Regular cleaning and maintenance extend the life of your machine, protect food safety, and keep product texture consistent. Follow a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule.
Daily Cleaning
- Drain remaining mix and rinse hoppers with warm water.
- Run a manufacturer-approved sanitizer through the freezing cylinder.
- Disassemble and wash removable parts (hoppers, taps, O-rings).
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembly.
Weekly Tasks
- Inspect O-rings and seals for wear or cracking.
- Lubricate moving parts with food-grade lubricant.
- Clean condenser filters to maintain airflow and cooling efficiency.
Monthly Checks
- Check refrigerant pressure and compressor temperature.
- Verify hopper and cylinder temperatures with a calibrated thermometer.
- Schedule professional service if you notice unusual noise or long freeze times.
Always refer to your model's manual for exact procedures. Replacement parts and service guides are available from our support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean a commercial soft serve machine?
Run the auto-clean cycle every day the machine is in use, plus a deeper sanitizing wash at least once a week. Lubricate door gaskets and seals with food-grade lubricant weekly and inspect wear parts monthly.
What is the best sanitizer for ice cream equipment?
Use a food-contact sanitizer labeled for frozen-dessert equipment, typically a chlorine- or quaternary-ammonium-based product diluted to the manufacturer's ratio. Avoid household bleach at full strength and never mix sanitizers.
Can I run the auto-clean cycle with dish soap?
Only use cleaners approved by the machine manufacturer in the auto-clean cycle. Dish soap can leave residue that affects flavor and creates foam that damages the beater. AXOSPRO machines come with a recommended cleaning protocol in the manual.
How do I prevent bacteria in the mix hopper?
Keep the hopper temperature at or below 4 C (40 F), refill with fresh mix rather than topping off old mix, and empty and sanitize the hopper at least every 72 hours. A mix-level sensor and a covered hopper lid help maintain cold chain.