Kolpak Walk-In Refrigerator Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Maintenance Checklist
How often should you complete maintenance tasks on your Kolpak and what needs to be done? Check out this maintenance checklist so you don't miss a step:
Monthly
- Clean the evaporator for proper defrosting
- Clean the evaporator box
- Check and clean the condenser coil if the air supply is near cooking equipment
Every 3 Months
- Clean condenser coil surface
Every 6 Months
- Clean the evaporator coil and drain pan
- Check all wiring and insulators for potential wear
- Check and fasten all electrical connections
- Check contractor for proper operation and contact point deterioration
- Check all fan motors for proper operation and vibration
- Fasten fan set screws, and motor mount nuts and bolts
- Check the operation of the control system
- Check all safety controls are operating properly
- Check drain line heater for proper operation and possible cuts or abrasions
- Check and fasten all mechanical and flare connections
Info Courtesy of Welbilt Kitchencare Self-Help
Cleaning the Evaporator Box
To keep the evaporator running in peak condition, Kolpak recommends cleaning the evaporator box on its walk-in units monthly. Below are necessary cleaning procedures.
- Step 1. Remove items from the unit – Move the items into another refrigeration unit or cooler.
- Step 2. Turn the power off – Unplug the power cord and disconnect power from the unit.
- Step 3. Access to the evaporator box – The box is accessed from inside the compartment. Unfasten the mounting screw to remove the supply air/return air panel.
- Step 4. Clean the evaporator box area – Using a cloth or soft sponge with warm water and mild detergent, clean the evaporator box. Wipe down the surfaces exposed to the refrigeration compartment.
- Step 5. Reinstall the panel over the evaporator box – Place the supply air/return air panel and fasten its mounting screws.
- Step 6. Restore power and defrost time to the unit – Plug the power cord back in and reconnect power to the unit. Make sure to reset the defrost time to local time.
Cleaning the Condensing Unit
The condenser is a key component in the refrigeration process, helping condense gaseous material into a liquid to help cooling. This process can cause the condenser to get dirty. Regularly cleaning the coil and surrounding surfaces can help a commercial refrigerator or freezer stay in top shape. While it’s recommended you clean it once every three months, consider doing this task every 6-8 weeks if the unit is in close proximity to cooking equipment. Below are procedures for cleaning a Kolpak walk-in condenser.
- Step 1. Remove items from the unit – Move the items into another refrigeration unit or cooler.
- Step 2. Turn the power off – Unplug the power cord and disconnect power from the unit.
- Step 3. Remove panels – Take off the end panels and side/top panels. This is applicable to top-mount models.
- Step 4. Clean the condenser coil – Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the condenser coil. Check out our condenser coil cleaning guide and video for thorough instructions.
- Step 5. Clean the condenser fan – If there is a thick buildup of grease and dust, take out the condenser fan and clean it. Start by unfastening the four mounting screws. Then, use clean, compressed air to remove remnants from the fan and back of the coil.
- Step 6. Reattached the condenser fan – Remount the fan to the unit by fastening the four mounting screws.
- Step 7. Restore power and defrost time to the unit – Plug the power cord back in and reconnect power to the unit. Make sure to reset the defrost time to local time.
Need more assistance cleaning and maintaining a Kolpak walk-in unit? We have a large library of Kolpak manuals to help you in a pinch.