A soda fountain is not typically the centerpiece of a restaurant’s image, however, just like any other part of a functioning business, there will come a time when you will have to clean your soda fountain to maintain the level of quality you need to in the products, as well as to meet the hygienic standards of your local health board.
This task can be daunting if you have not given it a go in the past. Fortunately, we have whipped up this guide that can inform you of how to clean your soda fountain efficiently and thoroughly.
Why Do You Need to Clean a Soda Fountain?
The reasons to clean a soda fountain are fairly similar to the reasons one would engage in routine cleanings of any other element of a restaurant’s equipment. Without regular cleanings, the quality of the product you dispense and the functionality of the equipment become threatened. Even engaging in occasional cleanings can yield great results, and engaging in regular cleanings will ensure that you minimize the potential for adverse effects on your soda.
Soda is one of the most popular items on most menus, and ensuring that the quality of your product is consistent is one of the best steps you can take to deliver a strong product experience with your customers on a consistent basis. On the contrary, delivering soda products that fail to impress can make a negative impression on new and existing customers.
In addition, cleaning your fountain on a regular basis will extend the amount of time before you need to replace your equipment. This can save you time and money in the long run and allow you to allocate funds towards other causes.
How to Clean a Soda Fountain
There are a number of steps that an individual can take to ensure that their soda fountains remain clean and the product they are serving to customers remains at the highest level. Some steps you can take include the ones listed below. While there is bound to be some variability in terms of how your machine operates, many soda fountains are mass-produced to specific standards, which allows for the easy replacement of parts.
Clean the Nozzles Every Day
One simple step that you can take to ensure that your soda fountain remains clean is to clean the nozzles on your soda fountain on a daily basis. Using a sanitizing solution on the nozzles can rid them of the debris that can accumulate over time. Avoid using bleach for this purpose, as this can be toxic and degrade the plastic nozzles at a more rapid rate than usual.
Clean the Syrup Connectors Once a Week
The syrup connectors are a tool that connects the bag-in-box soda units to the rest of the soda fountain. These connectors are prone to becoming dirty at a slightly higher rate than many of the other parts of a soda fountain and benefit from weekly cleanings. The easiest way to achieve this is through soaking the connectors in a sanitizing solution for several minutes and then letting them dry.
Clean the Fountain Dispenser Ice Bin Once a Month
This is a task you can complete on a more infrequent basis. During an ice bin cleaning, you will unplug the ice maker and remove any ice that remains in the bucket. Then, you should use a sanitizing solution and nylon brush to brush down the ice chute. After this, you can reinstall the ice maker so that the unit can begin producing ice again.
Clean the Condenser Fans Once a Month
The condenser fans are another part of your soda fountain that you should clean approximately once a month. Using a soft-bristled brush and cleaning any air filters that are present can help your machine run more smoothly.
Clean the Water Filtration System Once a Month
The water filtration system of your soda fountain is one of the most essential elements when it comes to maintaining the long-term quality of your product. Inspecting to see if the filtration system needs to be replaced every six months can help inform you whether the systems that keep your soda fountain running are in tip-top shape.
The Best in Beverage
SC Beverage prides itself on offering customers in Southern California and beyond the best service and products available for their commercial beverage equipment needs. If you would like to discuss your beverage systems with professionals, contact us today.
