Dirty Dishes

Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance Tips to Reduce Repair Costs

In today’s foodservice environment, controlling costs is more important than ever. One of the best ways to reduce commercial kitchen equipment repair costs is through proper maintenance—especially for one of your hardest-working machines: the commercial dishwasher.

With daily use and constant demand, your warewashing equipment requires consistent care to avoid breakdowns and extend its lifespan.


Why Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance Matters

Your commercial dishwasher runs continuously throughout the day, handling high volumes of dishes and debris.

Without proper maintenance, this can lead to:

  • Poor cleaning performance
  • Drainage issues and leaks
  • Increased repair costs
  • Unexpected equipment failure

With the right care, most commercial dishwashers can last up to 10 years.


Daily Cleaning Best Practices

Routine cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly repairs.

Each day, your team should:

  • Clean spray arms and internal components
  • Wipe down the interior of the unit
  • Inspect for cracks or visible damage
  • Empty the machine at the end of the day
  • Leave the door open to allow proper drying

Consistent daily cleaning helps prevent buildup and keeps your machine operating efficiently.


Train Staff on Proper Dishwashing Procedures

Improper use is one of the leading causes of dishwasher issues.

To protect your equipment:

  • Pre-spray and rinse dishes before loading
  • Avoid placing heavily soiled items directly into the machine
  • Reinforce best practices through staff training and reminders

Reducing debris buildup helps maintain water quality and prevents clogs.


Maintain and Replace Filters Regularly

Your dishwasher filter plays a key role in preventing debris from damaging the system.

Best practices include:

  • Cleaning the filter regularly with soap and water
  • Replacing or checking the filter every 20 cycles
  • Ensuring the filter is always installed before operating the unit

A missing or dirty filter can lead to serious internal damage.


Schedule Preventative Maintenance

In addition to daily upkeep, professional service is essential.

We recommend scheduling commercial dishwasher maintenance every six months with a certified technician.

Preventative maintenance helps:

  • Identify issues early
  • Improve efficiency and performance
  • Extend equipment lifespan
  • Reduce long-term repair costs

Reliable Commercial Dishwasher Repair and Service

General Parts provides both preventative maintenance and on-demand repair services to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Our technicians offer:

  • Fast, reliable service
  • Industry-certified expertise
  • OEM parts and professional repairs
  • A 90-day guarantee on parts and labor

Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repair, we’re here to help.