If you’re concerned with the maintenance of your commercial refrigeration unit in Florida, it likely means you’re up to date on most minor things. The light bulbs all work, the alert sensors have been tested, mechanical components are inspected routinely, etc. But, interestingly enough, many diligent owners forget one of the most important maintenance tasks: cleaning the unit! For as much as you need to keep up on the electrical and mechanical functions of your unit, you also need to stay on top of its cleaning demands.

If you operate something like a meat cooler at a butcher shop or grocery store, a daily hose-down is likely on the schedule. But there’s more to it than taking a hose to the walls and floor. It’s a smart idea to consider all of the daily, weekly, monthly and annual cleaning tasks that go in to maintaining a functional commercial refrigeration unit. Here are some of the more general aspects to consider.

Daily

Depending on what your walk-in refrigeration unit is used for, daily cleaning may or may not be necessary. In our meat cooler example from above, daily cleaning is absolutely necessary, but in a bakery setting, not so much. It all depends on whether or not contaminants are present. At the very least, you’ll want to make it a point to keep this space tidy and well kept, to avoid basic issues like shelf overloading or thermostat sensor blockage.

Weekly

Again, weekly cleaning and maintenance depends on the size and nature of your unit. One of the key things to do weekly is brush off any ice buildups or condensate that might be forming, to prevent buildups in your cooler. It’s also a good idea to check the error log once per week to see if there were issues that may have gone unchecked. Run a vacuum through on a weekly basis to suck up any debris or buildups that may have formed with use throughout the week.

Monthly

It’s good to give your cooler a monthly wash-down, regardless of what it’s used for. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub away any water stains or other blemishes that may have built up over the course of the month. This is also a good time to run through a check of the safety features. Clean off lighting, sensors and thermostats and make sure your walk-in is in its best condition.

Bi-Annually and Annually

Bigger cleaning tasks need to be undertaken once or twice throughout the year to ensure the status of your commercial refrigeration unit in Florida. Clean the evaporator coils and condenser at least twice per year to promote proper cooling function. Drain lines should be cleaned out once per year, at a minimum. Door gaskets also need some TLC once per year to ensure they’re clean and able to seal properly.

All of these cleaning tasks lead up to a well-functioning walk-in unit and the peace of mind that comes with maintaining your investment. Take some time to give your cooler a good cleaning and you’re sure to notice the positive benefits that follow in its function.