What basic daily or weekly checks should staff do on a commercial fridge?

A simple commercial fridge maintenance checklist that staff can safely follow:

Daily (opening or shift start)

Check and record the cabinet temperature (use the unit display plus a probe check where your HACCP requires it).

Confirm doors close fully and nothing is blocking them.

Keep air vents clear inside the cabinet and avoid overloading shelves.

Wipe up spills and keep packaging from obstructing airflow.

Daily (end of service)

Clean food-contact and touch points (handles, door edges, prep-top areas on saladettes).

Ensure the unit is left on and stable unless you have a planned shutdown procedure.

Weekly

Clean and dry door seals/gaskets and check for splits, gaps or hardened areas.

Inspect hinges, door alignment and self-closing action.

Check the drain area (if accessible) for blockages and odours.

Lightly clean any accessible air intakes/grilles and remove dust build-up.

If you see repeated alarms, heavy icing, water pooling inside, or burning smells, stop troubleshooting and call an engineer.

Read the full guide: Essential Commercial Fridge Maintenance Checklist for Unifrost Models.