When it comes to cleaning dishes in a high-volume setting, such as a restaurant or cafeteria, commercial dishwashers are the unsung heroes. These machines are designed to tackle heavy loads of dirty dishes, utensils, and glasses with ease, leaving them sparkling clean and sanitized. But have you ever wondered, do commercial dishwashers use soap? The answer might surprise you.
The History of Commercial Dishwashers
Before we dive into the world of commercial dishwashing, let’s take a step back and look at the history of these machines. The first commercial dishwasher was invented in the late 1800s by Josephine Cochrane, a wealthy socialite who was tired of her servants breaking her fine china while washing it by hand. Cochrane’s invention used a system of hot water, soap, and a series of racks to clean dishes. Her design was later improved upon, and by the mid-20th century, commercial dishwashers had become a staple in restaurants and food service establishments.
The Mechanics of Commercial Dishwashing
Commercial dishwashers are designed to operate on a much larger scale than their residential counterparts. These machines are built to handle high volumes of dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and glasses, and are typically powered by electricity or gas. They use a combination of hot water, detergent, and sanitizing agents to clean and sanitize dishes.
But here’s the thing: commercial dishwashers don’t actually use soap in the classical sense. Instead, they use a specialized type of detergent that’s designed specifically for commercial dishwashing.
What’s the Difference Between Soap and Detergent?
Soap and detergent might seem like interchangeable terms, but they’re actually quite different. Soap is a type of cleaning agent that’s typically made from animal fat or plant-based oils. It’s designed for washing hands, bodies, and clothing, and is usually gentle and moisturizing.
Detergent, on the other hand, is a synthetic cleaning agent that’s designed for washing dishes, clothes, and other surfaces. It’s typically made from a combination of surfactants, builders, and other additives that help to break down grease, food residue, and other tough stains.
Commercial dishwashing detergents are formulated to tackle the tough messes and grime that come with washing dishes in a high-volume setting. They’re usually highly concentrated and designed to work at high temperatures, making them far more effective than soap at cleaning and sanitizing dishes.
How Commercial Dishwashing Detergents Work
Commercial dishwashing detergents are designed to tackle three key tasks: cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing. Here’s how they work:
Cleaning
The cleaning phase of commercial dishwashing involves applying a specialized detergent to the dirty dishes. This detergent is designed to break down and emulsify grease, food residue, and other tough stains. The detergent is usually applied in the form of a powder or liquid, and is dispensed into the dishwasher through a specialized system.
The cleaning phase typically takes place at high temperatures (usually around 140°F) to help loosen and remove tough stains. The detergent works to break down grease and food residue, allowing it to be easily rinsed away.
Rinsing
After the cleaning phase, the dishes are rinsed with hot water to remove any remaining detergent and food residue. The rinsing phase is critical, as it helps to remove any remaining soap residue that could affect the taste or texture of food.
Sanitizing
The final phase of commercial dishwashing is sanitizing. This involves rinsing the dishes with hot water (usually around 180°F) to kill any remaining bacteria and other microorganisms. This step is critical, as it helps to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
What Makes Commercial Dishwashing Detergent So Effective?
Commercial dishwashing detergents are formulated to tackle the tough messes and grime that come with washing dishes in a high-volume setting. Here are a few key ingredients that make commercial dishwashing detergent so effective:
Surfactants
Surfactants are the primary cleaning agents in commercial dishwashing detergent. They work to break down and emulsify grease and food residue, allowing it to be easily rinsed away. Surfactants are usually synthetic, and are designed to work at high temperatures.
Builders
Builders are additives that help to enhance the cleaning power of surfactants. They work by neutralizing water hardness, which can affect the effectiveness of surfactants. Builders are usually made from phosphates or other minerals.
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological additives that help to break down protein-based stains, such as blood or egg. They work by breaking down these stains into smaller components that can be easily rinsed away.
The Importance of Proper Detergent Dosage
One of the most critical factors in commercial dishwashing is proper detergent dosage. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning performance, while using too much can lead to residue buildup and environmental waste.
Commercial dishwashers typically use a specialized dispensing system to apply the correct amount of detergent to the dishes. This system is usually calibrated to the specific dishwasher model and type of detergent being used.
