Duke Holding Cabinet Cleaning Instructions
Duke holding cabinets are essential for keeping food warm and maintaining product quality. Since these units are sure to be under constant use, daily cleaning is very important. If you need guidance, these Duke holding cabinet cleaning instructions explain how to care for both the interior and exterior surfaces so your unit stays sanitary and works optimally.
This guide is for MUHC and FWM3 models, such as the MUHC-51 and the FWM3-13.
Supplies
Warm Water
Mild Detergent
In order to protect the stainless steel finish, never use any metal scrapers, files, wire brushes or scouring pads on the exterior unless they’re made specifically for cleaning stainless steel surfaces. Avoid using acidic or chloride-based cleaners on the stainless steel, too.
Pre-Cleaning Closing Procedure
To avoid electrical and burn hazards, be sure to close down the unit before cleaning.
- Step 1. Power down the unit - Use the power switch to turn the unit off.
- Step 2. Unplug the unit - Disconnect the power cord from the outlet.
- Step 3. Empty the cabinet - Remove any food product from the holding cabinet and either discard the food or place it in another holding cabinet.
- Step 4. Remove the pans and pan covers - Take out the pans and pan covers to make the interior more accessible.
- Step 5. Let the holding cabinet cool for 30 minutes - Allow the unit to cool down for 30 minutes before proceeding with the cleaning procedure.
How to Clean a Duke Holding Cabinet
In order to maintain good sanitation, optimal performance and an aesthetic appearance, the following cleaning procedures should be performed daily.
Cleaning the Interior
Use caution when cleaning the bottom and sides of warmer wells as they are very hot and cool down slowly.
- Step 1. Remove any food particles - Once the unit is cool, use a clean cloth to pick up any large food or dust particles inside the unit.
- Step 2. Wash the interior - Clean the interior of the holding cabinet with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Step 3. Rinse the interior - Use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining food particles or soap suds.
- Step 4. Dry the interior - Soak up any remaining moisture with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the Exterior
Daily cleaning of the holding cabinet exterior is important since acidic food residues and the chloride in salt can damage the stainless steel finish.
- Step 1. Dust the outside - Use a dry cloth or sponge to wipe away any large dust, dirt or food particles on the exterior.
- Step 2. Wash the exterior - Clean the stainless steel exterior with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Remember to rub gently in the direction of the stainless steel grain so as not to damage the surface.
- Step 3. Rinse the stainless steel finish - Wipe away any remaining particles or soap with a damp cloth. Make sure to rinse the stainless steel thoroughly so no soap suds remain on the surface.
- Step 4. Dry the stainless steel - Use a soft cloth to dry the stainless steel exterior.
- Step 5. Deep clean the exterior (if necessary) - For thick residues on the exterior or unattractive darkening of the color, use warm water, degreaser and a Scotch-Brite pad (or other plastic or stainless steel pad) to restore the surface.
- Step 6. Polish the stainless steel - Complete the daily cleaning procedure by applying stainless steel polish to the exterior. Follow the manufacturer’s directions in order to use the product properly.
Resume Normal Operations
Be sure that all parts of your Duke holding cabinet are dry and free of soap residue before using the unit normally.
- Step 1. Return pans and covers to the unit - Once the pans and covers are dry, return them to the holding cabinet.
- Step 2. Plug in the power cord - Restore power to the unit by plugging in the power cord.
- Step 3. Turn the unit on - Use the power switch to turn the unit on.
- Step 4. Restock the unit - Place food product into the unit.
- Step 5. Resume normal operations - Use the unit normally after turning it on and restocking it.
For more information about maintaining your Duke unit, be sure to take a look at the large collection of Duke manuals on our site.