An electric meat slicer is an essential tool for any kitchen that deals with a lot of meat, cheese or vegetable. It allows you to slice produce quickly and efficiently, making meal preparation easier and faster. However, with frequent use, a meat slicer can accumulate bacteria and food particles, making it a breeding ground for germs. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your meat slicer clean to ensure food safety.
Tips Before Starting
- Always wear protective gloves. Cut-resistant gloves, especially when handling the blade.
- Always use a neutral detergent with PH between 7 to 8.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
- Never attempt to clean the slicer while the slicer is in operation.
- Never use a scrubber pad, steel wool or abrasive material because it can scratch the machine.
- Never submerge the slicer completely or immerse base in water.
- Never put components in the dishwasher.
Here is how to clean a KitchenWare Station meat slicer:
Step 1. Unplug the machine and disassemble it
Before you start cleaning, make sure the machine is unplugged. Then disassemble the parts, such as the blade, blade cover, food carriage, hand guard and sharpener. Disassembling tutorial can be find HERE.
Step 2. Clean the exterior of the machine
Using a damp cloth, wipe down the exterior of the machine with soapy solution (a 1:1 ratio of hot water and soap) or degreaser spray. Pay attention to any grooves and crevices where food particles may be trapped.
Step 3. Wash the blade, blade cover, food carriage, and hand guard
Wash the blade, blade cover, food carriage and hand guard with hot, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any food particles that are stuck to the blade. Be careful not to cut yourself while cleaning the blade.
Step 4. Rinse and sanitize
Rinse all parts with hot water and then sanitize them with a food-safe sanitizer. Follow the instructions on the sanitizer to ensure that it is used correctly. Sanitizing is important to kill bacteria that may still be present on the parts.
Step 5. Dry all parts
Dry all parts thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure there’s no water left on the blade or any other part of the machine.
Step 6. Reassemble the machine
Reassemble the machine by putting back the blade, blade cover, food carriage, hand guard and sharpener. Make sure everything is securely in place.
Step 7. Test the machine
Plug in the machine and run it for a few minutes to ensure everything is working correctly. You don’t want to use it only to realize that there’s a problem after cleaning it.
By following these steps, you can keep your KitchenWare Station meat slicer clean and safe to use. It’s essential to clean the machine regularly, especially if you use it frequently. Cleaning after each use is recommended, but if you don’t use it as often, make sure to clean it at least once a month and store the slicer in an area that is dry, not humid, dust-free, clean and free from insects or other animals.
One last tip: Be sure to inspect your machine for any damaged components and replace it if necessary. If you find that the blade is getting dull or damaged, you may need to replace it. Any damaged components can not only affect the quality of your slices but also pose a safety hazard.
Meat Slicer Maintenance
Proper maintenance helps prevent premature wear and tear of the slicer’s components. By keeping the machine clean and well-maintained, you can maximize its lifespan, saving you money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent repairs or early replacement.
✓ Lubricate the slide rods using a food grade spray lubricant.
✓ Sharpen the blade weekly or any time that cutting becomes difficult.
✓ Clean your blade before sharpening and disinfect it afterwards to prevent contamination and ensure hygiene.
✓ Follow the manufacturer’s user instructions.