Environmental Impact of Commercial Dishwashing Detergent
Commercial dishwashing detergent has traditionally had a significant environmental impact. Many commercial dishwashing detergents contain phosphates, which can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic life. However, in recent years, many manufacturers have begun to develop phosphate-free and environmentally-friendly alternatives.
These eco-friendly detergents are designed to reduce waste, conserve water, and minimize environmental impact. They’re often made from natural or biodegradable ingredients, and are specifically formulated to work in conjunction with modern commercial dishwashers.
Conclusion
So, do commercial dishwashers use soap? The answer is no – they use a specialized type of detergent that’s designed specifically for commercial dishwashing. This detergent is formulated to tackle the tough messes and grime that come with washing dishes in a high-volume setting, and is designed to work in conjunction with modern commercial dishwashers.
By understanding how commercial dishwashing detergents work, and the importance of proper detergent dosage, you can help ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean and sanitized every time. And by choosing eco-friendly detergent options, you can help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Whether you’re a restaurant owner, chef, or simply someone who’s interested in the world of commercial dishwashing, this article has hopefully given you a deeper understanding of the importance of commercial dishwashing detergent.
Do commercial dishwashers really use soap?
Commercial dishwashers do use a type of soap or detergent, but it’s not the same as the kind you use at home. The detergent used in commercial dishwashers is specifically designed for high-temperature, high-volume washing and is usually in the form of a solid or powdered concentrate.
These commercial detergents are formulated to tackle the toughest food residue and grime, and are typically more alkaline than household detergents to better combat grease and food oils. They’re also designed to work well in hard water conditions and to minimize spotting and filming on glassware and utensils.
How does the soap get into the dishwasher?
Commercial dishwashers typically use an automatic dispensing system to release the detergent into the wash cycle. This system is usually connected to a large container or tank that holds the detergent concentrate. The dispenser is programmed to release the exact amount of detergent needed for each cycle, taking into account factors like water temperature, soil level, and the type of items being washed.
The dispenser is usually mounted inside the dishwasher door or on the wall nearby, and is connected to the detergent tank via a hose or tube. This system ensures a consistent and efficient use of detergent, and helps to minimize waste and reduce operating costs.
Can I use regular dish soap in a commercial dishwasher?
No, it’s not recommended to use regular dish soap in a commercial dishwasher. Household dish soap is not designed for the high-temperature, high-pressure environment of a commercial dishwasher, and may not provide adequate cleaning power or rinsing ability.
Using regular dish soap in a commercial dishwasher can also lead to problems like clogged spray arms, blocked detergent dispensers, and poor wash performance. It’s best to stick with a commercial-grade detergent that’s specifically designed for use in commercial dishwashers.
How often should I clean my commercial dishwasher?
It’s a good idea to clean your commercial dishwasher regularly to ensure optimal performance and prevent maintenance issues. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often the dishwasher is used, but as a general rule, you should clean the dishwasher every 1-3 months.
Cleaning the dishwasher involves removing any large food particles, cleaning the filters, and running a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner. You should also check and clean the detergent dispenser, and descale the dishwasher to remove mineral deposits that can affect performance.
What kind of maintenance does a commercial dishwasher require?
Commercial dishwashers require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and effectively. In addition to regular cleaning, you should also perform routine checks on the dishwasher’s components, such as the pumps, motors, and seals.
You should also check the dishwasher’s electrical connections, and ensure that the water supply lines are not kinked or restricted. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have the dishwasher serviced annually by a qualified technician to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems.
Can I repair my commercial dishwasher myself?
While it’s possible to perform some routine maintenance tasks on your commercial dishwasher, it’s generally not recommended to attempt major repairs yourself. Commercial dishwashers are complex machines that require specialized knowledge and tools to repair.
If your commercial dishwasher breaks down, it’s best to call a qualified technician who has experience with commercial dishwashers. They will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently, and perform the necessary repairs to get your dishwasher up and running again.
How long does a commercial dishwasher last?
The lifespan of a commercial dishwasher can vary depending on factors like usage, maintenance, and quality of the machine. On average, a well-maintained commercial dishwasher can last for around 10-15 years, with some machines lasting longer or shorter depending on the conditions in which they operate.
Proper maintenance, regular cleaning, and timely repairs can all help to extend the life of your commercial dishwasher. It’s also important to choose a high-quality machine from a reputable manufacturer, and to follow the recommended maintenance and operating guidelines to get the most out of your investment.