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CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE (cont.)
Stainless Steel Care and Cleaning
To prevent rust or discoloration on stainless steel several important steps need to be taken. First, we need to understand
the properties of stainless steel. Stainless steel contains 70-20% iron which will rust. It also contains 12-30% chromium
which forms an invisible passive film over the steels surface which acts as a shield against corrosion. As long as the
protective layer is intact, the metal still resists oxidation. If the film is broken or contaminated, outside elements can begin
to breakdown the steel and begin to form rust or discoloration.
CAUTION
Proper cleaning of stainless steel requires soft cloths or plastic scouring pads, never use
steel pads, wire brushes or scrapers!
Cleaning solutions need to be alkaline based or non-chloride based. Any cleaner containing chlorides will damage the
protective film of the stainless steel. If cleaners containing chlorides are used, be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
Routine cleaning of stainless steel can be done with soap and water. Extreme stains or grease should be cleaned with a
non-abrasive cleaner and plastic scrub pad. It is always good to rub with the grain of the steel. There are also stainless
steel cleaners available which can restore and preserve the finish of the steel’s protective layer.
Early signs of stainless steel breakdown can consist of small pits and cracks. If this has begun, clean thoroughly and start
to apply stainless steel cleaners in attempt to restore the passivity of the steel.
CAUTION
Never use an acid based cleaning solution! Many food products have an acidic content
which can deteriorate the finish. Be sure to clean the stainless steel surfaces of all food
products.
Gasket Maintenance
Gaskets require regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew build up and also to keep the elasticity of the gasket. Gasket
cleaning can be done with the use of warm soapy water. Avoid full strength cleaning products on gaskets. Do not use sharp
tools or knives to scrape or clean the gasket.
Gaskets can easily be replaced and don’t require the use of tools or authorized service technicians. The gaskets are "Dart"
style and can be pulled out of the grove in the door and replaced by pressing the new one back into place.
Doors/Hinges
If the door is beginning to sag, tighten the screws that mount the hinge brackets to the frame of the unit. If the doors are
loose or sagging, this can cause the hinge to pull out of the frame which may damage both doors and door hinges.
Drain Maintenance
Each unit has a drain located inside the unit which removes the condensation from the evaporator coil and evaporates it into
an external condensate evaporator pan. The drain can become loose or disconnected. If you notice excessive water
accumulation on the inside of the unit, be sure the drain tube is connected from the evaporator housing to the condensate
evaporator drain pan.
If water starts to collect underneath the unit, check the condensate evaporator drain tube to be sure it is still located inside the
drain pan.
If your floor is not level, this can also cause drain problems. Be sure all drain lines are free of obstructions because this may
cause water to back up and overflow the drain pans.
