Articles - January 13, 2023

How to Use a Commercial Dishwasher in 7 Simple Steps

Need a crash course on how to use a commercial dishwasher?
If yes, this article is simply perfect for you. Follow these 7 steps and you will soon find yourself mastering the commercial dishwasher in front of you like a piece of cake (or at least a whole lot better).

If you need further assistance, look for the correct manual for your specific machine. Or contact us and we’ll help you using our 35+ years of experience as a commercial dishwasher manufacturer.

Important: Check the following before turning on the machine

1. Instructions: Check for QR codes, manuals, or wall manuals for your specific machine as guidence.
2. Detergent: Check that the containers for detergent and rinse aid are connected and contains fluid.
3. Drain valve: Locate the drain valve - It should be closed before filling and heating the machine.
4. Clean and empty: Check that the machine is clean and empty. There shouldn't be any loose parts in the machine.

The dishwashing process (7 simple steps)

All commercial dishwashers are handled and run in a rather similar way. From filling and heating to washing and daily cleaning. Below you have some steps you need to keep track of in order to run any existing dishwasher on the market.

Step 1: Start and prepare your machine

1. Correct placement. Ensure the tank grid and insert/basket wheel are placed in the correct position.
2. Prepare granules (if the machine runs with granule technology). If the machine runs with Granule technology you need to empty the Granules into the wash tank (check the manufacturers' specific instructions to ensure you enter them correctly).
3. Close the hood/doors and switch it on. Make sure the door(s) and drain valve is closed and switch on the main electrical switch.

Step 2: Fill and heat with water

When step 1 is done it is time to fill the tank with water and heat it up.

This is how you do it:
Use the control panel and navigate to and choose the water-filling option. The machine will fill with water and heat up to the correct temperature. The time to heat takes around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the model, the size of the wash tank, and if it has a warm or cold water connection.

A lot of pots and utensils needs to be washed

Step 3: Prepare the utensils and wares for washing

When the machine is filled and heated it is time to make sure that the wares and utensils are ready for washing. Depending on the efficiency of the machine you need to prepare them differently. If you have a ware washer based on granule technology you can simply scrape all the remaining food off before loading them into the machine.

If you have a less efficient machine in front of you the wares might even require soaking and additional scrubbing before they are ready to be loaded. If washing plates and crockery, simply rinse off the remaining bits of food with a pre-rinse shower. Be mindful to rinse in temperatures below 45 °C in order not to have protein stains on the porcelain.

Step 4: Time to load the machine

Make sure to know where the spray nozzles are located inside the machine. The dirty side should always be facing the spray nozzles. Load your insert or wash basket with your selected items. When you are done it is time to open the machine and load the basket or insert in.

Remember! Always make sure that all wash items are firmly placed and that nothing is sticking out from the baskets sides or bottom. The movement of the hood or basket rotation must not be hindered.

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Kitchen staff taking care of the ware washing in a Granuldisk Combi

Step 5: Run your wash cycles

Choose the wash program based on how soiled the items are. The dirtier the items are the longer the wash program should be. If the equipment does not have a sensor for selecting the correct wash mode, make sure to never wash crockery and plates with granule mode on. When you have decided on a program, simply press the start/confirm button. When the cycle is complete the machine will indicate.

Tips! Keep the doors closed if you are not running another wash program straight away. It saves energy and reduces evaporation from the wash tank.

Step 6: Inspect the wash ware

Inspect the wash items after each program. Are they visually clean? Shortly you will learn which program to choose depending on how soiled the items are. If you are washing with granule technology, make sure no granules are left and turn all wash ware upside down before taking the items out of the machine.

Step 7: Daily cleaning at the end of the day

When you are done for the day it is time for the daily cleaning routine.

1. Stop and empty. Stop the machine and open the drain valve to empty the wash tank.
2. Clean spray pipes. Switch off the main electrical switch and check and clean the spray pipes.
3. Grid and sieve. Clean tank grids, overflow sieve, and granule valve cover (if there is one).
4. Clean the inside. Wash the inside of the machine with water and wipe off the level sensor.
5. Washing of drip groove. The drip groove should also be washed cleaned and dried.
6. Clean the doors. Wipe door seals and inside the doors with a damp cloth.
7. Cleaning the top. The top of the machine should be wiped off at least once a month.

Note! We recommend that you check and study the user manual for your specific machine in order to conduct this process correctly.

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Bonus tip: How to ensure the best possible washing result

Run full loads. For a more sustainable washing process try to run the machine when it is full. Still don't overload the wash basket since it can impact the wash result on some of the items.
Usage of high temperature. To clean and sanitize your wash ware properly the wash temp should be around 65 degrees and the rinse temp of at least 85 degrees.
Stop all manual processes. If the machine requires that you soak and scrub your pots and pans, consider changing it to a more efficient one. It will save you money, time, water, chemicals, and energy. All while improving your environmental footprint.
Drying agent. After sanitizing your pots, be mindful - if drying them with paper or a towel there's a risk of contaminating them all over again. So instead, use a drying agent in the rinse water to get the wash ware dry.

Need help to secure your sanitization process? →

Final thoughts

How to properly use a commercial dishwasher might not be rocket science, but to become an expert you need to use your machine on a daily basis. That way you get to know the machine, how you load it correctly, and which wash cycles that work best for your items. Once you use it regularly you can fine-tune your usage and run it as time efficient and sustainable as possible.

Best of luck with your machine!

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