Whether your business requires a walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, or both for inventory storage, such appliances are a major driving force. You may not realize just how true that statement is until you experience an unexpected breakdown in the middle of your busy season. One can only shudder at the thought. While it is always a good practice to clean and maintain your appliances, there honestly are only so many things business owners can do.
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That said, cleaning your freezers and coolers can serve a variety of important tasks. It’ll keep health inspectors at bay, create safe working conditions, enhance the efficiency of operation, increase employee productivity, and keep your business running like the well-oiled machine it should be.
Tackling The Condensing Coil
In most scenarios, your condensing coil is the component of the cooler or freezer that will be located outside. Being outside, it is going to be exposed to a variety of various conditions. Dirt from passing vehicles, debris blown in from storms, and a whole host of other possibilities stand to dirty your coil. Although most are fairly protected in metal housings, they do accumulate dirt. The only way to remove such dirt is by simply washing them.
In fact, while you are doing this, it is probably a good idea to go ahead and clean the entire condensing compartment. Shut off the power, remove the housing, vacuum out leaves or other loose debris, and as a final act, give the condensing coil a good washing off with an industrial coil cleaner. You can do this twice a year and it’ll make the biggest difference in the world.
Tackling The Evaporator Coil
Just like the condensing coil, the evaporating coil will need proper maintenance and cleaning as well. With most common setups, this is the coil located on the inside. It’s always the coil that the filter protects, so you can likely expect this one to be much dirtier. Even with a good filter and regular chances, there will be small particles that penetrate and accumulate. You’ll want to tackle the evaporator coil in much of the same way you tackle the condenser coil.
One notable difference here will be the drain pan. You’ll notice that the evaporator coil is housed with a metal or plastic drain pan.
Tackling The Drain Pan And Lines
The evaporator coil is the one that condensates, hence the need for drain pans and lines. You’ll want to pay especially close attention to this component. Sediment build-up could be a big sign for potential future problems. The drain should always be unobstructed and free to flow. Taking the time to clean it once or twice a year will go a long way to ensuring that it does so.
The best way to tackle it is by pouring a cap of bleach or cleaner into the lines and letting it work its way through the system. If you own a compressor or a pressure system, you can even blow air through the drain lines to ensure they stay free of debris.
The Inside Of Your Walk-In
If you already aren’t doing so, you’ll want to ensure that you immediately add inside surface cleaning to your maintenance list. While there are various chemicals available for the task, you’ll greatly reduce your chances of problems by simply sticking with regular soap and water. Never underestimate the power of the two. Harsher and more stubborn stains can be tackled with a mixture of vinegar and soapy water.
If there is mold or mildew growth, you’ll want to attack this with bleach. Although mold and mildew can be common within such environments, you might want to look for obvious reasons for their presence.
Door Gaskets And Seals
Gaskets and seals are two of the simplest components in any cooler or freezer, but their importance cannot be overlooked. It’s honestly shocking how such a simple component could cause such big problems. Leaky gaskets and seals create temperature fluctuations, ice, water, and frost build-up. When these components become marred with grime, dirt, or other debris, they prevent your door from making a proper seal. This is something you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
Tackling these components with a soapy rag should be enough to accomplish the desired results. Although these materials are durable, you’ll want to take extra care and time not to damage them. Also, inspecting for damage as you clean can help prevent potential future problems.
