Running a foodservice business is no easy task, especially when it comes to keeping everything clean and efficient—your commercial refrigerator included. Imagine the frustration of pulling ingredients from your fridge only to find they’ve spoiled due to improper cleaning. To avoid that nightmare, you need to keep a regular maintenance schedule.

In this post, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your commercial refrigerator. With the right approach, what seems like a daunting task can be made manageable. From emptying shelves to cleaning evaporator coils, these 11 essential steps will help keep your fridge in top shape, safeguarding both your ingredients and your reputation. Let’s get started!

Why Is It Important?

Whether you work in a high-end restaurant, school cafeteria, hotel or any other food service sectors, maintaining your commercial refrigerator clean is an essential part of the job. It can help your business run more smoothly, protect you and your customers’ health, increase the longevity of the refrigerator, and even affect the bottom line of your business.  

• Comply with Health and Safety Standards

Accumulated dirt and dust can create an ideal environment for bacteria and other contaminants to grow inside the system. Health regulations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have strict cleanliness and food safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses. You can read more on the regulations here. When dirt and dust cover surfaces in condenser coils or fans, moisture is trapped inside the refrigerator, providing an ideal breeding ground for harmful microorganisms like mold, mildew, and bacteria. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance not only help in complying with these regulations but also ensure that the refrigeration system operates efficiently and safely, protecting both the business and its customers from potential health threats. Business owners can also avoid fines and operational shutdowns due to non-compliance. 

• Improve Operational Efficiency

Dirt and dust can accumulate around the key refrigeration systems, such as the condenser, fans vents and compressors. This buildup impedes airflow over time and therefore affects energy efficiency, as the system needs to work extra hard to maintain the set temperature. It puts extra strain on the machine which can result in overheating and premature wear. If this issue persists, it may lead to costly repairs and system failures. 

Remember, the main function of the condenser coils is to dissipate heat from the refrigerant into the surrounding environment. If the condenser coils are covered by dirt and debris, the entire refrigeration system is at risk of overheating. As a result, the compressor has to work harder. Besides, the whole system has to run for longer periods to maintain the desired temperature and cooling effect. This increased workload will inevitably lead to a higher energy bill. In contrast, a well-maintained condenser coil can significantly boost energy efficiency. 

• Increase Longevity

Regular cleaning can not only reduce mechanical strain on key components but prevent them from overheating and malfunctioning. Substances such as spills, crumbs and dips can turn into accumulated grime, and cause corrosions on metal parts. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule makes it easier for early detection of potential issues, such as leaks or worn-out components. Timely repairs on minor problems can save money compared to a major and costly repair. 

Before Cleaning:

Before diving into the cleaning process, let's gather all the necessary supplies to make the job as efficient as possible. You don’t want to stop halfway through only to realize you forgot something essential. A little preparation goes a long way! The entire process will go more smoothly when you’re uninterrupted, and you’ll have the tools ready to clean every part of the refrigerator. That’s the main goal, right?

Here is everything you need: 

- Rubber gloves

- Cleaning cloths or sponges

- Mild dish soap or commercial refrigerator cleaner

- Warm water

- Baking soda (optional for tough stains)

- Sanitizer or disinfectant spray

- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment (for coils)

- An old toothbrush 

And don't forget to unplug the refrigerator!

If you only plan to clean the shelves, this step is optional but recommended. It depends on how diligent you are during the refrigerator cleaning process. If you can keep the door closed diligently, it shouldn’t make a difference in the internal temperature. However, if prolonged periods with the door open is expected, it can lead to unnecessary waste in electricity as the compressor needs to work harder to recover the cold temperature. 

If you plan to do a deep cleaning for the condenser coils or drip pan, it's required to unplug the refrigerator altogether to avoid any potential electrical hazards. If unplugging isn't feasible due to the fridge's location or accessibility of the plug, an alternative is to switch off the circuit breaker that powers the refrigerator. This precaution ensures your safety while performing maintenance. By adhering to these practices, you can efficiently clean your refrigerator while minimizing energy waste and maintaining safety.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Step 1: Empty The Shelves

Emptying a refrigerator shelf before cleaning is an essential step before a thorough cleaning of the refrigerator. Gather some supplies, such as a cooler with ice packs, organizing containers, wiping cloths, and an empty space to organize all items. Focus on one section at a time.This step is a good time to check for expired or spoiled food items and discard any spoiled foods. Don’t forget to utilize a cooler to store any perishable items like dairy and meats to keep them at a safe temperature. Wipe down any residues on containers and set clean containers aside.  

