Nor-Lake & Master-Bilt Preventative Maintenance Cleaning
Nor-Lake and Master-Bilt refrigeration units provide you with convenient cold storage, keeping your food at the right temperature until ready for cooking. Routine maintenance cleaning should always be a part of your daily, monthly and yearly schedule. By cleaning and maintaining your unit, you can ensure that it keeps working for longer. Below are instructions on the different types of routine cleaning you should be doing throughout the year.
Daily Cleaning
Make sure to be cleaning equipment daily and checking that parts are working properly. Pay close attention to the manufacturer recommended cleaners to use on your unit.
- Step 1. Clean the exteriors of the cabinet – Wipe down the outside surfaces with commercial stainless-steel cleaner, glass cleaner, or mild soap solution. Use a soft rag to get all the fingerprints and dirt stains off.
- NOTE: Do not use chlorinated cleaners on any surface as these can harm the integrity of your refrigeration unit.
- Step 2. Clean the interiors of the cabinet – Wash the inside with a mild soap solution and soft rag. Clear off any spills or leaks to keep stains and odors from setting in.
- NOTE: Do not use other cleaners, as it may harm the finish if not rinsed promptly.
- Step 3. Clean the smaller door parts - Wipe down and gently clean the door gasket and sweep gasket (walk-in only) with a mild soap solution and water. Clear out any debris or dust that might have built up around the gaskets.
Condenser Coil Cleaning
The condenser coil should be cleaned quarterly, about every 3 months. This will help prevent dust and residue build up from hurting the condenser coil performance.
- Step 1. Turn off the unit – Disconnect the unit from any power before starting, making sure the unit is off. You want to make sure that the refrigeration unit is off before starting for safety purposes. Do not reconnect power until you are finished with the entire process.
- Step 2. Remove the front grill – Remove the lower front grill from the unit and set it aside. The coil is located behind this grill.
- Step 3. Brush away build-up – Using a soft bristled brush, brush down and away on the coils to remove dust build-up from the coil fins.
- Step 4. Vacuum up debris – Use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to remove the loosened dirt particles. This will ensure that you have cleared any dirt from the fins that has built up over time.
- Step 5. Replace the front grill – Reattach the front grill, making sure it is firmly back in place.
- Step 6. Reconnect the unit to power – Plug your unit back into the power outlet. It is safe to turn the unit back on and get back to cooling.
Quarterly Preventative Maintenance
It is recommended to clean refrigeration equipment parts every 3 months.
- Step 1. Remove interior shelving – Take out any of the interior shelves and set them aside for individual cleaning. Place them in the sink to handle later.
- Step 2. Clean the interiors of the cabinet – Start with cleaning the interior surfaces of the cabinet with a solution of warm water and baking soda. This will remove any odors from any previous spillage.
- Step 3. Clean the smaller door parts – Clean any plastic parts, like the door handle or trim strips, with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to wipe it clear of fingerprints and dust to prevent long-term build-up.
- NOTE: Do not use stainless steel cleaners or solvent based chemicals on plastic parts, as it can cause failure.
- Step 4. Clean the interior shelves – Clean the shelving in a sink with a mild soap solution and a soft bristled brush. Thoroughly dry the shelves and set them aside to put back at a later step.
- Step 5. Review small door parts - Check door gasket and sweep gasket for wear and that they properly seal. If they have any dirt, wipe down and gently clean the gaskets with a mild soap solution and water. Rinse them with water and properly dry.
- Step 6: Reattach interior shelves – Take your clean, dried interior shelves and replace them back inside the unit.
Annual Preventative Maintenance
Once a year make sure to do a thorough clean and review of your unit. You will want to make notes on which parts you need to have replaced, to keep your unit running at top performance.
- Step 1. Check parts for any damage – Check door hinges and handles for any visible wear and tear. Make sure all trim and gaskets give a proper seal to prevent cold from escaping. Make a note of parts that potentially need replacements.
- Step 2. Clean the plastic parts - Wipe down and gently clean the door handle and trim strips with a mild soap solution and water. Clear out any debris or dust that might have built up around the pieces.
- NOTE: Do not use stainless steel cleaners or solvent based chemicals on plastic parts, as it can cause failure.