How to Clean a Stero Dishwasher
From restaurants and cafes to cruises ships and hospitals, Stero dishwashers are used in a wide variety of commercial kitchens. To keep these warewashing machines running smoothly, cleaning and maintenance is a must. This guide shows you how to clean a Stero dishwasher quickly and easily.
Cleaning Procedures by Model:
Cleaning a Conveyor Type Dishwasher
The following cleaning and maintenance instructions are for select Stero SCT, STW, SCX and ER conveyor models.
Interior Instructions
The procedure below is for cleaning the interior compartment. The frequency should be determined by how many washes are performed a day. Constant use requires daily cleanings:
- Step 1. Perform daily shutdown procedure – Before you clean the interior, shutdown the machine. If you need a refresher on this process, check the owner's manual for assistance.
- Step 2. Scrub the interior compartment – Using a solution of warm water and mild detergent, wash the interior compartment of the dishwasher. Scrub with a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristle brush.
- Step 3. Remove remaining food particles – Check for food particles in the drain valve or seat. Remove them before you start rinsing.
- Step 4. Rinse the interior – Use warm water to rinse the dishwasher’s interior compartment. Flush any food particles through the floor drains.
- Step 5. Air dry the unit – Leave the doors to the dishwasher open for at least 20 minutes, so the interior can air dry.
Spray Manifold Instructions
The procedure below is applicable for cleaning both scrapper and tree-type spray manifolds:
- Step 1. Perform daily shutdown procedure – Before you clean the interior, shutdown the machine. If you need a refresher on this process, check the owner’s manual for assistance.
- Step 2. Remove the spray manifolds – Look for the mounting clamp handle in the front of the manifold. Rotate the clamp handle counterclockwise or unscrew to release the manifold. Slide the manifold assembly toward the front of the dishwasher to remove it from the rear water line connection. Pull it out carefully.
- Step 3. Wash the manifolds – Wash the manifolds in a sink with warm water and mild detergent. Scrub them thoroughly using a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth.
- Step 4. Clean the manifold nozzles – Use a paper clip to clear out any food particles or other remnants from the spray nozzles in the manifolds.
- Step 5. Rinse thoroughly and dry – When you're done washing the manifolds, rinse them thoroughly in warm water. Then, let them air dry.
- Step 6. Reinstall the spray manifolds – Attach the manifolds following the disassembly procedure in reverse.
Dishwasher Curtain Instructions
The procedure below is for cleaning the dishwasher curtains on a daily basis:
- Step 1. Perform daily shutdown procedure – Before you clean the interior, shutdown the machine. If you need a refresher on this process, check the owner’s manual for assistance.
- Step 2. Remove the curtains and rods – Look for the top of the curtain rod’s end. Lift one end of the rode up and out of the holder. Then, look for the other end of the rod and lift it out of the holder. Repeat this for all the curtains.
- Step 3. Wash the curtains and rods – Wash the curtain flaps in a sink with warm water and mild detergent. Scrub them thoroughly using a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth.
- Step 4. Scrub between the curtain flaps – Use a fiber-bristled brush to scrub between each curtain flap.
- Step 5. Rinse thoroughly and dry – When you’re done washing the curtains and rods, rinse them thoroughly in warm water. Then, let them air dry.
- Step 6. Reinstall the curtains and rods – Attach the curtains and rods following the disassembly procedure in reverse.
Stainless Steel Maintenance
Since the stainless steel surfaces and exterior contain about 70-80 percent iron, they can rust if not maintained properly. Below are some do's and don'ts to remember:
Do's
- Apply stainless steel polishers or cleaners daily to help preserve or restore the protective film.
- Use warm water, mild detergent and a sponge or soft cloth for routine cleaning.
- Use warm water, a degreaser and a plastic, stainless steel or Scotch–Brite pad for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Always scrub following the polish lines.
Don'ts
- Avoid using steel wool or metal tools, such as scraper, files, wire brushes or scouring pads.
- Avoid acidic or chloride-based cleaning solutions.
- Never scrub in a circular motion.
- Never leave salt or acidic food on the surfaces for too long.
Cleaning a Door Type Dishwasher
The following cleaning and maintenance instructions for select Stero SD door models.
Daily Cleaning Instructions
The procedure below should be performed daily at the end of each shift.
- Step 1. Remove the rack and turn off power – Start by taking the rack out of the dishwasher. Then, shut off power to the machine. If it's a steam-heated unit, turn off steam supply.
- Step 2. Clean the lower rinse arm, manifolds and scrap screens – Open the machine and remove the lower rinse arm, wash manifolds and scrap screens. Clean these parts in a sink with warm water, mild detergent and soft cloth. You also can flush them out with a hose.
- Step 3. Clean the machine's interior – Scrub down the interior of the machine with warm water, mild detergent and either a brush or soft cloth. Make sure to flush the bottom of the tank to remove any waste.
- Step 4. Check and clean the drain valve – Look around the drain valve to see if there is anything between the poppet and valve seat. Remove and clean any of the refuse in or near the area.
- Step 5. Wipe down the exterior – Use a non-abrasive, cleaner or lemon oil to wipe down the stainless steel surfaces. Always follow the polish lines when applying cleaner.
- Step 6. Clean around the machine – To prevent a large accumulation of dirt and debris, always clean around and under the dishwasher.
- Step 7. Reinstall the removed components – Reinstall the lower rinse arm, manifolds, scrap screens and rack inside the machine.
- Step 8. Allow the machine to dry – Leave the door open for a while to let the interior of the dishwasher air dry.
Pump Maintenance
Depending on how frequently the dishwasher is used, the seal on the centrifugal pump should be checked and replaced. Below are the procedures for replacing the pump seal and maintaining the surrounding area.
- Step 1. Detach the pump – Locate the four hex nuts that hold the pump in place. Unfasten each nut and carefully remove the pump from the machine.
- Step 2. Access the seal – To access the seal, remove the cap screw at the end of the pump's impeller shaft.
- Step 3. Remove the seal – Use a screwdriver to work the seal ring off. When the seal is off, clean the area with warm water and mild detergent. Wipe and scrub with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
- Step 4. Install the new seal – Once the area is clean and dry, install the new seal.
- Step 5. Clean the mounting surface – Before you add put the pump back in the machine, clean the mounting surface of the pump housing and end bell. Use warm water and mild detergent, and wipe with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
- Step 6. Replace the housing gasket (if necessary) – See if the old gasket in pump housing is damaged. If so, replace it with a new one.
- Step 7. Remount and fasten the pump – Remount the pump to the housing. Fasten the hex nuts evenly and securely.
Need more help cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher? Our selection of Stero manuals have all the tips and instructions to assist you.