Pro tip
Daily upkeep and preventive maintenance in a pro kitchen
Published on 15/04/20262 min read
Cleaning plan, descaling, gaskets, condenser dusting: the routine that doubles the lifespan of your equipment.
The cleaning plan is the backbone of hygiene in a pro kitchen. Posted in the kitchen, it lists the surfaces and equipment to clean, the frequency, the products used and the person in charge. Surfaces in direct food contact (stainless tables, boards, GN containers) are cleaned between services, floors twice a day, hoods and flues once a week.
Periodic descaling is what separates equipment that lasts 12 years from equipment replaced after 4. Dishwashers, glasswashers, coffee machines and ice machines build up scale on heating elements. Descale every month with a compatible acid (citric, concentrated vinegar or food-grade descaler). A scaled element consumes 25 to 35 % more energy.
Gaskets (fridges, freezers, combi ovens) are the first to degrade. A porous or cracked gasket leaks cold or steam, overloads the compressor and destabilises temperature. Visually inspect every month, clean with soapy water to remove grease, and replace at the first sign of deep cracks. Count €30 to €80 per gasket, against €2,000 to €6,000 for the compressor.
Dusting the condenser (at the back of refrigerated cabinets and freezers) is the simplest and most profitable maintenance. A clogged condenser sees its yield drop by 30 % and the compressor over-revving. Vacuum the fins once a month with a soft brush: 10 minutes per appliance, and consumption stays steady for 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
How often to descale a pro dishwasher?
Once a month in hard-water areas (over 15 °fH), once a quarter in soft water. A 6-month missed descale can force a heating element replacement (€250 to €400 per part).
How to tell a pro fridge gasket needs replacing?
Slide a sheet of paper between the closed gasket and the cabinet: if it pulls out with no resistance, the gasket no longer seals. Also visually inspect cracks and feel the closing magnet pull.
Should a fridge condenser be cleaned often?
Once a month in intensive kitchens, every two months in drier environments. A clean condenser keeps consumption at the original level. Clogged, consumption can jump 30 to 40 %.