Last Updated on June 19, 2020 by MakeThingsReal
Getting the bread machine in tip-top shape should not be a Herculean task. For a bread machine that functions efficiently round the clock, all you need to do is follow these simple procedures for care and maintenance
Clean your Bread Maker
Sometimes, good maintenance is as simple as keeping your equipment as clean as possible all the time. The Bread Maker Machine is no different.
A lot of bread pans are not dishwasher safe so it’s important to read the manual for the bread machine to ensure that it is either dishwasher safe or should be hand washed.
When you wash the bread machine by hand, avoid using abrasive material as this may damage the bread machine. It is also imperative to unplug the machine before you wash in order to avoid an electric shock or other injuries. You should also allow the bread machine to become cool after use and before you attempt to clean it up.
Some warm water, dishcloth/sponge, and dish soap should be sufficient for cleaning the pan, hard sponges or harsh chemicals are not recommended for washing or regular cleaning.
If the bits and pieces of bread stuck to the bottom of the pan won’t come off with regular washing, you can try soaking the pan in some warm water for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave it to soak for too long in order to avoid rust.
Also, take care to disassemble the machine carefully and according to instructions before you wash it.
You may discover, after the taking the bread machine apart for washing, that there are bits and pieces of bread at the bottom of the machine that crust over, over time and may affect the performance of the machine long term.
Apart from that, it may begin to affect the quality and taste of your bread. So it is important to pay attention to these little details when washing the Bread Maker Machine so that it will be clean, germ-free and operating at its full potential.
Care for the bread maker machines parts
The average Bread Maker Machine consists of a paddle, bread pan kneading shafts, a machine belt and a few other things. Each of these parts will greatly benefit from proper care and maintenance and will help the performance of the machine. The Bread Maker is susceptible to rust just like any other equipment made with metal when it begins to rust the bread machine will be noisier and the rust may prevent optimal performance. To avoid this, you should oil the Bread pan kneading shafts as often as practicable, oiling it every three to six months should suffice. This part of the machine runs continuously and can be affected by the moisture in the machine and the machine’s temperature during use. It is important to be mindful of the type of oil that you use to lubricate your bread maker, it is not advisable to use oils such as cooking oil or mineral oil as a lubricant. A machine oil will serve the purpose just as well.
Your kneading shaft is not the only part of the Bread Maker that should be lubricated. The Bread Pan should also be lubricated once in a while and should be kept away from wet surfaces to reduce the risk of rust.
Machine usage
Nothing lasts without proper care and maintenance, knowing how to use to your machine is essential to its lifespan and functionality. If you are unfamiliar with the usage of bread makers, the first step to take after purchasing your Bread Maker is to read your instruction manual and follow all the rules and guidelines in the manual. If you share the machine with other people such as family members or staff, you should acquaint them with the manual and ensure they follow the rules outlined in the manual. If you do experience problems that cannot be solved with the instruction manual, you can always google the problem and find a platform where other bread machine users share problems and solutions. Another option is to call the customer care of the company you purchased your machine from as they will most likely have the best solution to the problem.
Keep spare parts
Keeping a supply of spare parts for the bread machine might save you if you are ever in a pinch. It may seem extraneous at first but it never hurts to be prepared. This is most important if your machine is used for business purposes in a bakery for instance. Keeping spare parts will help in emergency situations where those spare parts may be out of stock in your local store just when you need them. It can also save you some money in the long run.
Sometimes, routine maintenance may not be enough to save the bread machine if it has some major factory defects that you could not identify at the point of purchase. Having your warranty coverage of handy in those situations and will save you the trouble of buying another machine if your current one packs up.
Routine maintenance of the Bread Maker Machine does not have to be difficult or take up too much of your time. If you follow the steps outlined, chances are, the bread machine will live a long fruitful life.