There's no better time to give your refrigeration units a good cleaning than on National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! Whether you're running a fast-paced commercial kitchen, or just trying to stay ahead on regular maintenance, keeping your refrigerators clean and efficient is essential, not just for food safety, but for performance and longevity of the unit.
Here are some tips from Continental Refrigerator, a leader in commercial refrigeration, to help you clean smarter and keep your units running like new.
How Your Refrigerator Works (and Why a Clean Filter + Condenser Matters)
Your refrigerator might seem simple, but it's actually doing a lot
behind the scenes. It pulls in air from the room, filters it, and then circulates cool, clean air throughout the unit to maintain a consistent temperature.
Because of this process, dust, grease, and debris collect on the
condenser and filters, especially on units with front air movers. Over time, these particles build up and restrict airflow, forcing your refrigerator to work harder to stay cold.
A dirty
condenser / filter restricts airflow which causes the unit to run harder and longer, struggle to maintain temperature, build frost and potentially overall fail. To avoid this, operators should clean the condenser and filter
monthly using a vacuum or shop vac.
Pro Tip: Keep the area around the motor and compressor clear. Whether it's a top mount, bottom-mount, or side-mount, blocked airflow hurts the performance of the unit.
Empty, Inspect, and Organize
Start by cleaning everything out and checking the expiration dates. Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a food-safe cleaner or baking soda solution.
Pro Tip: Label and date all items when putting them back in, it makes future cleanouts easier and reduces food waste.
While you're removing products and shelves, take a moment to inspect the interior drain line. In a
Continental Refrigerator unit, water from the evaporator flows through this drain. It then travels down into the condensate evaporator.
If food blocks the drain, the water won't make it to the evaporator and it'll back up and pool inside the unit, which is not good and will affect its' performance. Simple checks you should do during every cleanout are looking at the drain trough, remove any food debris, and make sure water can flow freely. Doing these things will prevent leaks, puddles, and odors.
Stainless Steel that Stays Shiny
- Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive stainless-steel cleaner
- Always wipe with the grain, not against it
- Avoid harsh chemicals or scouring pads
A clean exterior doesn't just look better, but it also prevents long-term wear.
How Continental Refrigerator Makes Cleaning Easier
Continental Refrigerator designs their units with:
- Easy-access condenser areas
- Front-breathing models (ideal for tight kitchen layouts)
- Smart airflow paths to reduce grease buildup
Continental Refrigerator engineers around real kitchen challenges, making maintenance faster and easier for operators and staff.
Reach out to your Sam Tell representative today to learn more about selecting the right Continental Refrigerator model for your kitchen.