Why is my heating plate so dirty?

Our steam sterilizer heating plate is made of FDA approved food grade 304 stainless steel, under instructed use, there shouldn't be any chance for the stainless to oxidize and corrode; however, depending on the water you use to sterilize there may be some special cleaning instruction required.

There are a few reasons why the heating plates started to look not so pleasant, and here are few tips to help you determine what may be the cause.

Let’s start by looking at the colors of the stains.

  • If you see white sandy and film build-up on the heating plate.
    It’s just an indication that you have been using hard water that contains high minerals. There is no harm and just requires some descaling.  

  • If you see brown or burnt spot residues on the heating plate.
    This is an indication that the feeding gears need more cleaning. Remember to always use mild dish soap to clean the gears, and rinse thoroughly. If your heating plate gets dirty after each use, this is most likely the case. 

  • If you see pitting holes that look like small pin size rust spots, and possibly a small indentation. There are two possible 2 reasons.

    a. Descaling solution such as citric acid or vinegar were not cleaned off completely and caused the stainless steel pit and rust. Remember to always do multiple fresh water rinse to ensure no acidic descaling solution is left behind.

    b. high chlorine concentration water. Try to avoid using any harsh chemical to clean the heating plate.

  • If you see dark green sticky residue after descaling.
    This is an indication that you have accidentally operated the AUTO or STEAM mode when the actual intent was the Descaling mode. 

 

 

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