A Simple Guide on How to Maintain Compartment Sinks
Whether your commercial kitchen is large or small, a sink is a mandatory piece of equipment. In fact, most commercial kitchens have more than one. More specifically, a stainless steel compartment sink is one of the most important items to have present in any commercial kitchen. The FDA actually recommends them (p. 159, clause 4-301.12) to be on site.
However, just like any other piece of equipment, a compartment sink must be maintained regularly (the right way) in order to achieve peak performance. How can this be accomplished?
In this article, we will go over 4 ways to properly maintain your IMC compartment sink. We’ll also suggest some handy cleaning tools that should be used on stainless steel items in general. Let’s start.
1. Clean Out Each Compartment (Even the Drains)
The chances are very high that your sink bowls are starting to build up serious dirt & debris from constant use. This clutter should be periodically cleared out daily. This means going in & manually removing large chunks of scraps with a brush & pan if necessary. Remember to also clear out the drains to avoid any clogging.
After you’ve cleared out the big pieces, it’s time to get down to the details in each bowl. Use a mild solution like rubbing alcohol or baking soda (do not use anything that contains chlorine or bleach) and no abrasive tools (no wool or wire pads).
2. Be Mindful of Small Crevices
Compartment sinks can vary in size, but the larger 3 or 4 compartment types have many surfaces that need to be addressed. This means tiny crevices need to be cleared out. Use a smaller brush (remember no abrasives!) to get each nook & cranny of your compartment sink cleared out.
If your compartment sink is equipped with drainboards, you’ll need to put in the extra work for those as they have rounded out sides where dirt can easily hide. Pay attention to the backsplash also, be sure to get each corner & the edges.
3. Faucet/Accessories Maintenance
Yes, even the faucet of your compartment sink needs to be checked & sanitized. This means inspecting it for any damage, checking water temperature & wiping it down thoroughly. As with any other part of the sink, use a mild solution & non-abrasive tools on the faucet.
If your compartment sink is equipped with other accessories such as a pre-rinse faucet, be sure to take care of them as well. If you have a scrap basket, the tiny perforations will need to be checked for any blockages. Remember – having your accessories in working order will only strengthen the use your compartment sink.
4. Check the Legs & Feet
A common oversight is glossing over the legs & feet of your compartment sink. To correct this, all legs & feet should be treated the same way as any other part of the sink. This means going in & cleaning them! Also, be sure the legs are on even, stable ground & no obstructions are present.
Don’t forget about crossrails & undershelves! Being that these items are close to the ground, they can pick up dirt & dust quickly. A quick wipe down of these structures should be sufficient.
IMC/Teddy manufactures a wide variety of compartment sinks, all made from Type 300 Series Stainless Steel. Keeping up with the maintenance is the best way of prolonging the life of each of your compartment sinks. For our full scullery sink lineup, click here.