Winterizing Soft Serve Machines: A Step-by-Step Checklist
The temperatures going low means it’s time to start putting away the summer equipment. Close up the patio and start winterizing ice cream and soft serve machines. With our comprehensive step-by-step checklist for commercial kitchens, you can mark winterizing soft serve machines off your to-do list. We’ll walk you through the most important cleaning steps, top mistakes to avoid and what parts you should be checking and replacing for seasonal maintenance.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Winterizing Soft Serve Equipment
- Skipping thorough cleaning - A thorough cleaning is essential to prevent bacteria growth while equipment sits during the off-season. That means no surprises or mold come spring when it’s time to start the machine up.
- Leaving residual mix in the system - You never want to leave residual mix in the system. This can freeze and cause damage to the unit when temperatures get extremely low.
- Using non-food-grade lubricants - Never use a non-food-grade lubricant on your machine. This can damage the integrity of the unit and be hazardous to any food product that goes into it. Always use the manufacturer-recommended lubricant for best practices.
- Improper storage environment - The storage area is just as important as the winterization cleaning. A proper storage environment means less temperature fluctuations that can damage any sensitive parts.
- Not inspecting/replacing worn parts before shutdown - Inspecting and replacing worn out parts while winterizing units can help you get ahead of delays. The off-season is the perfect time to make any replacements, so your machine is ready when it’s time to start up again.
Step-by-Step Winterization
Draining the System
Just because the machine is clean and sanitized doesn’t mean you’re finished with the checklist. Draining the mix or water from the internal lines will help prevent any from freezing and causing damage if the temperature gets extremely low. Frozen lines are a serious hazard to soft serve machines, so avoiding this is a key part of preventative maintenance. Draining the unit should include:
- Removing the mix
- Filling with warm water
- Run a cleaning cycle
- Repeat the cleaning until water runs clear
- Drain internal lines
- Dry thoroughly
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning the machine is a core part of winterizing soft serve machines. This ensures the unit is clean and sanitized, free from any leftover product that could cause bacteria or damage during storage. Here are some of the essential steps you’ll want to check off before storage:
- Removing excess product
- Disassembling parts
- Cleaning parts with approved cleaners
- Sanitizing any parts
- Wiping down exteriors
- Drying thoroughly
Specific cleaning steps depend on your manufacturer and model, so make sure to check the manual before performing any maintenance. We also have a helpful guide on how to clean a soft serve ice cream machine that can help you get everything clean before it’s time to lubricate and store the unit.
Storage Tips
The final step in making winterizing soft serve machines for commercial kitchens is storing it in the right conditions. Optimal storage conditions ensure that machines stay clean and protected, so it’s ready to use when the winter season ends. Here are some storage tips to help you store your unit:
- Keep equipment in a dry, temperature-controlled space
- Make sure the humidity in the space is low, to prevent damage
- Cover the machine from dust and pests
- Keep the unit unplugged and secure the cord
- Ensure that the machine is on a level surface before storing
Parts for Seasonal Maintenance
Winter is the perfect time to make any repairs or replacements on a soft serve machine. It allows you to get maintenance completed without sacrificing operating time. Replacing them now will ensure that machines are ready in the future when they need to be running at peak operational times. Skip the downtime and inspect some of these common parts that might need replacement:
- Gaskets, o-rings, seals
- Scraper blades
- Pump assembly
- Drive belt
- Tubes
- Hopper covers