Three Fool-Proof Ways to a Clean Vending Machines
Cooled vending machines are basically refrigerators with coils requiring cleaning and maintenance, just as refrigerators do. Heated vending machines contain boilers that need descaling. In either case, vending machine maintenance is vital to a profitable business model.
Vending Machine Maintenance
Effective vending machine maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal operation and long-term profitability. By diligently attending to mechanical systems such as coin mechanisms, bill validators, and payment systems, you can instill confidence in the machine’s ability to generate consistent cash flow. Additionally, maintaining a clean and sanitized vending machine is crucial for making a positive impression on customers. Pay special attention to cooled and heated vending machines, as they require specific care, including regular cleaning of coils and descaling of hot water elements when necessary. Remember, a well-maintained machine not only enhances its longevity but also safeguards the quality of products and customer satisfaction, leading to increased profitability over time.
If vending machine operators ignore machine maintenance, it can lead to expensive emergency repair calls. Vencoa Vending Machines estimates each call – for just one issue – can cost as much as $200, while regularly scheduled maintenance by the route person only costs one or two dollars more than the regular fee. Routine, preventive cleaning saves money, leading to increased revenues.
Coil Cleaning Solutions for Refrigerated Vending Machines
Dirt, dust, grease, and the build-up of other debris on coils in refrigerated machines may cause the equipment to stop cooling and, at the very least, restrict air flow, causing the unit to work harder. Cleaning the coils improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces the stress on the cooling process. Coils should be checked regularly for buildup. Most units require cleaning at least monthly; even a thin layer of buildup affects efficiency, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
If coils only contain a light layer of dust and dirt isn’t stuck to the coils, using a vacuum may be enough to remove the dust. Goodway’s CoilVac Dry HEPA vacuum effectively removes light dirt and dust deposits and can even remove heavy deposits from coils. Its 4 HP motor has a powerful suction action that also acts as a blower. It comes with several accessories to allow you to access hard-to-reach areas.
More about the CoilVac.
For heavier deposits, a detergent is sometimes necessary to loosen the dirt and grime on coils. Goodway’s CoilShine is a non-acidic, non-fuming and biodegradable foaming detergent. CoilShine-BC adds a mold inhibitor to the formula to prevent odors and mold, mildew and fungi growth. Both products are formulated for use in Goodway’s line of CoilPro coil cleaning machines.
Descaling Heated Vending Machines
Descale heated vending machines – coffee, cappuccino or espresso machines, for example – on a regular schedule to minimize mineral buildup in the boiler, heat exchanger and other internal components. Frequent descaling is better than aggressive descaling; rather than dissolving the buildup, the descaling process may cause the scale to break up into chunks, which can cause blockages and additional problems. Buildup can not only affect the taste of vended drinks, but it may clog valves and water lines. Restricting water flow can affect the machine’s operation harshly, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
See what can happen if scale is left to build up.
Goodway’s biodegradable cleaner, ScaleBreak, dissolves lime, rust, calcium and other deposits from within heated equipment. It’s safe to use on iron, brass, steel, copper, rubber and plastic. Use ScaleBreak in one of Goodway’s Descaler Systems for fast, efficient, effective deposit removal.
*Note: Always check with the manufacturer to determine the appropriate procedure to descale your machine, including what cleaning/descaling products are safe to use.
Preventing Mold Growth in Vending Machines
Reduce mold growth from bacteria and food inside vending machines with an EPA-registered fungicide and mold inhibitor.
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