In restaurants, hotels, and professional kitchens, dishwasher performance depends not only on the equipment but also on the commercial dishwasher chemicals used.
In general, the system uses a main wash detergent and a rinse aid. These two chemical types perform different functions and should be used according to the machine design, dosing system, and operating conditions. Outside the normal wash cycle, the machine may also require a descaling chemical as part of its maintenance.
Why Are Commercial Dishwashers Important in Restaurants?
Restaurants may need to process large volumes of plates, glasses, and utensils within a short period, especially during peak hours. Commercial dishwashers help:
- Increase productivity: process a large volume of tableware in a short time.
- Maintain consistent results: wash cycles are controlled according to the machine settings.
- Reduce manual work: staff can focus on sorting, loading, and operating the machine.
- Control chemical use: dosing systems help dispense chemicals according to the appropriate settings.
However, the machine and chemicals need to work together as a system. Washing results also depend on chemical dosing and actual operating conditions.
What Chemicals Does a Commercial Dishwasher Need?
During a normal wash cycle, a commercial dishwasher system generally uses two main chemical groups:
- Main wash detergent – used during the main wash stage.
- Rinse aid – used during the final rinse stage.
Each chemical group performs a different function and cannot replace the other. In addition, the machine may require a descaling chemical as part of its maintenance, such as SUMA CAL-X.
How Are Commercial Dishwasher Chemicals Different From Other Dishwashing Products?
Not all dishwashing chemicals are designed for the same method of use.
Professional manual dishwashing chemicals, such as Suma Sink Det EasyPack and NOBLA LIQUID, are used for hand washing in restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens.
Commercial dishwasher chemicals, such as SUMA NOVA L6 and SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8, are designed for commercial dishwasher systems.
In comparison, household dishwasher detergents are commonly available as tablets, powders, or gels and are designed for domestic appliances.
These product groups therefore should not be used as direct substitutes for one another unless specified as suitable by the manufacturer.
What Does a Main Wash Detergent Do?
The main wash detergent works during the wash stage to help remove grease, food residues, and soils from tableware.
SUMA NOVA L6 – Main Wash Detergent for Commercial Dishwashers
SUMA NOVA L6 is a main wash detergent designed for commercial dishwashers.
What Does a Rinse Aid Do?
Rinse aid is used during the final rinse stage to help water drain more effectively from surfaces, reduce water spotting, and support the drying process.
SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8 – Rinse Aid for Commercial Dishwashers
SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8 is a rinse aid designed for commercial dishwashers.
Chemical Dosing Systems and Factors That Affect Washing Results
Main wash detergent and rinse aid are typically supplied to the machine through a chemical dosing system. The dosage should be properly set rather than adjusted based on guesswork.
If washing results are unsatisfactory, simply increasing the chemical dosage may not solve the problem. Other factors should also be checked:
Type and Level of Soil
Grease, starch, protein, dried-on food residues, and different levels of soiling can affect cleaning requirements.
Water Quality
Hard water, high mineral content, or iron-contaminated water can affect washing results and contribute to deposits.
Tableware and Utensil Materials
Glass, porcelain, stainless steel, plastic, and other materials have different surface characteristics that should be considered when setting washing conditions.
Machine Operating Conditions
Temperature, wash cycles, spray nozzles, filters, and the overall condition of the equipment can also affect washing results.
When Is a Descaling Chemical Used?
Descaling chemicals are used during machine maintenance, not during the normal dishwashing cycle. Their purpose is to remove mineral deposits and limescale that accumulate on suitable parts of the equipment.
SUMA CAL-X – Descaler for Limescale and Mineral Deposits
SUMA CAL-X is a descaling chemical for removing limescale and mineral deposits during the cleaning and maintenance of suitable equipment.
Descaling may become particularly relevant where the water supply has a high mineral content or when deposits begin to accumulate in the equipment. However, SUMA CAL-X does not replace SUMA NOVA L6 or SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8: NOVA L6 and CRYSTAL A8.8 are used for the normal dishwashing process, while CAL-X is used for descaling and maintenance.
Descaling frequency and procedures should be appropriate for the condition of the machine, water quality, the product being used, and the relevant technical instructions.
→ View SUMA CAL-X descaling chemical
Common Mistakes When Using Commercial Dishwasher Chemicals
Using the Wrong Type of Chemical
Do not use manual dishwashing detergent or products designed for household dishwashers as substitutes for commercial dishwasher chemicals. These product groups are designed for different washing methods and systems.
Increasing Chemical Dosage When Dishes Are Not Clean
Dishes that are not properly cleaned do not necessarily mean that the machine is receiving too little chemical. Increasing the dosage before identifying the cause may simply increase chemical consumption and operating costs.
Checking Only the Chemicals and Ignoring the Machine
If washing results change, the problem may also involve the spray nozzles, filters, temperature, water supply, or chemical dosing system. The entire system should therefore be checked rather than only changing the chemicals.
When Should You Check the Dishwashing System?
The system should be checked if you regularly notice:
- grease or food residues remaining on tableware;
- white deposits or cloudy surfaces;
- water spots on glasses or tableware;
- tableware that is difficult to dry;
- unusual changes in chemical consumption;
- chemicals not being dispensed into the machine as normal.
Problems such as cloudy tableware, white deposits, or water spots after washing will be covered separately in the article Cloudy, Stained or Spotted Dishes After Washing: Causes & Solutions.
Choosing the Right Chemicals for a Restaurant Dishwasher System
Hi-Clean Express supplies products for both normal commercial dishwasher operation and equipment maintenance:
- SUMA NOVA L6 – main wash detergent for commercial dishwashers.
- SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8 – rinse aid for commercial dishwashers.
- SUMA CAL-X – descaling chemical for removing limescale and mineral deposits from suitable equipment during cleaning and maintenance.
If you are unsure which chemicals are suitable or need advice on chemical dosing for your existing dishwasher, contact Hi-Clean Express for support in selecting the appropriate products and setting up their use for your restaurant, hotel, or commercial kitchen system.
