Installing a new Cooler? How to develop a plan of action.
As anyone who’s ever watched an episode of Kitchen Nightmares knows, walk-in refrigerators are the bane of host Gordon Ramsay’s existence. The quick-tempered celebrity chef almost always makes a disgusting discovery when he enters the oversized appliance. In addition to rotted food, he often finds wet spots and spills that cause him to blow his top. What’s his problem?
Even if Mr. Ramsay is overacting for the camera, dripping water can cause extreme problems in a walk-in cooler. The combination of wet floors and shelves with perishable food items creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Because it is potentially dangerous when eaten, moldy food must be discarded immediately. To avoid losing big bucks on contaminated comestibles, it is imperative to keep the walk-in freezer dry. Here’s how to do it.
Clean Regularly
Even if the kitchen staff is careful, there’s a good chance minor spills will occur inside the walk-in cooler during a busy dinner service. As such, it is important to mop its floors and wipe down all exposed surfaces before closing each night. Soap and water are all it takes to remove food debris and clean up spills before they freeze into an icy danger zone. Another tip is to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that might damage the metal surfaces of your walk-in freezer.
No matter how crowded the cooler may be, food items should be removed from the walk-in at least once a week. This will allow the cleaning crew to scrub all shelves and areas that were covered with food containers. Removing debris and fluid leaks that were left behind can help prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Proper Maintenance
When a walk-in freezer doesn’t close correctly, warm air can enter from the outside, causing condensation. To prevent excess moisture, it may be necessary to caulk the seams of the freezer so that the door shuts tightly. A tube of inexpensive high-grade, mold-resistant silicone is all it takes to do the job right. Another common cause of water leaks is clogged drain lines. To correct this problem, have a repair professional remove any accumulated dirt and debris. Annual maintenance should prevent future clogs.
Follow these simple tips to maintain a healthy walk-in cooler for years to come.
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