Perlick Back-Bar Undercounter Refrigerator Cleaning Instructions
Perlick back-bar undercounter refrigerators keep cold drinks within easy reach. Since these units are sure to be under heavy use, regular maintenance is a must. If you need guidance, these Perlick back-bar undercounter refrigerator cleaning instructions will help you keep your unit clean and sanitary.
This guide is for remote narrow-door back-bar refrigerators (like the BBRN80), as well as remote and self-contained models (such as the BBS84).
Supplies
Warm Water
Food Grade Lubricant (Remote & Self-Contained Models)
Screwdriver (to remove the front grille panel)
Stiff-Coil Brush, such as this GE Brush
To properly maintain your back-bar refrigerator unit, clean the interior cabinet and exterior surfaces weekly. Avoid using abrasive chemicals or cloths. In addition, clean the condenser coils once every 3 months to maintain proper cooling.
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
- Step 1. Empty the unit - Remove any product stored in the refrigerator and either store the product in another refrigeration unit or discard it.
- Step 2. Turn the unit off - Start the cleaning process by powering down the unit.
- Step 3. Unplug the unit - Disconnect the back-back refrigerator from the outlet in order to avoid electrical hazards.
- Step 4. Remove the drawer (remote and self-contained models) - To make cleaning the interior cabinet of remote and self-contained models easier, take out the drawer. If needed, refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Cleaning the Interior Cabinet
- Step 1. Wash the interior cabinet - Clean the inside of the unit with warm water, mild detergent, a little baking soda and a clean cloth.
- Step 2. Rinse the interior surfaces - Wipe away any remaining food residues or soap suds with clean water and a soft cloth.
- Step 3. Dry the cabinet - Use a clean, non-abrasive cloth to soak up any remaining moisture from inside the unit.
Cleaning the Exterior Surfaces
- Step 1. Wash the stainless steel exterior - Clean the stainless steel surfaces with warm water, mild detergent, baking soda and a soft cloth, making sure to wipe with the grain. If you can’t see the grain clearly, polish the surface in straight lines.
- Step 2. Rinse the exterior surfaces - Then, wipe away any remaining residues, particles or suds with clean water and a soft cloth. Once again, wipe with the grain.
- Step 3. Dry the stainless steel - Finalize the cleaning procedure by drying the exterior surfaces with a clean, soft cloth. Remember to not go against the grain.
- Step 4. Clean the glass panels - Wipe the glass panels with glass cleaner and a clean cloth. Be sure to clean up any excess glass cleaner to prevent spots or streaking in the glass.
Cleaning the Condenser
- Step 1. Remove the front grille panel - In order to gain access to the condenser, use a screwdriver to remove the front grille panel.
- Step 2. Loosen the debris - Use a stiff-coil brush to loosen the debris on the condenser coils.
- Step 3. Vacuum the coils - Once the debris is loosened, vacuum the coils to remove the dust and other particles.
- Step 4. Dust the coil assembly - Then, use a clean, soft cloth to remove any remaining dust or particles from the condenser coil assembly.
- Step 5. Reinstall the front grille panel - After cleaning the condenser, return the front grille panel to the unit.
Cleaning & Lubricating Drawer Extenders (Remote & Self-Contained Models)
- Step 1. Remove the drawer - First, take the drawer out of the unit. Refer to your unit’s manual for specific instructions.
- Step 2. Clean the drawer and extenders - Then, use warm water, mild detergent, some baking soda and a soft cloth to clean the drawer and extenders.
- Step 3. Rinse the drawer and parts - Next, use clean, warm water to wash away any remaining food residues or soap suds.
- Step 4. Dry the drawer and extenders - Before applying the lubricant, dry the drawer and extenders with a clean, soft cloth.
- Step 5. Lubricate the extenders - Once the extenders are dry, apply food grade lubricant to the drawer extenders.
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Reinstall the drawer (remote and self-contained models) - After completing the maintenance procedures for remote or self-contained models, return the drawer to the unit. If needed, refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Step 2. Reconnect the power - Plug the electrical cord into the outlet.
- Step 3. Turn on the unit - Use the power switch to power on the unit.
- Step 4. Restock the unit - Reload the unit with product and use the unit normally.
For more information on cleaning and maintaining your Perlick unit, the large collection of Perlick manuals on our site is a great resource.