Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Repairs

By April 13, 2023March 20th, 2026Resources

Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Repairs

Your commercial dishwasher may not be the most glamorous piece of equipment in your kitchen, but commercial dishwasher maintenance is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient operation. When your dish machine is not performing properly, it can slow down service, impact sanitation, and increase operating costs.

The good news is that many common issues can be avoided with proper commercial dishwasher maintenance. Below are five technician-recommended tips to help you prevent breakdowns and reduce the need for repairs.

1. Pre-Spray Dishes Before Loading

Pre-spraying dishes to remove large food particles is one of the easiest ways to protect your dishwasher.

Conveyor dishwashers are not designed to break down large food debris. When food particles enter the machine:

  • Water becomes dirty faster

  • You need to change water more frequently

  • Cleaning performance decreases

Taking a few extra seconds to pre-spray dishes helps improve efficiency and reduces unnecessary wear on your equipment.

2. Inspect and Replace Curtains

Dishwasher curtains play a critical role in maintaining proper operation.

These curtains help:

  • Keep heat inside the machine

  • Prevent water and steam from escaping

If curtains become worn, curled, or damaged, heat loss occurs. As a result:

  • The machine works harder to maintain temperature

  • Energy consumption increases

  • Water may spray outside the unit, creating safety hazards

Regularly inspect curtains and replace them when needed to maintain optimal performance.

3. Monitor Wash and Rinse Temperatures

Proper temperature is essential for effective cleaning and sanitation.

  • Wash cycle temperature should be at least 150°F

  • Rinse cycle temperature should reach 180°F for proper sanitation

It’s important to understand that booster heaters can only raise water temperature by about 40°F. If your wash temperature is too low, your rinse cycle may not reach the required sanitation level.

To check your rinse temperature:

  • Monitor the temperature gauge

  • Check during the rinse cycle only

Maintaining proper temperatures ensures safe, sanitary dishwashing while preventing unnecessary strain on your equipment.

4. Perform Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning is one of the most effective forms of preventative maintenance for commercial dishwashers.

Failing to clean your unit can lead to:

  • Blocked spray arms

  • Clogged spray tubes

  • Reduced cleaning performance

Common items that cause blockages include:

  • Food debris

  • Toothpicks

  • Plastic wrap

Cleaning your dishwasher daily helps prevent these issues and keeps your unit running efficiently.

5. Check Dishwasher Racks

Dishwasher racks are often overlooked, but they play an important role in performance.

Warped or damaged racks can:

  • Disrupt the movement of racks through the machine

  • Cause utensils to get stuck

  • Reduce cleaning effectiveness

Additionally, presoaking utensils before washing can help remove stubborn food particles and improve cleaning results.

Schedule Professional Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance

While daily care is essential, some issues require professional attention.

Routine service and inspections can help identify potential problems before they lead to costly breakdowns.

General Parts provides expert commercial dishwasher repair and maintenance services to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

If you need assistance, call (888) 498-1238 or contact your nearest General Parts location to schedule service.