Walk-in refrigerators create cold environments for all kinds of food. Commercial establishments like restaurants, hospitals, diners, coffee shops, meat processing plants, bakeries, ice cream shops, pharmacies, wine shops, and caterers.
A1 Dallas Commercial Refrigeration Repair
All perishable food and beverages must be stored in temperatures ranging from 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold environment prevents bacteria growth related to food spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
Walk-In Refrigerator Maintenance
Walk-in refrigerators need to be cleaned at least twice a year. It is recommended to utilize a cleaning solution comprised of deodorizers, disinfectants, and mold removers. Routine cleaning eradicates bacteria and mold linked to foul odors.
Empty the interior compartment to ensure thorough cleaning. Check with the manufacturer before spraying down with water. Walk-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers have interior compartments that are sealed to prevent air from entering and escaping.
Working in sections, spray a thin layer of cleaner before scrubbing with a suitable brush. Continue the process until the entire interior compartment has been thoroughly scrubbed. Rinse with water and allow to thoroughly dry before filling with food.
The exterior should be wiped down with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Temperature Maintenance
Temperature maintenance is key to controlling odors for walk-in freezers and refrigerators. Any drop in temperature can result in bacteria growth on food and the surface.
Commercial walk-in freezers must be kept between zero and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Walk-in refrigerators must be kept between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream freezers must be kept between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Refrigerator Deodorizers
To control walk-in refrigerator odors, some businesses utilize deodorizers. A natural deodorizer comprised of baking soda can safely be utilized in walk-in refrigerators.
Charcoal briquettes can also be utilized to control odors in refrigerators.
Avoid Storing Leftovers If Possible
Leftover food tends to generate foul odors more often than raw food. The foul odor is linked to bacteria growth. If you are adamant about saving food leftovers, it is possible to eliminate refrigerator odors by utilizing sealed storage containers.
Utilized refrigerator- or freezer-safe plastic bags with a strong seal. Plastic or glass bowls should have a lid that creates a full seal. Otherwise, the odors will escape the container and stink up the refrigerated compartment.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
In commercial settings, especially restaurants, food spillage is a given. Encourage your employees to tackle spills as soon as possible. Food spillage will become a harbor for bacteria growth. Keep cleaning supplies nearby as a reminder to clean up liquid and solid spills quickly.
Employee Walk-In Refrigerator Maintenance Training
Businesses rely on their employees for every operational process. Kitchen workers generally have more contact with
walk-in freezers. Waitresses, bartenders, and other frontend workers also access these appliances from time to time.
Employee training should focus on appliance maintenance. Utilizing visual aids like pamphlets and videos to show your employees how to properly inspect and clean commercial appliances.
If you want the employees to properly maintain your commercial walk-in refrigerator and freezer, you must provide the proper resources. Keep cleaning supplies on a nearby shelf to ensure quick access in fast-paced environments.
