Getting Staff On Board with Cleaning to Improve Dishmachine Uptime

Keeping your dishmachine clean is a key factor in making sure it runs efficiently and cleans properly, and it also helps prevent downtime due to equipment failure or breakdowns. Even with the self-cleaning technology found on some of today’s machines, keeping a dishmachine in top shape still depends on the effort of your staff to make sure everything is clean at the end of each shift.

Start Off Right: Training New Staff

Often new staff come in without much experience in the foodservice industry. Training plays an important role in helping them understand the processes of your operation and what is expected on each shift. Take time to educate your new employees on the important role a dishmachine plays in the foodservice operation and how to operate and clean it correctly. Consider these training best practices:

• Make time for training. Make sure you set aside enough time for thorough training. Most of the important aspects of operation and cleaning can be covered in 30-60 minutes.
• Avoid information overload by spreading training out in short sessions over several days instead of cramming it all into one.
• Cover the basics: Teach staff how to properly load racks and run them in the machine, how to handle and store chemicals safely, opening tasks (machine start up), closing tasks (machine shut down), and proper deliming.

By understanding not just how but why each step is important, employees become more engaged, confident, and consistent in their tasks.

Reinforce Best Practices with Ongoing Training

Training staff isn’t a one and done proposition. It’s important to keep proper procedures top of mind to make sure all the right steps are taken with each cleaning. Set up regular times to go over best practices with all team members to keep everyone current on how to properly operate and clean a dishmachine.

• Set aside time at the beginning of each month to provide ongoing training and reminders on dishmachine care, cleaning, and deliming.
• Use peer mentoring. Pair employees with experienced staff to help guide and support them in dish machine tasks.

Make Use of Your Resources

Providing training and education on dishmachine cleaning and best practices is easy thanks to resources for operators that are available from manufacturers.

• Operator Training Videos show step by step instructions for machine Operation, Operating Tips, Cleaning, Deliming and more! These provide easy to follow visual demonstrations.
• Use the Wall Charts. Wallcharts that ship with Hobart dishmachines provide simple visual instructions and display a constant reminder of how and when to do tasks properly.
• Take Advantage of the QR Codes. QR codes on the dish machines provide direct links to training resources and other useful information to help with the use and care of your dishwasher.

Build a Culture of Accountability and Care

Building a workplace culture that values consistency, efficiency, and pride in doing things right the first time goes a long way in getting the most out of your dishmachine and other kitchen equipment. When team members understand the importance of their role in maintaining dishmachine performance, they’re more likely to take ownership of the process. With the right training, ongoing reinforcement, and easy-to-use tools at their fingertips, your team can help keep your dishmachine running smoothly.