Keeping your walk in cooler or freezer in top shape isn’t just about keeping things cold, it’s about making sure it lasts. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only help extend the life of your unit but also prevent costly repairs down the road. Plus, a clean cooler means a safer, more efficient space. To help you get the most out of your commercial walk in cooler unit, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow tips and safety reminders. Skipping these steps could lead to equipment damage, pose risks to employee and customer safety, and jeopardize health code compliance, so let’s explore what you need to know to keep things running smoothly.
Cleaning your walk in cooler’s interior
When it comes to cleaning your walk-in cooler or freezer, there are two key areas to focus on: the interior of the walk in unit and the refrigeration system. The interior needs regular attention to prevent mold in your walk in cooler and other unsanitary conditions, while the refrigeration unit’s condenser and evaporator coils should be kept clean to ensure efficient heat exchange.
For interior cleaning of walk-in coolers and freezers, mild dishwashing liquid is the best solution. Caustic cleaners can cause surfaces to deteriorate and create pockets where bacteria can form. However, cleaning a walk-in freezer requires special care due to the low temperatures, which cause water to freeze quickly. To avoid creating hazardous ice patches, it’s important to minimize the amount of water used and clean in sections, wiping surfaces dry immediately after washing.
If you’re using a wet mop or power washer, make sure to wring out excess water thoroughly and consider using squeegees to push water toward drains quickly before it freezes. Another option is to temporarily increase the freezer’s temperature to just above freezing while cleaning, then return it to normal operating temperatures once you’re done.
Additionally, be mindful of vegetable storage, as vegetables can release acidic vapors that might lead to corrosion or damage. Treat evaporators accordingly if vegetables are stored in your freezer. If mold does develop, consult a mold remediation professional to address the issue before it worsens.
To make maintenance a breeze, consider Polar King commercial walk in coolers, which have seamless, easy-to-clean fiberglass interiors. Unlike units with sheet metal panels, these anti-microbial interior floors and surfaces don’t have any cracks and crevices where mold and bacteria can gather and are NSF-approved.
Maintaining your refrigeration system’s coils for optimal efficiency
Unfortunately, dust and debris can build up on your walk in freezer unit’s condenser and evaporator coils over time, reducing its cooling performance. Signs that it’s time for cleaning or maintenance include:
- Increased energy bills: Higher energy costs may indicate dirty coils.
- Frost or ice buildup: Excessive frost on the evaporator coils.
- Unusual noises: Rattling or buzzing sounds from the unit.
- Warm air discharge: Warmer air or higher internal temperatures.
- Visible dust or debris: Dust or debris on the coils.
- Frequent cycling: More frequent on/off cycling of the unit.
- Condensate issues: Problems with water drainage or excessive condensation.
A soft brush or vacuum can easily remove these particles to keep the unit running smoothly. As for the evaporator coil, dirt buildup can also impact its ability to exchange heat but cleaning it with a mild detergent will help maintain peak efficiency and ensure your system performs at its best. Note that it’s also important to change your filters regularly.
Walk in cooler maintenance scheduling: what you need to know
To ensure the efficiency and reliability of your walk-in cooler or freezer, adhering to an annual maintenance routine is key. Service functions should be performed at least once a year to keep your unit running smoothly. For areas with heavy dust or high usage, more frequent maintenance may be necessary. For best results, it’s recommended to have a qualified refrigeration technician handle these tasks.
We’ve put together a quick maintenance guide to help you better understand the process.
- Clean condenser coil: Remove dust to maintain efficient cooling.
- Inspect unit operation: Check components and controls to prevent malfunctions.
- Check refrigerant levels: Ensure proper charge for optimal performance.
- Clean condensate drain line: Prevent clogs to avoid water damage.
- Clean evaporator coil: Use mild detergent to maintain heat exchange efficiency.
- Oil electric motors: Annual lubrication reduces friction and extends motor life.
- Monitor pressures: Check cut-in and cut-out pressures for a balanced cycle.
- Verify defrost cycle: Ensure proper operation to prevent ice buildup.
- Inspect and reseal caulking: Maintain insulation and prevent leaks.
How to clean hard-to-reach areas
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas within your walk in cooler or freezer requires some special techniques. Start by using long-handled tools such as extendable dusters and flexible wands to access high or deep spots. Air blowers, like compressed air or vacuum attachments, can effectively remove dust and debris from tight spaces.
For more precision, specialized brushes, including narrow or angled ones, are ideal for cleaning crevices. If necessary, disassemble shelves or panels to thoroughly clean challenging areas. Incorporate these hard-to-reach spots into your regular maintenance routine to keep the unit in top condition. Always use mild detergents that are safe for the unit’s surfaces to avoid damage.
Safety comes first
When performing maintenance or cleaning on your walk in cooler or freezer, safety should always come first. Start by disconnecting the power supply to avoid electric shock or damage to the electrical components. If cleaning Polar King walk in units, it’s important to maintain factory-preset temperature settings. Avoid adjusting these settings, and if a different temperature is necessary, contact Polar King for guidance.
During interior cleaning with liquid substances, always turn off the power to prevent any damage to the electrical systems. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia should be avoided as they can harm the coil surfaces. Additionally, never disconnect the main power supply while the compressor is running. Ensure the compressor has completed its cycle before powering down to prevent potential damage.
Ensuring peak performance for your walk in cooler
To reiterate, maintaining your commercial walk in cooler or freezer is key for ensuring both its longevity and efficiency. A well-maintained unit not only performs better but also helps prevent unexpected repairs and ensures a safe environment for your food storage. Incorporating regular cleaning, paying careful attention to the refrigeration system and adhering to a structured maintenance schedule will keep your unit running smoothly, reduce energy costs and enhance overall performance.
The good news is Polar King walk in coolers and freezers offer several unique features that simplify maintenance compared to competitors. This includes 100% seamless fiberglass surfaces, which eliminate cracks and crevices where moisture, mold and bacteria can accumulate, making cleaning easier and more effective.
If you have any questions about cleaning and maintaining your walk-in cooler or freezer, contact us or the service department for in-person support. Let Polar King be your partner in maintaining the efficiency of your refrigeration system year-round!
