Commercial dish machines are essential in healthcare kitchens and require the correct combination of chemicals and setup to operate properly.
There are a few different dish machine chemical options to choose from. There are ones that integrate directly into machines through built-in dispensers or external tubing systems.
High Temperature vs Low Temperature Machines
The official Platform Solutions guide to chemical use depends on the machine type:
High Temperature Machines
- Dish machine detergent (liquid or solid)
- Rinse additive
Low Temperature Machines
- Dish machine detergent
- Chlorine sanitizer
- Rinse additive
These chemicals are automatically dispensed into the machine or through tubes, some machines come with a dispenser built in.
Silverware Pre-Soak
Before washing, silverware is often placed in a pre-soak solution.
This is a type of soap that helps break down and loosen soil from utensils before they go through the full cleaning process.
3-Compartment Sink (3 Base Sink) Process
In addition to dish machines, facilities use a 3-compartment sink setup for manual washing.
Step 1: Wash
- Use pot and pan detergent
- Available in:
- solid form
- 5-gallon pails
- 4-gallon pails
- These products are highly concentrated and must be diluted
Step 2: Rinse
- Items are rinsed with water
Step 3: Sanitize
- Use a quad sanitizer (food contact sanitizer, which makes the plates sanitary and clean from any germs)
- Diluted to about 200–400 parts per million
- No rinse required
- Items can air dry and remain sanitized
If a disinfectant like Lysol is used on a plate, it must be rinsed. Quad sanitizer does not require this step.
Bleach can be used for sanitizing, but it corrodes stainless steel and can bleach fabrics and silverware, so it is generally not used in this process.
After sanitizing and air drying, items are ready for use.
Equipment Options
There are multiple ways to acquire dish machines:
- Purchase outright
- Rental
- Lease-to-own through third party
- Hybrid rental with option to own
All equipment and chemical purchasing can be found on Platform Solutions.
But it does not stop there.
You can track orders, monitor delivery status, manage vendors, and stay on top of everything happening across your facility in real time.
It is not just where you order, it is how you stay in control.
Email info@platformsolutions.com to hear more.
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