How to Clean a Refrigerated Prep Table

To ensure your refrigerated prep table continues operating properly, you must take the time to clean and maintain your unit. Because refrigerated prep tables are used to store a plethora of ingredients, they require adequate cleaning to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria, which could cause your customers to get sick. Also, since the prep table is refrigerated, extra steps may be required to ensure smooth operation. A refrigerated prep table's components may begin to breakdown or function improperly if not consistently maintained. Always be sure to check your refrigerated prep table's manual before cleaning, as some brands may require different cleaning processes. In this guide, we'll teach you about the most commonly used practices for cleaning and maintaining a refrigerated prep table.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Refrigerated Prep Table

Refrigerated prep tables consist of various components that require regular cleaning, which helps extend the life of your unit. Therefore, it is important that you know how to clean a food prep table. Before cleaning your specific unit, consult the manual in case your refrigerated prep table requires specific cleaning instructions. If you fail to properly clean and disinfect your unit, foul odors and bacteria can form. Below, we'll list the most commonly used instructions for properly cleaning your unit.

Properly cover and store any ingredients kept in the unit.
Wipe down the unit and its surfaces using water, a mild detergent, and a warm cloth.
For any surface that contacts food, use an antibacterial solution and warm cloth to disinfect the areas, such as the cutting board and worktop.
If your unit has a hood assembly, thoroughly disinfect and clean the hood as you would with components that directly contact food.
On some units, you may be able to remove the cutting board for more effective cleaning.
If you can remove your unit's cutting board, it can be cleaned in a three-compartment sink.

Make sure you thoroughly dry your cutting board after cleaning.

Ensure you wipe out the drawers and shelves, removing any crumbs.

Remove dust, dirt, and other debris from the condenser coil to prevent air from being blocked.

You should clean the condenser coil each month.

Regularly check your gaskets, ensuring there are no leaks.

Replace any gaskets not in prime condition.

If you have a door unit, check the hinges to ensure the door is attached properly, preventing loss of cold air.

What Cleaning Tools do You Need for the Condenser?

Below is a list of tools you can utilize to clean and maintain your refrigerated prep table, especially the condenser coil, including:

Soft bristle brush
Screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Vacuum cleaner
Compressed air unit

To clean the condenser coil, turn off the unit's power. Remove the grill assembly, as well as any bolts that might be anchoring the compressor to the frame rails and carefully remove the compressor. Clean off any dirt on the compressor using the bristle brush. After cleaning off the condenser, vacuum any dirt that may be left on the coil or on the floor. Place the compressor back into the unit, and bolt it down. Turn the unit on and ensure it is operating properly.