Restaurants need to wash dishes quickly and efficiently to keep up with high customer demand and maintain a smooth operation. They utilize several strategies and equipment to speed up the dishwashing process. Here are some common techniques and tools that restaurants use to wash dishes fast:
Commercial dishwashers: Restaurants invest in high-capacity commercial dishwashers that can clean large batches of dishes in a short amount of time. These dishwashers use powerful jets of water and high temperatures to sanitize dishes quickly.
Pre-rinsing: Restaurant staff typically pre-rinse dishes to remove excess food particles and debris before loading them into the dishwasher. This step ensures that the dishwasher operates efficiently and doesn't get clogged with food.
Organized dishwashing stations: Restaurants set up organized dishwashing stations with separate areas for scraping, pre-rinsing, loading the dishwasher, and unloading clean dishes. This streamlines the process and allows multiple staff members to work simultaneously.
Sorting by type: Dishes are usually sorted by type (plates, glasses, silverware, etc.) to speed up the loading and unloading process.
High-temperature dishwashers: Many commercial dishwashers use high-temperature sanitizing cycles that can quickly kill bacteria, allowing for faster dish turnover.
Conveyor belt dishwashers: Some larger restaurants use conveyor belt dishwashers, which continuously move dishes through the washing, rinsing, and drying cycles, allowing for a constant flow of clean dishes.
Rinse aids and detergents: Restaurants use high-quality detergents and rinse aids that are specifically designed for commercial dishwashers. These products help remove stains, grease, and grime more effectively, leading to faster cleaning results.
Soak bins: For heavily soiled dishes, restaurants may use soak bins to pre-soak dishes before running them through the dishwasher. This helps to loosen stubborn food particles and makes the cleaning process more efficient.
Dishwashing teams: Restaurants often assign dedicated staff members to handle dishwashing duties, including loading, unloading, and sorting dishes. Having a well-coordinated team ensures that the process runs smoothly and quickly.
Automated equipment: Some restaurants invest in automated dishwashing systems that can handle a large volume of dishes with minimal human intervention. These systems are especially useful in high-volume establishments.
By combining efficient equipment, well-organized processes, and skilled staff, restaurants can wash dishes quickly and maintain a clean supply of tableware to serve their customers promptly.