Your glass washing machine is a critical tool for serving great quality beer.

It is a functional unit that is rarely given the credit or attention it deserves. Take a look at yours and ask yourself, how old is it? Over time its performance will suffer, so maybe it’s time to look at a replacement.

A good clean could also help

Look at the machine instructions for advice on cleaning and use a light brush regularly to clean out the dirt – making sure to rinse with lots of warm water. Commercially available machine sanitisers should also be used over a couple of cycles

A clean and regularly serviced glass washing machine will last longer and will deliver much better results

Get a good quality chemical and rinse aid and make sure the machine is closing correctly by ensuring a professional service technician visits regularly.

What you put into the machine is equally important

How often do you find bits of straw or lemon in the base? Make sure all staff members are aware that the glasswasher is for glasses only – not tea cups or dishes. Watch out for glasses that have contained a creamy drink like Baileys. These should be thoroughly rinsed before going in the machine – or better still wash them separately in the sink. You should also look out for lipstick on the rims of glasses. Any marks found should be wiped off using a pre-wash grease and lipstick remover.

If you are in a hard water area, when did you last check the salt dose?

Make sure it is regularly topped up to prevent white crusty deposits and streaks on glasses.

Renovate your glasses.

Glasses accrue grease and dirt. Machines won’t shift this completely and over time it builds up, encasing the inside of the glass with an invisible film. This has a significant effect on the presentation of the beer – usually making it as flat as a pancake. Renovate is widely available and you should always follow the directions on the tub. Renovate all your glasses at the same time so you don’t get mixed quality.

A final thought…

Remember that glasses won’t last forever so if they are old, replace them. Your customers will see immediate benefits. How long a glass lasts depends on its use. Hold one up to a lightbulb and take a look – is it scratched and marked? Does it seem old? Then maybe it’s time to consider a new batch!