How to Clean a Thermo-Kool Walk-In Cooler or Freezer
Thermo-Kool walk-in coolers and freezers allow foodservice establishments to store large quantities of food at the proper temperature. Since proper maintenance is important, this guide explains how to clean a Thermo-Kool walk-in cooler or freezer so the unit stays sanitary and works properly.
Supplies
- Mild Detergent
- Warm Water
- Glass Cleaner
- Sanitizer (No-Rinse)
- Stainless Steel Polish
- Lemon Oil
- Soft Cloths
- Spray Bottle
- Soft Brush
- Broom and Dustpan
- Mop and Bucket
Normal Cleaning Procedure
Walk-in coolers and freezers should be cleaned once every 60 days to ensure proper sanitation and peak performance.
Exterior Surfaces & Gasket
- Step 1. Remove all food products - To avoid contamination, remove all food products from the unit before cleaning.
- Step 2. Power down the unit - After removing all food products from the walk-in cooler or freezer, turn the unit “OFF” and remove the power cord from the electrical outlet.
- Step 3. Clean the exterior surfaces - Wipe the exterior panels with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water. Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or harsh, chlorine-based cleaners.
- Step 4. Wipe the windows - Clean the window glass with glass cleaner and a clean, soft cloth.
- Step 5. Clean the gasket - Wipe down the gasket with warm water and a clean cloth.
- Step 6. Rinse the exterior surfaces - Use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or soap suds from the panels, windows and gasket.
- Step 7. Dry the exterior surfaces and gasket - Soak up any remaining moisture on the exterior walls, window glass and gasket with a dry cloth.
- Step 8. Air dry the exterior - Allow the unit to air dry completely.
Shelves, Walls & Floor
- Step 1. Scrub the shelves - Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water to clean the shelves.
- Step 2. Sweep the floor - Use a broom and dustpan to clean up any dust or large particles on the floor.
- Step 3. Mop the floor - Clean the floor using a mop and a bucket filled with warm, soapy water.
- Step 4. Clean the walls - Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water to scrub the walls.
- Step 5. Rinse the interior - Wipe up any remaining soap suds or dirt particles with a clean, damp cloth.
- Step 6. Dry the interior - Soak up any remaining moisture with a clean, dry cloth.
- Step 7. Sanitize the interior - Spray no-rinse sanitizer on the walls, floor and shelves to kill any remaining bacteria.
- Step 8. Restore power to the unit - Plug in the unit and turn it “ON.”
- Step 9. Restock the unit - Return food products to the cooler or freezer.
Removing Stains from Aluminum, Stainless Steel & Galvanized Steel Panels
Removing a stain usually makes the metal finish shiny. For best results, clean and polish the entire panel, not just the area with the stain.
- Step 1. Apply polish - Use a clean cloth to gently rub the affected area with stainless steel polish until the stain disappears.
- Step 2. Wash the panel - Clean the affected area with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water.
- Step 3. Rinse the panel - Wipe away any remaining soap suds with a damp cloth.
- Step 4. Dry the area - Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
- Step 5. Air dry the surface - Allow the panel to air dry completely.
- Step 6. Apply lemon oil - For a clean, fresh smell, pour some lemon oil onto a dry, soft cloth and then apply the oil to the metal surface.