WASH HAPPY

WASHER CARE: The 10 Deadly Sins

Dishwasher malfunction can cause great disruption in the best-run kitchens and can often be prevented before it happens, simply by maintaining correct monitoring procedures. This list from Hobart highlights common causes of dishwashing problems:

1. Machine not switched on at mains power/water.

2. Not cleaned.

3. Incorrectly assembled or installed.

4. Lack of detergent or rinse aid.

5. Lack of salt in the water softener.

6. Insufficient product/operator training.

7. Faulty components.

8. Lack of preventative maintenance.

9. Operator misuse.

10. Build-up of scale.

According to Macdonald's Catering Equipment, which supplies various makes of dish and glasswasher, failure to clean machines and drain them on a regular basis is one of the most common causes of problems.

Another major cause of both malfunction and poor washing results is the arbitrary interruption of a machine's cycle to deal with high demand.

Further points cited include use of the wrong detergent and failure to regenerate water softeners.