We all love a party. But when morning rolls around, it's time to clean up. The same holds true for a slushy fest! That's why our expert Michał set out discover the best ways to clean a slush machine. You'll learn how often you should clean your slush machine and exactly what you'll need to do it. If you want your slushy machine to shine like a sugary neon diamond, be sure to read on!
We all love a party. But when morning rolls around, it’s time to clean up. The same holds true for a slushy fest! That’s why our expert Michał set out discover the best ways to clean a slush machine. You’ll learn how often you should clean your slush machine and exactly what you’ll need to do it. If you want your slushy machine to shine like a sugary neon diamond, be sure to read on!
Should I clean my slush machine every day?
The answer is simple: yes. We recommend cleaning the appliance at the end of each day. However, we know there are times when this isn’t possible. Let’s say you don’t have enough space in the fridge to store the ice mix. In this case, simply leave the machine on night mode overnight. This keeps the mixture at a safe temperature. In fact, modern energy-efficient slush machines consume little electricity. You’ll also save time preparing your slushies the next day. When dawn breaks, simply restart the machine and you’re on your way.
However, if your slush machine lacks this mode, daily cleaning is a must. The solution here is to develop an efficient refill system to avoid wasting precious slushy at the end of each day.
How should I clean my slush machine?
First, pour any leftover slushy mix into a separate container, and place it into the fridge. Then fill the containers with a mixture of lukewarm water and washing-up liquid. Next, turn on the stirrer (without freezing, of course). Now leave the slush machine to run for a few minutes. If there are tough remnants that refuse to budge, switch off the stirrer and use a cloth or sponge to remove any traces. At this point, drain the entire contents and refill the container with clean water. Turn on the stirrer once again, and let it do its magic for a couple of minutes. Repeat the process as often as necessary to remove any soapy residue. Trust us, no one wants a soapy slushy. Finally, wipe everything down with a paper towel and let the open containers dry completely.
Leaving the containers open prevents the growth of bacteria overnight. Repeating the process in the morning is the only surefire way to guarantee a 100 % safe operation. In any case, it always is worth briefly rinsing the beverage containers before preparing the next batch of slushy. This will remove dust and other particulates.
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the drip tray too. Do so either by hand or with the dishwasher. And the more often, the better. It’s not just us humans who enjoy sugar. Unwelcome insects love the stuff too. Don’t give them an extra reason to come knocking!
How often do I need to deep clean my slush machine?
For optimal maintenance, Michał recommends a periodic deep clean, which entails disassembly of the entire machine and all parts which come into contact with the beverage. It’s best to the deep clean every few days, depending on customer traffic.
After all, slush machines are big, bright, colourful devices. They’re designed to catch the eye and whet the appetite. That’s the downside to all those enticing neon reds and blues. If slushy machines aren’t spick and span, customers will notice. And then they’ll walk away. That’s why it’s worth the effort to keep your slush machine neat and clean!
Here’s how you do it. First, remove any remaining mixture completely. If you notice there’s still something in the containers, tilt the machine gently to empty it. Then remove the cover. You can also remove the cooling from the containers. Bear in mind that this isn’t entirely straightforward, and you’ll need to familiarise yourself with it, especially if the machine is new. After removing the slush containers, simply dismantle the tap by removing its screws. Also remove all seals.
Once disassembled, thoroughly wash, dry, and disinfect all components. Also, be sure to lubricate all seals and parts of the tap before reassembly. The Royal Catering slush machine from the expondo online shop comes with a special food-safe lubricant. It prevents seals from wearing and ensures a tight fit, which in turn wards against unpleasant squeaking and grinding.
Finally, reassemble the device:
- Install the seals.
- Attach the tap.
- Move the stirrer to the correct position.
- Install the containers.
- Plug it in and replace the lid.
- Install the drip tray.
Both disassembly and assembly took about 10 minutes. Washing and disinfecting also lasted 10 minutes. In total, we spent twenty minutes on a deep clean. Is that a lot of time? Well, yes and no. But remember: you don’t need to be this thorough every day. Nevertheless, it pays off to do it regularly. And it’s worth it if only to check the condition of the seals.
You simply can’t clean them without dismantling the device. Over time, they become a breeding ground for microbes. There’s a reason the manufacturer includes a full seal set in the package. The slush machine operates under seriously challenging conditions: icy cold, prickling heat, a vast array of syrups and liquids, caustic cleaning agents, endless vibrations, and more besides. All these can impact the lifespan of your device. So, give your slush machine a little love from time to time, and it’ll keep on churning out treats for many summers yet.
Michał Orłowski – chef at renowned restaurants in Sydney and Warsaw. Experienced and professional restaurateur. Michał began his gastronomic journey as a teenager. He first discovered his passion for all things culinary while working as a barman over the summer. Over the years, he accumulated experience, deepened his knowledge, and honed his craft. In 2007, he travelled to Australia where he perfected his skills. Upon his return to Europe, he served as the head chef at the restaurant Lars, Lars & Lars in Poznań.
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