1. Daily Cleaning and Maintenance (After each use or before closing each day)

This is the most basic and essential step to prevent residue buildup, bacterial growth, and cross-contamination.

Disassemble Parts:

Remove the ingredient hopper (container for ingredients).

Remove the dispensing valve (tap).

Remove the plastic mixer (agitator).

Parts Cleaning:

Thoroughly clean all removed parts (hopper, dispensing valve, mixer) with warm water and a food-grade neutral detergent.

Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe. Avoid using hard items like steel wool to prevent scratching surfaces and creating sanitation dead spots.

Pay special attention to cleaning the inside and crevices of the dispensing valve, as residue easily accumulates and hardens here.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water after washing to ensure no detergent residue remains.

Exterior Cleaning:

Wipe the machine’s outer casing, lid, and control panel with a clean, damp cloth.

For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of neutral cleaner, wipe, and then immediately wipe dry with a damp cloth.

Never splash or rinse the main body of the machine directly with water to prevent electrical short circuits.

Internal Cleaning and Sanitizing:

Fill the hopper well with warm water (approx. 40-50°C) and a small amount of neutral detergent.

Turn on the machine and let the mixer run empty for 1-2 minutes to clean the inner wall and mixing shaft using centrifugal force.

Drain the dirty water. Repeat the process with clean water 1-2 times until the drained water runs clear, ensuring no cleaner residue remains.

Finally, add a small amount of sanitizer (diluted food-grade sanitizer according to instructions) or hot water. Let the machine run for one minute for sanitization, then drain.

Drying:

Dry all cleaned parts and the machine’s interior with a clean, lint-free cloth, or let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Keeping everything dry is key to preventing bacterial growth and machine rust.

2.Weekly / Regular Deep Maintenance

Perform a deep clean weekly or bi-weekly, depending on usage frequency, to remove grime that daily cleaning can’t reach.

Inspect and Clean the Freezing Cylinder and Mixer:

Carefully check the mixer for wear, deformation, or looseness. A worn mixer reduces cooling and mixing efficiency.

Remove any foreign material tangled around the mixer.

Inspect Seals:

Check the rubber seals at the hopper connection point, dispensing valve, etc., for aging, cracking, or deformation.

Damaged seals can cause leakage or reduced cooling efficiency and should be replaced promptly.

Condenser Cleaning (Crucial Step!):

The machine usually has an air-cooled condenser at the back or bottom, with attached metal fins.

After prolonged use, dust and grease can accumulate on the condenser, leading to poor heat dissipation, increased compressor load, reduced cooling effect, higher energy consumption, and even compressor damage.

Method: Use a soft brush to gently remove surface dust, then use a vacuum cleaner to suck it away. For severe grease buildup, use a dedicated condenser cleaner spray, allow the dirt to dissolve, and then vacuum dry.

Note: Be careful during operation, not to bend or damage the fragile fins.

3 . Seasonal or Long-Term Storage Maintenance

If planning to store the machine unused for an extended period (e.g., over one month), such as during winter, follow these steps:

Thorough Cleaning: Perform a complete daily and weekly deep maintenance routine.

Complete Drying: Ensure the machine interior and all parts are completely dry, with no moisture remaining.

Drain Remaining Ingredients: Completely remove all leftover liquid ingredients from the hopper.

Lubrication: Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant to the mixer shaft and seals to prevent aging.

Proper Storage: Place the machine in a dry, well-ventilated, dust-free environment and cover it with a dust cover.