Welcome to Nelson Glasswasher’s glass care blog, specifically tailored for pubs and bars. Taking inspiration from the Cask Marque Glass Care Troubleshooting Guide, we delve into the importance of maintaining the highest quality of glassware. After all, a perfect pint isn't just about the drink - it's also about what it's served in.
Recognising the Significance of Glass Care
Running a successful pub or bar involves a wealth of details, with one of the most overlooked aspects being the condition of your glasses. This is surprising, given that it's the vessel that presents your product - be it wine, spirits or beer - to your customer. Spotless glasses reflect the quality of your service, contributing to sales and customer satisfaction.
Pinpointing glasswashing Issues and Providing Solutions
Common problems linked to poor glass care include dirty glasses, beer with poor head retention, glasses with streaks and spots, and glasses with permanent damage. However, by paying attention to signs of unclean glasses, ensuring routine maintenance of the glasswasher, checking wash (55-60°C) and rinse temperatures (65-70°C), using high-quality detergents and rinse aids, implementing water treatment, and regularly renovating your glasses, you can reduce the chance of these issues arising.
Dirty Glasses and the Remedies
You can identify dirty glasses by wiping the inside of a supposedly clean pint glass with a damp white napkin. If a brown residue appears, it indicates a build-up of protein. A film of bubbles clinging to the inside of a lager glass is another sign of impurity. Once identified, you can solve these issues by:
- Leaving your glasswasher's door open overnight to dry out and kill bacteria and algae.
- Increasing the detergent dosage for slightly dirty glasses.
- Using a Chlorinated Powder or glass renovating liquid detergent for excessively dirty glasses.
- Ensuring your detergent container never runs dry, to prevent protein build-up.
Preventing Flat Beer and Poor Head Retention
Flat beer or poor head retention can be frustrating. However, by implementing the following measures, you can improve beer presentation:
- Use a good quality rinse aid and ensure it's not overdosing.
- Make sure your rinse water pressure is adequate and consistent.
- In extreme cases, use a 'Headkeeper' type of glass that supports better head retention.
Ditching Streaks and Spots on Glasses
If your glasses exhibit a 'raindrop effect' or aren't drying properly, consider these solutions:
- Do not dry glasses with tea towels, which might leave an oily film.
- Ensure your rinse pressure is adequate, potentially by using a boost pump.
- Check that high quality rinse aid and detergent are used consistently.
Addressing the Issue of Cloudy Glasses
Cloudiness is typically caused by minerals from water drying onto the glass. The solution is to fit suitable water treatment, such as a water softener, demineralisation, or reverse osmosis, can greatly improve the wash outcome, resulting in truly spotless and shiny glasses.
Averting Permanent Damage (Etching)
Etching is permanent damage appearing as a slightly white frosty pattern on the glass. To prevent etching:
- Remove glasses from the glasswasher as soon as possible.
- Avoid cheap, high-caustic detergents.
- If a specific brand of glasses frequently exhibits etching, consider changing brands.
The Importance of Routine Maintenance of the Glasswasher
A commercial glasswasher is an essential tool in maintaining your glasses' finish. Establishing a daily glass washer cleaning regime is crucial. This involves switching off the power at the end of each service session, draining the machine, removing, and cleaning filters, wash jets, and wiping all external surfaces with a sanitiser. The machine should then be topped up with detergent and rinse aid if required and the door left open overnight.
Read: Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Glasswashers
The Role of Good Quality Glasswasher Detergents and Rinse Aid
Investing in high-quality detergents and rinse aids will ensure the best clean for your glasses. Low-quality products can leave residue and cause streaks. It's recommended to use a rinse aid that's suitable for your water hardness, and a detergent that’s compatible. Never mix chemical brands.
Read: The Importance of Detergent and Rinse Aid
Implementing Water Treatment
Water treatment plays a vital role in glass care. The installation of water softeners or demineralising units can significantly improve the water quality, resulting in cleaner, clearer glasses. The units must be maintained regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.
Read: Water Treatment for Commercial Glasswashers
Regular Renovation of Glasses
Renovating glasses involves deep cleaning them to remove protein or mineral build-up. This process should be carried out periodically to maintain the integrity of the glassware. Use specific glass renovating products and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Read: Glass Renovation: The Key to the Perfect Pint
Emphasising the Role of Preventive Maintenance and Replacing Consumable Parts
Preventive maintenance is paramount for the efficient running of your commercial glass washer and overall glass care. Regular checks and routine maintenance not only prolong the lifespan of your machine but also ensure it operates at optimal efficiency, resulting in sparkling clean glasses every time.
Importance of Replacing Consumable Parts: The Case of Detergent and Rinse Aid Inner Tubes
An often overlooked yet essential aspect of maintaining your glass washer is the timely replacement of consumable parts, such as detergent and rinse aid inner tubes. These tubes play a critical role in delivering the correct amount of detergent and rinse aid into the glasswasher, ensuring each glass is properly cleaned and sanitised.
Maintaining the pristine condition of your glassware is a continuous process that demands regular care and attention. Glass care goes beyond merely cleaning your glasses - it involves a comprehensive process encompassing regular maintenance of your glasswasher, investment in high-quality detergents and rinse aids, proper water treatment, and the systematic renovation of glasses.
A glass is more than a serving container - it's a representation of your establishment's standards. By investing time and effort in glass care, you're showing your commitment to providing the best experience for your customers. So, raise a glass to impeccable glass care and let your establishment shine!