How to Clean a Soda Machine

Clean your Soda Machine to Make it Last Longer

If you want to have great long lasting soda machine, then cleaning is a priority. It may take a little time, but the effort that you put into it will outweigh the costs that may incur in the long run. These basic routine maintenance steps will keep you vending machine up and running for years to come.

⚠️ Word of Caution about Cleaning Your Soda Machine

We will get one thing out of the way first you should NEVER clean your machine with any power washers, jet sprayers, hoses or water nozzles. This WILL ruin the vital electrical components that are located inside your vending machine and this will cost you in the long run.

I would also suggest that you unplug your vendor before cleaning just to be extra cautious by avoiding electrical shock.

🏢 The Outside Cabinet of Your Soda Machine

This is what your customers will see and hopefully be attracted to your coke machine. You will want to clean the cabinet as it is called in the vending industry with a good mixture of warm water and mild soap. You can achieve this by using a damp cloth or sponge and a good sized bucket.

Just wipe the whole thing down top to bottom left to right. Then rinse and dry the machine. Remember not to use a hose to rinse the machine off.

For that extra shine: Use a good automotive wax and buffing. Apply the wax as you would on a car, let dry and with a dry cloth or buffer, take the wax off and buff to a pristine shine. Now who can resist a bright and shiny Pepsi machine?

🚪 The Door of Your Vending Machine

Most of your soda vending machines have a lexicon front that could be damaged beyond repair if cleaned with any abrasives such as steel wool, soft scrub, sandpaper or anything alike. This damage would be in the form of yellowing of the front of the machine by the removal of the protective coating.

So it is advised that you just use a mild soap and water mixture to clean any dirt or debris and then dry with another cloth.

For glass front machines: You may use any common glass cleaning product of your choice. Just spray and wipe dry. Pro tip: Use newspaper for an amazing shine!

🔧 The Inside of Your Pop Machine

The inside of your vending machine is where all the vital components of your machine are. There should be extra precaution taken when cleaning this section. Remember be careful and do not use any sprayers or nozzles when cleaning this part - you will ruin all the electrical devices found inside.

Clean all the columns where your soda cans or bottles are stacked, the bottom of the machine, and any parts that do not have wires coming in and out of it. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap with a damp cloth or sponge.

Rust Prevention: If you see any rust, use fine steel wool to sand it down until it's gone, then apply aluminum paint to cover and protect that area. Standing water and metal don't mix - they form rust!

Electrical Components: Clean or dust off electrical components with compressed air (available at computer or hardware stores). This keeps all parts functioning at their optimal level.

❄️ The Compressor or Refrigeration Deck

This is the part that keeps your customers happy with nice cold beverages. You'll find this behind your machine and under the front part when the door is open. Important: Unplug your vending machine before cleaning this area because there are fans that can turn on unexpectedly.

Use a vacuum cleaner, shop vac, or dusting brush to remove all dust, dirt and debris. Pay close attention to the fins - get most of the dust out of those parts as dust buildup can:

• Restrict air flow
• Prevent proper cooling
• Eventually cause complete cooling failure

Regular cleaning of this area is essential for maintaining optimal cooling performance.