Refrigeration devices work continuously to maintain the optimal temperature and freshness of the products inside. In order for them to perform their task as well as possible (and for the longest time), they should be cleaned regularly. Today it is especially important because our health also depends on it. That is why we need to adress the issue of regular maintenance of counters, shelves and all such devices, so that they serve us and our health for years. 

Note: each device requires regular cleaning, therefore all information about its maintenance can be found in the manual. Please read it carefully as the different models may also differ in terms of these requirements.. 

Cleanliness you can see

The location of your refrigeration appliance has a huge impact on how it works and how quickly dirt builds up inside it. If it is used to store food in kitchens, restaurants or bars, it will accumulate impurities typical for these places, e.g. fat that is very difficult to remove. Some of that build up can be seen immediately, others will be hidden under the housing.  

Microorganisms will grow inside the chambers of refrigeration equipment - this is inevitable. This process arises under the influence of:

• ambient temperature and humidity,
• type of insulation used in the device, 
• temperature of the products placed in the chamber, 
• the humidity of these products,
• the frequency and duration of door opening by customers and employees. 

So if you notice dark mold or fungus raids in the chamber, you should immediately wash the entire device. Of course, even if you don't notice any visible changes in the appearance of the chamber, regular cleaning will have many benefits and you can do it yourself.

The evaporator, condenser or condensate container are parts that are invisible to the customer, but they are equally important when it comes to hygiene and health of people nearby. A clogged condenser will adversely affect the operation of the unit. In turn, neglecting the condensate container will result in water leaking onto the floor. 

Clean regularly to keep the device running longer

Cleaning the device will not only prevent the formation of unpleasant odors, but also improve your work. Uncleaned devices:

• consume more energy,
• work louder,
• do not allow to achieve the set temperature and correct operating parameters,
• overheat,
• are prone to failures (e.g. resulting from higher compressor load), the removal of which is sometimes very costly,
• have a shorter service life, so we have to buy a new one.

How to maintain a refrigeration appliance depends largely on the model you are dealing with. We design our devices so that you have easy access to all parts. Therefore, keeping the RAPA device clean is easy and can be done in a few steps. 

Prepare for maintenance

Disconnect the devuce from the power supply before cleaning. Check which items need your attention:

• pay attention to the amount of frost that has accumulated on the evaporator (the more frost, the higher the temperature in the chamber, which in turn will affect the freshness of the products);
• look carefully at all the nooks and crannies of the chamber into which water can drain;
• check the seals and door edges;
• check the compressor and condenser vents;
• assess the condition of glass doors and shelves (if the device has one).

All set? Then we get to work

How to clean a cooling device? 

When disconnected from the power supply, the device must be emptied of all products in the chamber. For cleaning you need:

• a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle tip or compressed air,
• water at a maximum temperature of 40 ° C,
• neutral cleaning agents (no chlorine or sodium),
• technical petroleum jelly to protect the seals,
• disinfectants,
• clean cloths. 

 
Start by cleaning the condenser with a vacuum cleaner. Detailed instructions can be found in our article: Service vade-mecum 1

Wash the remaining parts of the device thoroughly with water and a neutral detergent that will not destroy the protective layer. You can use dedicated agents for surfaces such as glass or stainless steel. Remember about all the nooks and crannies. Wipe the surfaces dry. You can additionally protect the seals with technical petroleum jelly

After cleaning, you can additionally disinfect the chamber to reduce the chance of mold or fungi returning. Use special agents with bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties. Use them in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines as stated on the label. Remember to rinse the surface thoroughly with water and wipe it dry after use.  

Don't make these mistakes

Cleaning refrigeration equipment is not difficult, which does not mean you do not have to be careful. The most common damage during improper maintenance are: 

• condenser: when the user inadvertently folds the lamellas, which hinders the air flow to the device. To avoid this, cleaning should be done very gently, using a soft-bristled tip. The condenser can also be cleaned with compressed air, in this case remember to "blow" from the fan side (so you won't force impurities inside); 
• evaporator: the ice that has accumulated on the device should not be chained. Wait for it to melt itself. 

How often should I clean the device?

The correct answer to this question is: as often as necessary. If we see dirt, mold, etc. in the chamber of the device, we should perform such cleaning as soon as possible. This affects not only the aesthetics of the presented products, but also the health and safety of customers.

In the simplest terms, we can say that device inspections and cleaning (and disinfection) should be performed at least twice a year: in spring and autumn. The condenser itself should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner once a month. It is good practice to carry out these activities before the first heat, which usually means hard work for the device.

If you have doubts about maintenance, please contact Technical Support.