Master-Bilt Walk-In Cleaning and Maintenance
Master-Bilt walk-in coolers and freezers’ dependability and efficiency make them excellent refrigeration solutions. If you want to keep your equipment in good working order, these Master-Bilt walk-in cleaning and maintenance instructions will make sure your unit performs optimally and stays sanitary for as long as possible.
This guide is applicable to a wide range of coolers and freezers, such as the QSF87810-C and QSB771014-C from the Quick Ship series.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Bleach
- Mild Detergent
- Baking Soda
- Scrub Brush
- Cleaning Cloths
- Silicone Caulk
- NSF-Approved Indoor Coil Cleaner
- Shop Vacuum with Soft-Brush Attachment
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as these may damage the unit’s surfaces. Also, in order to prevent unit damage, bacteria growth, mildew formation and slip hazards, never leave standing water in the unit at the end of the cleaning procedure.
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
Be mindful of pooled water, spilled liquids or food residues on the cooler or freezer floor as these may pose a slipping hazard during the cleaning process.
- Step 1. Disconnect the power - Minimize the risk of electric shock by cutting power to the unit before beginning the cleaning procedure.
- Step 2. Empty the unit - Remove food product and either place it in another refrigeration unit or discard.
- Step 3. Make a sanitizing solution - Mix together four ounces of bleach and one gallon of water to create a cleaning solution.
Cleaning the Interior
Maintain the unit interior once a month in order to minimize unpleasant odors and maintain good hygiene.
- Step 1. Sanitize the walls and ceiling - Use a scrub brush to apply the sanitizing solution, along with a bit of baking soda, to the walls and ceiling. Remember to then rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Step 2. Clean the shelving - Wash the shelving with sanitizing solution, baking soda and a scrub brush, and then rinse with warm water and a soft cloth before drying completely.
- Step 3. Wash the floor - Apply sanitizing solution and baking soda to the floor with a scrub brush before wiping away any remaining food or cleaning residues with a damp cloth. Be sure to dry the floor thoroughly so there’s no visible moisture.
Maintaining the Exterior
Clean the exterior panels once a month and the gasket/door sweep daily in order to maintain good hygiene and optimum performance.
- Step 1. Wash the gasket - Clean the door gasket and sweep with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse away any remaining suds with a damp cloth before drying with a soft cloth.
- Step 2. Clean the door sweep - As with the door gasket, clean the sweep at the bottom of the door with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth. Then, rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Step 3. Wash the exterior surfaces - Wipe down the panels, especially the front, with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and a clean cloth to remove any remaining suds or particles before drying the outside surfaces thoroughly.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils & Evaporator Fans
Extend the life of your walk-in unit by cleaning the condenser coils once every 3 months and the evaporator fans twice a year.
- Step 1. Brush the fins - Use the soft brush attachment of a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris from the condenser fins.
- Step 2. Apply coil cleaner - Once the fins are dusted, spray NSF-approved indoor coil cleaner onto the fins and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water and letting the fins air dry. Don’t soak up extra moisture with a towel as this may bend the fins and leave lint.
- Step 3. Clean the fans - Wipe the evaporator fan blades with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth before rinsing and then drying with a soft cloth.
Resuming Normal Operation
Be sure to dry the walk-in thoroughly after cleaning, especially the interior, in order to prevent bacteria and mildew growth.
- Step 1. Restore power to the unit - Reconnect the unit to the power source.
- Step 2. Reload the unit - Return food product to the cooler or freezer.
- Step 3. Resume normal operation - You may now use the unit normally.
Inspection Checklist
Check the following parts of the unit once every 3 months to make sure they’re operating properly.
- Drain Pan - See if the drain pan is holding an excessive amount of water; if it is, the drain is likely clogged, so contact a licensed technician to address the issue.
- Door Gasket - Check the door gasket for cracks, tears and other signs of wear and replace the gasket if necessary.
- Door Sweep - Inspect the door sweep for signs of wear and improper seal; if necessary, install a new door sweep.
- Door Parts - Check the hinges, closers and handle for wear and alignment. If the parts are worn, replace them; if the door doesn’t close completely, adjust them, especially the hinges and closer.
- Panels - Look for loose caulking and apply more as needed.
If you found this information helpful, make sure you take a look at the extensive library of Master-Bilt manuals and diagrams on our site for more tips on using, maintaining and troubleshooting your equipment.