Wells Drop-In Well Cleaning Instructions
Wells Manufacturing drop-in wells are essential in maintaining food quality when serving large numbers of people. Since these units are sure to see heavy use, proper maintenance is important. If you need information on how to care for your unit, these Wells drop-in well cleaning instructions will help you keep your equipment safe, hygienic and reliable.
This guide is for drop-in refrigerated cold pans, such as the RCP-7050 and RCP-100 models, among many others.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Mild Detergent
- Cleaning Vinegar
- Plastic Scouring Pad
- Cleaning Cloths or Soft Sponge
- Food-Grade Silicone Sealant (such as Kason sealant)
- Small Vacuum (for cleaning the condenser, if necessary)
In order to minimize electrical hazards, avoid splashing or pouring water onto the control panel or wiring. Additionally, don’t use steel wool or harsh chemicals so you don’t damage the surfaces.
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
- Step 1. Turn off the unit - Power down the unit by turning the power switch off.
- Step 2. Unplug the unit - Avoid electrical hazards by disconnecting the power cord from the electrical outlet.
- Step 3. Allow the unit to defrost - Let the unit come up to room temperature.
- Step 4. Make a cleaning solution - While waiting for the unit to defrost, make a cleaning solution of 10 parts warm water to 4 parts vinegar.
- Step 5. Drain the tank - Drain the water from the tank.
Cleaning the Well
- Step 1. Remove the small parts - Take out the pan adapter bars, pan rail and drain screen. If using any insets, pans and/or adapter tops, remove them as well.
- Step 2. Wipe the tank interior - Use warm water, mild detergent and a clean cloth or sponge to wash the interior of the tank.
- Step 3. Scrub the tank - Remove thick food residues and mineral deposits by scrubbing with a plastic scouring pad.
- Step 4. Rinse with the cleaning solution - Neutralize all cleaner and detergent residues by rinsing the tank with the previously prepared solution of water and vinegar.
- Step 5. Clean the small parts - Use warm water and a cloth or sponge to clean the detached parts.
- Step 6. Dry the detached parts - Wipe away any excess moisture on the small parts with a soft cloth.
- Step 7. Reinstall the small parts - Return the pan adapter bars, pan rail and drain screen to the unit, as well as any insets, pans and/or adapter tops.
Inspecting the Unit
- Step 1. Check the warmer flange-to-counter seal - Inspect the warmer flange-to-counter seal. If necessary, reseal with food-grade silicone sealant.
- Step 2. Inspect the condenser - Check the condenser; if it’s dirty, vacuum out the dirt and dust with a small vacuum cleaner.
- Step 3. Check the cooling louvers in the counter - If needed, remove any lint or debris from the louvers.
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Plug in the unit - Restore power to the food well by plugging in the unit.
- Step 2. Turn the cold pan on - Use the power switch to turn the power on.
- Step 3. Cool down the unit - Give the unit time to cool down from room temperature.
- Step 4. Resume normal operation - Once the refrigerated cold pan cools down, use the unit normally.
For more information on caring for your unit, be sure to take a look at our extensive collection of Wells manuals. With manuals for a variety of models, our site is a great resource for information on maintaining your equipment.