Over 6.4 billion pounds of ice cream and frozen yogurt are produced in the US every year. It’s a major industry with a $13.1 billion impact on the economy. Most manufacturers have been in business for over 40 years, making it an important small business sector as well.
Owning your own machine lets you be a part of this economic growth, but only if you keep it running at its best. Read our guide to learn how to clean and maintain your soft serve ice cream machine.
Why You Need to Clean and Maintain Your Machine
Foodborne bacteria causes 48 million, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in the US every year. Regularly cleaning your soft serve ice cream machine prevents this issue. Proper cleaning and maintenance also extend its lifetime.
How to Clean Your Machine
The first step after buying a new ice cream machine is to speak with your local health department. Failing to meet their rules about how often to clean your machine puts you at risk of fines and other legal issues. They may also be able to offer further cleaning tips or recommend products for you to use.
Get recommendations from the brand as well. You should read your product manual as soon as you buy an ice cream machine.
The cleaning process generally involves 3 steps; cleaning, lubricating, and sanitizing.
Start by flushing out all the product mix from your machine. Use a cleaning solution mixed with warm water. Turn it to the clean/wash cycle for approximately 5 minutes, then empty it out. Dip a brush in the same cleaning solution, disassemble each component of the machine, and brush them.
Lubricate each component based on the specifications in the product manual before you put the machine back together. This ensures that each part works at maximum effectiveness.
Sanitizing is the last step before placing any product mix into the machine. Mix the cleaning solution with water and put the machine on a clean/wash cycle for approximately 1 minute, then remove the solution,
Using the right products will lower your water usage and reduce your labor and cleaning costs. Consider Hydra Rinse products to get better results in half the time you’d spend on a manual clean.
Set up a cleaning schedule based on the recommendations of your local health department. Everyone who uses the machine should know when and how to clean it.
How to Maintain Your Machine
The same places you look for guidance on how to clean your machine may also offer maintenance tips.
If there is too much air or the ice cream is too frozen, disassemble the pump. Check the O-rings and gaskets for damage and run a fine brush through the machine to remove any obstructions.
If your soft serve is coming out too soft, check the position of the feed tube and try slowly lowering the temperature.
Replace your scraper blades and O-rings at least every 3 months to maintain freeze downtime and reduce operational costs.
Where to Buy a Soft-Serve Ice Cream Machine
Soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat, and owning a machine allows your business to get in on the trend. If you clean and maintain it properly, you’ll be able to enjoy it for as long as possible.
Use recommendations from your local health department and product manual. You’ll reduce your labor costs, water use, and the risk of food-borne illnesses.
Taylor FoodService Equipment has a range of trusted products for your foodservice needs. Contact us for tips on how to find the best ice cream machine for your needs.