Maintenance tips
Regular maintenance keeps your warranty valid, saves energy, reduces breakdowns, and makes your equipment last much longer. Always unplug before cleaning unless your manual says otherwise.
❄️ Fridges & Freezers
Placement — important from day one
- Position away from heat sources such as ovens, grills, and direct sunlight
- Leave clear space around the ventilation grilles — at least 10 cm
- Keep away from open doors or air conditioning draughts
- Never block the ventilation grilles — even partially
Every day
- Check the temperature display is showing the correct reading
- Check door seals close cleanly with no gaps
Every week
- Clean inside with a mild food-safe cleaner, rinse and dry
- Wipe shelves and internal fittings
Every month — condenser cleaning
This is the most important job. A blocked condenser is NOT covered by warranty and is the most common cause of fridge and freezer failure.
The condenser is usually at the back or underneath the unit. Dust and grease build up on it over time and stop it working properly.
- Unplug the unit
- Find the condenser grille — usually at the back or base of the unit
- Use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush head to gently remove dust from the fins. Do not bend the fins.
- Wipe the area clean, then plug back in
💡 In a busy kitchen with lots of grease in the air, clean the condenser every 2 weeks.
Defrosting — when ice builds up inside
If you notice a large amount of ice forming on the cooling elements, it is time to defrost. Ice reduces cooling efficiency and puts strain on the motor.
- Remove all food and store it safely elsewhere
- Switch off and unplug the unit, leave the door open
- Once defrosted, clean inside with warm water and one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
- Dry thoroughly
- Apply a small amount of glycerine to the cooling elements — this prevents ice sticking
- Plug back in and allow to reach temperature before restocking
Door seals
If you notice a large amount of ice forming on the cooling elements, it is time to defrost. Ice reduces cooling efficiency and puts strain on the motor.
- Check seals monthly for cracks or tears — replace if damaged
- Clean seals with a damp cloth
- Do not use sharp objects near door seals
✨ Stainless Steel Products
This covers preparation tables, worktops, sink units, shelving, and trolleys.
Daily cleaning
- Wipe with warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid
- Rinse well with clean warm water
- Dry with a clean cloth — do not let water air-dry as it leaves marks
💡 Always wipe in the direction of the grain (the fine lines on the surface) to keep the finish looking its best.
What to use and what NOT to use
- Warm water with mild washing-up liquid — always safe
- Soft cloth or sponge — always safe
- Specific stainless steel cleaner — fine for stubborn marks
- Abrasive scourers, wire wool, or scouring pads — will scratch permanently
- Bleach, chlorine cleaners, or products containing acid — will damage and rust the surface
- Paint thinner, acetone, or strong solvents — will damage the surface
Stubborn stains
For dried-on food or tea or coffee stains, apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain and leave for a couple of minutes before wiping. Never use abrasive powder cleaners.
If a strong chemical accidentally touches the surface, rinse immediately with plenty of cold water.
Important rules
- Never cut directly on stainless steel — always use a chopping board
- Never place hot pans directly from the heat onto stainless steel — use a trivet or stand
💡 Small cuts and heat stains on stainless steel cannot be repaired. Always use a board and a stand.
🫧 Laundry Equipment
This covers commercial washing machines and tumble dryers.
After every wash
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open after the cycle to allow air circulation and prevent mould
- Wipe the door seal (gasket) after every use — moisture and lint collect here quickly
Every week
- Pull out the detergent drawer and clean it under running water — residue builds up quickly
- Clean the door seal thoroughly — check for trapped items like coins or lint
- Wipe down the exterior
Every month
- Run an empty hot wash (60°C or higher) with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar — this removes limescale and bacteria from inside the drum
- Check the pump filter — it will be behind a small panel at the front base. Unscrew it carefully with a cloth underneath to catch water. Remove and rinse any fluff or debris.
Tumble dryers — after every cycle
âš Â Blocked lint filters are a fire risk. Clean the filter after every single cycle without exception.
- Remove the lint filter and peel off the lint layer — dispose of it safely
- Check that the exhaust vent (if fitted) is not blocked or kinked
Tumble dryers — every month
âš Â Blocked lint filters are a fire risk. Clean the filter after every single cycle without exception.
- Wipe the drum interior with a damp cloth
- Check the back of the dryer for any lint accumulation near the exhaust
- Never run a dryer without the lint filter in place
- Never dry items that have been in contact with oils, petrol, or flammable substances — serious fire risk
💡 Use only the amount of detergent stated on the packet. Excess detergent leaves residue and can damage the machine over time.
🧊 Ice Cube Machines
âš Â Cleaning the water system every 6 months is a warranty condition across all suppliers. Do not skip this.
Every day
- Check ice production is normal and ice looks clear
- Wipe down the exterior and the ice storage bin lid
Every month
- Clean the condenser grilles — same method as fridges above. Blocked condensers reduce ice production.
- Check the water supply line for kinks or visible damage
Every 6 months — full water system clean
This removes limescale, bacteria, and any build-up that can affect the taste of your ice. Use an approved ice machine cleaning solution. Always follow the instructions for your specific machine.
- Empty the ice bin and discard all existing ice
- Add the approved cleaning solution to the water system as directed
- Run the cleaning cycle as described in your machine’s manual
- Flush the system thoroughly with fresh clean water
- Replace the water filter if one is fitted
- Produce and discard the first batch of ice before returning the machine to service
💡 In hard water areas, fit a water softener or scale inhibitor cartridge. Limescale damage is not covered by warranty.
🔥 Cookers & Cooking Equipment
This covers gas and electric ranges, fryers, grills, lava stone grills, salamanders, and induction hobs.
âš Â Always allow cooking equipment to cool completely before cleaning. Never leave an empty fryer switched on.
Fryers — after every service
- Filter the oil while still warm (not hot) using a fine mesh filter
- Wipe down the exterior and surrounding area
- Never add water to hot oil — extremely dangerous
- Never leave the fryer on when empty — the elements will burn out immediately
Fryers — full oil change (weekly or per manufacturer schedule)
- Switch off and allow to cool completely
- Drain the oil completely
- Clean the interior tank with a food-safe degreaser. Rinse thoroughly — no residue must remain.
- Dry completely before adding fresh oil
- Fill to the correct level as marked inside the tank
💡 Used cooking oil must be disposed of responsibly. Never pour it down the drain. Many waste companies offer free collection.
Gas ranges — daily
- Wipe burner heads and drip trays after each service
- Remove and clean burner caps in warm soapy water — dry thoroughly before replacing
- Check all burners light correctly before service
- Never allow food residue to block burner holes — use a pin or toothpick to clear
Lava stone grills — after every use
- Allow to cool completely before touching
- Brush food debris from the stones with a grill brush
- Wipe drip trays clean
Lava stones become saturated with grease over time. Replace them when cooking results deteriorate — this is a consumable item, not a warranty issue.
Salamander grills — daily
- Empty and clean the drip tray after each use
- Wipe the interior while slightly warm with a damp cloth
- Never leave grease build-up on the interior — it is a fire risk
Induction hobs — after every use
- Wipe the ceramic surface with a damp cloth once cooled
- For stuck-on marks, use a ceramic hob scraper at a low angle
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal scourers on the ceramic surface
- Do not allow spills to dry on the surface — clean while still warm
Something not right?
Contact us before calling out an engineer. Many faults have a simple fix and we are happy to help.