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Essential Maintenance for Your Glasswasher and Dishwasher

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Maintenance

Clean, Reliable, Ready: Essential Maintenance for Your Glasswasher and Dishwasher

In any professional kitchen, some equipment is simply mission-critical. Dishwashers and glasswashers aren't luxuries—they're vital infrastructure, ensuring hygiene standards are met and service runs smoothly.

When these machines fail, the consequences are immediate: hygiene risks, service delays, unhappy customers, and lost revenue.

At Spiteri Catering, we believe that supplying a dishwasher is just the start. Equally important is helping chefs and kitchen managers keep their machines running at peak performance—with proper maintenance routines and reliable equipment choices that minimise disruption and extend the life of your investment.

Here’s how to care for your dishwashing equipment, spot early warning signs, and why choosing the right machine makes long-term maintenance simpler and smarter.

1. Why Dishwasher and Glasswasher Maintenance Matters

Dishwashing equipment faces some of the harshest conditions in the kitchen:

  • High temperatures

  • Continuous detergent exposure

  • Constant heavy loading

  • Hard water challenges (especially across Malta)

Without regular maintenance, even the best equipment can struggle:

  • Hygiene standards slip

  • Running costs rise

  • Repairs become more frequent and costly

  • Machines fail earlier than necessary

A few minutes a day spent on care can save thousands over a machine’s lifetime.

2. Daily Maintenance: Cleaning Filters the Right Way

The number one daily maintenance task for any dishwasher is cleaning the filters.

Why it matters:

  • Blocked filters restrict water flow and reduce cleaning power.

  • Debris can recirculate, leaving dishes and glasses dirty even after a full wash.

  • Over time, clogged filters put stress on pumps and heating elements.

How to clean your dishwasher filters properly:

  • At the end of service, allow the machine to cool slightly.

  • Remove the lower basket and locate the main filters.

  • Lift them out carefully, avoiding damage to any mesh screens.

  • Rinse thoroughly under clean running water—no abrasive pads needed.

  • Check for trapped food particles, scale, or grease.

  • Replace filters securely before the next cycle.

Pro Tip:
The SL Dishwasher Frontloader 50x35 (CS7280.0025) available at Spiteri Catering is specifically designed for easy daily maintenance, with removable, easy-clean filter systems and accessible spray arms—making routine care faster and more efficient for busy prep teams.

3. Weekly Maintenance: Spotting the Signs of Scale Build-Up

Malta’s hard water is no secret. It’s a major enemy of any dishwashing system.

Signs your dishwasher may need descaling:

  • Glassware comes out cloudy or spotted.

  • Plates have streaks even after full cycles.

  • Machine takes longer than normal to finish washes.

  • Higher detergent and rinse aid consumption is needed.

  • Spray arms seem slower or blocked.

Why limescale is dangerous:

  • It damages internal heating elements, pumps, and pipes.

  • It reduces washing and rinsing efficiency.

  • It drives up energy use and increases running costs.

  • It shortens the machine's working lifespan.

Solution:
If you spot any signs early, schedule a descale before serious damage occurs.

4. Monthly and Professional Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

While daily and weekly care are essential, professional servicing and descaling are critical for long-term reliability.

Best practices include:

  • Full machine descaling every 4–6 weeks in hard water areas.

  • Spray arm checks to ensure jets are not blocked or scaled up.

  • Seal inspections to prevent leaks or hygiene breaches.

  • Dosing calibration to ensure correct chemical usage.

Spiteri Catering offers servicing and maintenance packages designed specifically for kitchens operating with heavy dish and glassware loads.

Pro Tip:
The Passthrough Dishwasher 50x50cm (EMG570180) supplied by Spiteri is engineered for easy servicing—featuring accessible internal components, self-cleaning wash programs, and heavy-duty stainless steel construction that resists scale and corrosion far better than entry-level machines.

5. Choosing the Right Machine Makes Maintenance Easier

Not all dishwashers are created equal. Choosing the right machine can significantly reduce the effort needed to maintain performance.

Spiteri Catering’s dishwashing range includes two excellent models suited for different kitchen needs:

SL Dishwasher Frontloader 50x35 (CS7280.0025)

  • Compact, front-loading format ideal for small kitchens, bars, and cafés.

  • Easy-clean filters and simple operation make daily maintenance straightforward.

  • Energy and water-efficient, reducing operating costs without sacrificing results.

Passthrough Dishwasher 50x50cm (EMG570180)

  • Designed for larger kitchens, hotels, or catering operations.

  • Hood-type passthrough format allows fast, ergonomic loading.

  • High-capacity wash cycles and rugged construction.

  • Advanced rinse and filtration systems for superior hygiene control.

Key features to look for when choosing a dishwasher:

  • Accessible filters and wash arms for daily cleaning

  • Durable stainless steel build quality

  • User-friendly control panels

  • Efficient water and chemical usage

  • Built-in or optional water softening systems

6. Beyond the Machine: Best Practices for Kitchen-Wide Hygiene

Dishwasher maintenance goes hand-in-hand with good kitchen practices:

  • Pre-rinse dishes to remove large debris before loading.

  • Do not overload baskets—this restricts water circulation and lowers wash quality.

  • Use only approved commercial-grade chemicals to avoid damaging internals.

  • Check door seals weekly for cracks or buildup.

  • Leave doors slightly open when machines are not in use to prevent odours.

Correct loading techniques and basic awareness among staff are simple but powerful ways to extend machine life.

Protect Hygiene, Protect Reputation

Your dishwasher or glasswasher isn’t just another piece of equipment—it’s a frontline defence for your kitchen’s hygiene, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Regular daily care, weekly checks, and proactive servicing help you:

  • Maintain cleaning quality

  • Reduce repair costs

  • Lower energy bills

  • Extend machine lifespan

  • Protect your kitchen’s hard-earned reputation

At Spiteri Catering, we don't just supply dishwashers—we partner with professional kitchens to keep them running at their best. Discover our full range of commercial dishwashers or ask about maintenance support tailored to your operation.