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3 reasons why you should keep your vending machine as clean as possible

Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness standards for vending machines is crucial to ensure consumer safety.

By Ian PerryPublished 11 months ago 5 min read
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3 reasons why you should keep your vending machine as clean as possible
Photo by Jeanson Wong on Unsplash

Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness standards for vending machines is crucial to ensure consumer safety, prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, and provide a positive customer experience. Vending specialists, Cema Vending suggest regular cleaning and maintenance can also prevent downtime, minimise repair costs, and prolong the lifespan of vending machines.

Why clean your vending machine?

There are three main reasons why it’s important to clean vending machines. Firstly, it protects against potential health risks. Secondly, it makes for a better consumer experience. Thirdly, it helps keep your vending machine in good running order.

Potential health risks of unclean vending machines

There are three main health risks associated with unclean vending machines. Firstly, unclean vending machines can harbour harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause a range of health issues for consumers. These include food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and other infections.

Secondly, contaminated surfaces, such as buttons and dispensers, can transfer germs from one user to another, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Thirdly, unclean machines can attract pests, such as rodents and insects, that can further compromise the safety and hygiene of the machine.

Impact on consumer experience

A poorly-maintained vending machine can be unappealing to customers and may deter them from using it. Dirt, grime, and stains on the machine's surface can lead consumers to question the safety and hygiene of the products inside.

Keeping your vending machine in good running order

There are two main ways that cleaning your vending machine regularly helps to keep it in good running order. Firstly, it prevents dirt from creating problems with the inner mechanics of the vending machine (e.g., by getting into components).

Secondly, it provides an opportunity to identify and resolve issues before they become major problems. For example, you can make a point of checking parts that are in heavy use, such as dispensing motors. When you spot the initial signs of excess wear or damage, you can arrange to have them replaced before they cause malfunctions and downtime.

How to clean your vending machine

There are three stages in cleaning your vending machine. They are preparing to clean it, cleaning the interior, and cleaning the exterior.

Preparing to clean

Before cleaning a vending machine, it is important to properly prepare to ensure the safety of the operator and prevent damage to the machine. Here are some steps to follow when preparing to clean a vending machine:

Collect your cleaning supplies: Check the manufacturer's guidance for what tools and cleaning products to use. Make sure you understand what product is to be used in what area. For example, your glass cleaner is unlikely to be suitable for cleaning the cabinet.

Once you have your tools and supplies, make sure you understand how to use them. Always use any safety products recommended by the product manufacturer e.g., gloves.

Unplug the vending machine: To avoid the risk of electric shock or damage to the machine, always unplug it completely before cleaning. Do not just turn off the power switch, actually unplug the machine from the electrical outlet.

Put a barrier around your working area: If possible, put some kind of barrier around your working area. At a minimum, put up a sign to show, clearly, that the machine is out of use.

Cleaning the interior

Here are the 7 key steps to follow when cleaning the interior of a vending machine.

Remove remaining products: Empty out any remaining products in the machine and store them in a clean and safe location. This will make cleaning easier and prevent any damage to the products.

Remove all components: Remove all components from the vending machine, such as the shelves, dispensers, and trays. This will allow you to clean each component thoroughly.

Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth to remove any debris, dust, or dirt from the interior of the machine. This will help to prepare the surfaces for cleaning.

Clean with detergent: Mix a mild detergent with warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior surfaces of the vending machine. Pay special attention to high-touch areas, such as the buttons and dispensers, and make sure to clean them thoroughly.

Rinse and dry: Rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth. Make sure that all cleaning solutions and moisture are removed from the machine to prevent damage.

Sanitise: Use a sanitiser to kill any remaining germs or bacteria on the surfaces of the machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.

Reassemble: Once the components are clean and dry, reassemble the machine and restock with products. If your vending machine still takes cash payments and offers change, make sure that it has change.

Cleaning the exterior

Cleaning the exterior of a vending machine is just as important as cleaning the interior. Here are the four key steps to follow when cleaning the exterior of a vending machine.

Wipe down with a cloth: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the vending machine. Pay attention to areas that are frequently touched, such as the coin slot (if any), buttons, and dispensers.

Wash with mild detergent: Put a mild detergent into warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe away any stubborn stains or dirt from the exterior of the vending machine.

Rinse and dry: Rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth. Again, make sure that all cleaning solutions and moisture are removed from the machine to prevent damage.

Polish: Use a polishing agent to get the machine's exterior gleaming again.

Undertake maintenance checks

Technically, maintenance is different from cleaning. Practically, cleaning is an excellent time to perform maintenance checks on your vending machine. Before you even start to clean the machine, check the power cord for any signs of damage.

As you clean, check the components, especially the frequently-used ones (e.g., the dispensing mechanisms). If your vending machine has a refrigerator unit, check that the temperature is as it should be.

Once you have finished, test the machine at least once. Ideally, test it two or three times. Make sure that each step of the process works as it should.

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About the Creator

Ian Perry

Ian Perry is the Head of Technical Services at Cema Vending who are specialists vending machine suppliers and have been for over 15 years. Cema Vending are the place to go for businesses looking for a range of coffee vending machines.

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