• Step 2: Remove Shelves and Drawers 

Before removing any shelves and drawers, prepare the kitchen sink with warm soapy water. Westlake Commercial refrigerators have adjustable shelves, which make them super easy to remove. Make sure to handle the fasteners or clips that secure the shelves carefully. They’re usually easy to remove, but you want to be very gentle to avoid any damage. You can also remove the fasteners or clips if want.

If your refrigerator have glass shelves, don’t wash them immediately under hot water. Sudden temperature change may cause it to break or crack. Even though the glass shelving is made of tempered glass, a type of glass designed to be more resistant to thermal shock, the crack is still possible. So it's best to err on the side of caution. Let the shelves cool to room temperature or use cold water to clean. 

• Step 3: Clean The Shelves

Submerge the removed shelves and let them sit in the water for a few minutes to loosen any residue. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the shelves thoroughly. Dirt may accumulate on the corners and edges of the shelves. Use a paste of baking soda and water if the shelves have any stubborn stains. You can also use some commercial disinfectant products to clean and sanitize shelves in commercial refrigerators.

Be sure to check the labels and follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage and dilution. The products should be safe to use in kitchen counters or food contact surfaces. Rinse the shelves with clean water and use a clean towel to dry them thoroughly. Optionally, sanitize the shelves with a commercial disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution to ensure they are bacteria-free. 

• Step 4: Clean Interior Surfaces 

Wipe down all interior surfaces of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris, including walls, shelves, and door gaskets. Then use a diluted bleach solution to sanitize the interior surfaces. Prepare a solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of liquid bleach with 1 gallon of water. Apply this solution to the cleaned surfaces using a clean cloth or sponge, ensuring thorough coverage. Allow the bleach solution to sit on the surfaces for a few minutes to effectively kill bacteria and viruses.

After sanitizing, rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any residual bleach and allow them to air dry or dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. This final step helps ensure that the refrigerator surfaces are not only clean but also properly sanitized, meeting food safety standards in commercial environments.

• Step 5: Clean Exterior Surfaces 

Cleaning the exterior of a commercial refrigerator is an important step to maintain a professional and clean appearance in any food service establishment. Start off by using a cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water. Wipe down all external surfaces thoroughly, including door handles, control panels and other frequently used areas. Remove all visible dirt and grease lingering around. Our Westlake commercial refrigerators are all made of high quality stainless steel that is fingerprint proof. So no need to worry about this part.

• Step 6: Clean The Door Gasket

A clean door gasket of a commercial refrigerator plays a very important role in maintaining an airtight seal, which ensures a stable temperature and cooling environment inside the refrigerator. Before cleaning, carefully inspect the door gasket and look for any signs of wear, cracks, or tears. In this case, you should skip this step and call for a technician's help to replace the gasket. 

If the seal is in good condition, you can start cleaning by dipping a soft cloth into soapy warm water. Avoid any harsh chemicals that can damage the gasket material. Gently scrub the gasket, especially the folds and creases where dirt and grime tend to accumulate. An old toothbrush can come in handy in these areas. Wipe away any soapy residue with a damp cloth and then dry it completely with a dry one. Don’t skip this step, because moisture buildup can lead to mold and mildew down the road. 

• Step 7: Clean Condenser Coils

From this step onwards, make sure the refrigerator is turned off for your safety. Wear gloves and a dust mask if you can to protect yourself from touching cleaning chemicals and dirty debris. Have your manufacturer’s manual handy. Read the manual to find out how to locate the condenser coils. 

They are usually found outside the refrigerator, either at the back or bottom. If the coils are covered, you probably need a screwdriver to remove the protective cover. Make a note of any screws or small parts that you remove which can ensure you reassemble the cover properly afterwards. 

Once you have easy access to the coils, use a coil brush or a soft-bristle brush to gently remove dust and debris by brushing in the direction of the coils, not against it, to avoid damage. If you prefer, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up any remaining dust and debris. 

• Step 8: Clean Evaporator Coils

Unlike the condenser coils, evaporator coils are located inside the refrigerator compartment, typically concealed behind a panel or cover. It’s important to clean the evaporator coil because it’s primary function is to absorb heat and cool the air. A dirty evaporator coil makes it hard to maintain the desired temperature for storing food and beverages. Keeping the evaporator coils clean is essential for ensuring the efficient operation of the commercial refrigerator. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the coils over time, restricting their ability to absorb heat and therefore leading to higher energy consumption. 

