additionally, if the plates have been sitting out for a long period of time and the food has dried on, pre-rinsing can help to loosen the food and make it easier for the dishwasher to clean.

Overall, scraping and pre-rinsing are important steps in the dishwashing process. By taking the time to properly prepare the plates before loading them into the dishwasher, you can help to ensure that your dishes come out clean and sanitized every time.

Loading the Dishwasher

Before loading plates into a commercial dishwasher, it is important to prepare them properly to ensure they come out clean and sanitized. Here are some tips on how to load the dishwasher:

Proper Placement

When loading plates into the dishwasher, placing them in the correct location is important. Large dinner plates and bowls should be loaded in the lower rack, while smaller plates and bowls should be loaded in the upper rack. Place the plates and bowls between the prongs, and make sure they do not touch each other. This will help ensure that the water and detergent can reach all surfaces of the plates.

Spacing

Spacing is also important when loading plates into the dishwasher. Make sure there is enough space between plates to allow water and detergent to flow freely. Overloading the dishwasher can result in dirty dishes, as the water and detergent may not be able to reach all surfaces of the plates. Also, make sure that the plates are not too close to the dishwasher walls, as this can prevent water and detergent from reaching them.

Stacking

Stacking plates in the dishwasher is important to stack them properly. Stacking plates of the same size and shape together will help ensure that they come out clean. Also, make sure that the plates are facing the same direction, with the dirty side facing the center of the dishwasher. This will help ensure that the water and detergent can reach all surfaces of the plates.

By following these tips, plates can be loaded into a commercial dishwasher properly, ensuring that they come out clean and sanitized.

Detergent and Rinse Aid

Using the right detergent and rinse aid is essential for getting your plates clean and spot-free in a commercial dishwasher. Here are some tips to help you choose the right products:

Detergent

Commercial dishwashers require a special type of detergent that is designed to break down food and grease quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the most common types of commercial dishwasher detergent:

• Liquid: This detergent is easy to use and great for low-temperature dishwashers. It is also less likely to leave residue on your dishes.
• Powder: Powdered detergent is more effective at removing tough stains and is great for high-temperature dishwashers. However, it can leave residue on your dishes if not used properly.
• Pods: Detergent pods are a convenient option that eliminates the need for measuring. They are also less likely to spill or make a mess.

When choosing a detergent, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Using too much or too little detergent can affect the cleaning performance of your dishwasher.

Rinse Aid

Rinse aid is a special liquid that is added to the dishwasher to help prevent water spots and streaks on your dishes. Here are some tips for using rinse aid:

• Check if your dishwasher has a designated rinse aid dispenser. If not, you can purchase a rinse aid basket or use detergent tablets or packs that already include rinse aid.
• Fill the rinse aid dispenser with the recommended amount of rinse aid. Do not overfill, as this can cause your dishes to become too slippery and fall out of the dishwasher rack.
• Make sure to refill the rinse aid dispenser regularly, as running out of rinse aid can cause water spots and streaks to appear on your dishes.

Using the right detergent and rinse aid can make a big difference in the performance of your commercial dishwasher. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plates come out clean and spot-free every time.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Daily Maintenance

Before loading plates into a commercial dishwasher, it is important to ensure that they are free from any food debris or residue. This can be done by scraping off any remaining food particles with a rubber spatula or a scraper. Once the plates are free from food debris, they can be rinsed with water to remove any remaining residue.

It is also important to clean the dishwasher daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. This can be done by wiping down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to buildup, such as the spray nozzles and filters.

Weekly Maintenance

In addition to daily maintenance, it is important to perform weekly maintenance on the commercial dishwasher. This includes cleaning the dishwasher's interior and exterior thoroughly. Remove any parts that can be easily removed, such as the filters and baskets, and clean them with warm water and detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any stubborn buildup.

It is also important to descale the dishwasher weekly to remove any mineral buildup that can affect the machine's performance. This can be done by running a descaling solution through the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the commercial dishwasher ensure that the plates are cleaned properly and extend the machine's life. Following these simple steps ensures that your commercial dishwasher is always in top working condition.

Conclusion

Before loading plates into a commercial dishwasher, it is important to ensure that they are properly prepared. This will not only ensure that the dishwasher operates at maximum efficiency but also prolongs the lifespan of the machine.

Firstly, removing any leftover food debris from the plates is important. This can be done by scraping the plates with a rubber spatula or a scraper. If there are any stubborn stains, a pre-rinse with hot water can help to loosen them. However, it is important to note that pre-rinsing can waste water and energy, so it should only be done if necessary.

Secondly, plates should be arranged in the dishwasher to maximize space and ensure that they are properly cleaned. Large dinner plates and bowls should be loaded in the lower rack, while smaller plates and glasses should be loaded in the upper rack. Plates should be spaced apart to allow water to flow freely between them. Facing plates in the same direction allows for more efficient cleaning and drying.

Finally, selecting the correct wash cycle is important and allows the machine to complete the whole washing process automatically. Interrupting the wash program can result in incomplete cleaning and damage to the machine.

By following these simple steps, plates can be properly prepared for loading into a commercial dishwasher, ensuring that they are cleaned efficiently and effectively. Proper maintenance of the dishwasher and the plates can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

Our dishwashers come in various sizes and styles to fit every kitchen and budget, from compact models for small spaces to larger capacity models for bigger households. They are designed with features like multiple wash cycles, adjustable racks, and energy-efficient modes to save you time, water, and energy.

Say goodbye to dishpan hands and hello to more free time with one of our top-of-the-line dishwashers. Head over to our website and browse our selection of dishwashers today. Order now to take advantage of our exclusive deals and discounts.