Issue Date: 18 June 2014
Ref: DIV14/08
Dishwashing Just Got Simpler
Unique Suma Combi Contains Detergent & Rinse-Aid In Single Product
Anyone who uses a dishwasher at home will be familiar with the tabs and powders offering the “all in one” performance that includes detergent and rinse-aid. They are simple to use and get the job done consistently and economically at a predictable cost.
Sadly these benefits were until recently unavailable to the thousands of small to medium sized food service businesses for whom a mechanical dishwasher is an everyday necessity. These machines typically require liquid products and generally work faster and at higher temperatures than domestic machines which usually means household tablets and powdered products are unsuitable. Instead commercial operators had to buy separate detergent and rinse-aid and learn how to use them in their particular machine. This might seem simple enough but adding two separate but essential products into the machine every time inevitably leads to inconsistency which can lead to waste or poor results and the need for time-consuming rewashes.
Either way it can be costly and that is before taking into account the effects poor results can have on customer perceptions and behaviour. Independent research commissioned by Diversey Care showed a direct link between poor hygiene, the reduced time customers spent in a restaurant and even the lower amount of food they would order. Dirty cutlery and crockery were among the main concerns of the people questioned for the research. Perceptions of cleanliness can be just as powerful in influencing people as the very real risk of infection that comes from poor hygiene and food safety processes. Reputations can make or break a business very quickly.
It should be evident why a good detergent is a vital ingredient in any warewashing product but the reasons for the rinse-aid may not be quite so evident. In practical terms, rinse-aid reduces the surface tension in the water so that it runs more readily off the items being washed. This reduces streaking, which promotes a better appearance, but also helps items dry more quickly and shortens wash cycle times which is a key consideration in busy food service operations.
Suma Combi, introduced by Diversey Care last year, removes the limitations and guess work of adding separate products to the machine. Its unique two-in-one formulation is the first on the market to combine liquid detergent and rinse-aid in a single product for commercial dishwashing machines. This promotes better results with greater consistency and the cost per wash is lower than using separate products. It can be used in more or less any standard commercial dishwasher with no need for additional equipment.
The two-in-one formulation of Suma Combi also removes the risk of running out of one or other separate product. This is particularly beneficial for warewashing because of the significant role played by the rinse-aid. Experience shows that operators who are running out of rinse-aid either cut the dose down or simply do not add it to their machine. In each case they run the risk of inferior results and the need for expensive rewashes.
Alongside the enhanced cleaning performance using one product instead of two offers a number of business benefits. Purchasing is simplified and supply chain costs are reduced. Handling and storage requirements are also reduced which can free up valuable space in often confined kitchens and bar areas in restaurants, clubs and pubs. Compliance, training and implementation costs are reduced because operators only need to learn about one product. Packaging is reduced when sourcing a single product which promotes sustainability and reduces waste management processes.