Start by carefully removing the protective cover of the coils. The process to clean evaporator coils is the same as cleaning the condenser coil - use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the coils and surrounding areas. Be sure not to use excessive force as this may cause damage to the delicate fins of the coils. For stubborn dirt or residue, you can use a coil cleaning solution found in the market or recommended in the manufacture manual. Follow the product instruction to apply the solution, allowing it to penetrate and dissolve any buildup. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then dry completely before reassembling the protective panel. 

• Step 9: Clean Drip Pans

The drip pan, also called drain pan, is typically found at the bottom of the refrigerator behind a front grille or panel. remove the panel and then slide out the drip pan. Remove it carefully and slowly because the pan may contain stagnant water. Transfer the pan to the sink and pour out any water and debris. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to remove loose dirt. To remove any stubborn residue, use a sponge or brush. Next step is to disinfect the pan - you can use either a solution of one part vinegar to one part water or a commercial disinfectant. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. Replace the grille, and you are done with this step. 

Step 10: Reassemble The Shelves And Drawers

Wait until everything is dry and clean, and it’s time to reassemble your refrigerator. Gather each shelf and drawer, one at a time, and carefully place them back into their original positions. It's important to securely fix each shelf and slide each drawer smoothly. Double-check that everything is properly aligned and stable before moving on.

Now you are ready to turn the refrigerator back on. Don't restock it with food until unit the unit reaches its optimal temperature. Otherwise, it might take longer for the refrigerator to function efficiently. Which will cooler down faster, an empty refrigerator or one filled with items? The answer is easy. So be patient here and allow extra time before you begin restocking.

• Step 11: Restock And Organize the refrigerator

When it’s time to put everything back inside the refrigerator, it’s important to organize and put them in the right place. Designate each area for certain types of food, such as diary, raw meat, vegetables. For example, place raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent drips from contaminating other foods.  Store ready-to-eat foods on the top shelves and everything else in between. Use the middle shelves for fruits, vegetables, and other items. This way you can avoid the cross-contamination and help you find what you need quickly.  

Westlake refrigerators come in versatile configurations ranging from 1 door to 3 doors. No matter you own a small cafe or a upscale restaurant, these options can give you the flexibility to manage your items more efficiently. The 3-door configuration is perfect if you need a larger and more specialized storage solution. 

Maintenance Tips

• Implement A Cleaning Schedule

Depending on the usage and type of food stored, the frequency of cleaning can range from one week to four weeks. If you work in a high-traffic restaurant, you may schedule a weekly cleaning routine. If the refrigerator mainly stores raw meat and dairy products, a weekly routine is also recommended. 

A daily visual inspection should be performed before the business closes for the day. You should clean up any messes to prevent them from hardening or spreading. This will make the deep cleaning process easier and faster. 

• Schedule Professional Maintenance

If your user manual has some maintenance tips, you should follow them closely. Call for repairs immediately when you notice any fluctuations in temperature or hear any unusual sounds. Even if your refrigerator works well, you should schedule a professional maintenance service once a year.

The certified technicians specialized in commercial refrigeration will perform different tests and examine several key areas, including the refrigerant levels, condenser coils, thermostat and temperature control, electrical components, and door seals. They will provide you with detailed documentation and any recommendations for repair, which may be a small amount of money, compared to a larger bill if you allow problems to linger around. 

• Contact Your Manufacturer  

Buying from reputable manufacturers gives you peace of mind, knowing any necessary repairs and maintenance are kept up to date. These manufacturers offer reliable customer service and support. All our Westlake commercial refrigerators come with a comprehensive warranty program, which covers 2 years for the entire machine, including free parts, telephone/video guidance, and door-to-door maintenance. Additionally, we offer a 6-year warranty for the compressor, with only parts and delivery covered for the last 4 years. 

Adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and ensuring timely repairs can keep your refrigerator in optimal condition and prevent costly breakdowns. This means you won't worry about equipment failures too much, allowing you to focus on your business with confidence.

Final Words 

Hopefully by now, you have a clear guide to maintaining and cleaning your commercial refrigerator. By following these steps, you’ll keep your equipment in top condition and enjoy peace of mind. If you have any further questions, we'll be more than happy to assist. At BitimexHome, we value the importance of reliable, easy-to-maintain refrigeration, just like our customers do. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. From selecting the right size and model to delivery and maintenance, you can count on us - we'are always here for you, making sure you're never on your own.