We place huge importance on cleaning your slush machine, ensuring that you get the maximum life out of your investment. When you buy a slush machine from us, full cleaning instructions will be provided but the instructions below apply to all slush machines.
Night Mode
Sencotel machines have 2 temperature settings 'I' which is freeze mode & 'II' which is chilled drinks and night mode. At the end of the please, switch the switch from freeze 'I' to chilled 'II'. The machines are designed to rotate 24/7. This will allow the ice to defrost gently and retain the mix in a chilled state overnight.
Failure to use the night mode setting may result in the ice not defrosting properly so if you turn the machine on in the morning, the mixing spindle may break.
Cleaning Requirement Summary
Wash and rinse - Weekly
Lubrication - Weekly
Condenser clean - Weekly
A full clean down, sanitisation and seal lubrication of your slush machine should be carried out every week, or every 500 drinks - whichever is the soonest.
CLEANING YOUR SLUSH MACHINE IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DIRT AND BACTERIA BUILD UP, PARTICULARLY AROUND THE RUBBER SEALS. FAILURE TO DO SO IS A HEALTH AND HYGIENE ISSUE AND CAN CAUSE LEAKS TO OCCUR.
The quality of the slush syrup used is also important. Sugar is the key ingredient in quality slush syrup as it's the sugar that acts as the antifreeze on the freezing barrel. If you are tempted to purchase so called 'cheap' slush syrup, you run the risk of causing damage to your slush machine by placing duress on the motor grearbox due to the sugar content being lower.
Cleaning Instructions;
1. Turn the slush machine freeze/refrigeration switch to the off position
2. Drain out any remaining slush
3. Fill your slush machine with clean, lukewarm water and a suitable mild detergent
4. After 15 minutes, drain and discard the water, then repeat step 3 with fresh water
Disassembling the slush machine to lubricate parts;
5. Turn the agitator switch to the off position and turn off the main power switch and unplug the slush machine from the power socket
6. Remove the tank lids and wipe clean with warm, soapy water. Do NOT immerse the tank lids in water
7. Remove the tank by gently lifting the front then carefully sliding free from rear
8. Once the tank is free, slide off the plastic spiral agitator/spindles from the cooling cylinder
9. Remove the large round seal at the rear of the slush barrel and soft seal on the drive shaft
10. With a mild detergent and warm water, wipe all of the machine surfaces down
11. Remove the tap assembly by pulling out the locking pin and remove the O-ring/plunger and/or seal from the draw handle valve
12. Wash all parts in warm water and detergent (available from SlushCo), rinse and allow to air dry
Re-assembling your slush machine;
1. Lubricate the O-rings, seals and plunger with food safe petroleum grease (available from SlushCo)
2. Insert the draw valve assembly into the bowl and hold in place with the tap handle and secure the handle with the locking pin
3. Lubricate the inside of the soft seal and slide it into position on the slush machine drive shaft
4. Place the large round seal on the rear of the cooling system
5. Lightly lubricate the silver bush located in the front of the bowl
6. Lightly lubricate the outside of the silicone seal on the drive shaft
7. Slide the agitator/spindle onto the freeze cooling cylinder
8. Slide the bowl/tank cover over the agitator and align it with the large rear seal at the back of the freezing cylinder
9. Align the agitator with the silver bush in the front of the bowl by lifting the agitator whilst sliding the bowl into position
10. Ensure the bowl is set in position with the slot in the front sides of the bowl's base, locked over the machine edge
Your slush machine is now ready for use
The Compressor
The compressor is a major component of the slush machine and also one of the most expensive components to replace. Damage can be caused by the compressor overheating. To avoid this from happening, make sure the machine is positioned in a well ventilated area. Allow at least a 15cm space all around the machine. Never allow the vents on the machine to be obstructed.
The Condenser
The condenser can be accessed inside the side panel (easy to remove). It collects dust and grease from the fans and if not cleared can cause problems such as stopping your solution freezing.
To clean (which allows air to circulate), remove the side panel and brush through with a soft brush. A vacuum hose can also be used.
Troubleshooting. Issues and likely causes
Machine leaking
This is the most issue customers experience and luckily, simple to resolve. Most leaks will be resolved with good cleaning practices. Dirt and grime build up is the most likely cause.
❆ Make sure the rubber bungs and seals are not damaged and inserted properly
❆ Make sure they have also been lubricated at least weekly. This creates an air tight seal
❆ Replace the rubber seals once or twice a year.
Slush mix not freezing
The most likely cause is dust and dirt building up in the condenser, which is positioned on the left hand side.
❆ Ensure the switch is firmly set to 'Freeze Mode'
❆ Make sure the syrup to water ratio is correct
❆ Airflow - The machine needs 15cm of clear space at each side and the back
❆ Condenser - Must be cleaned every 2 weeks. If a layer of dust/debris is present, this will stop the airflow so will not freeze the mix
❆ Check the LCD temperature at the side of the machine.
❆ If it displays a temperature of between -1 to -7, the freezing system is operating normally
❆ If it displays a temperature above 0 degrees, please contact us for support
Spiral breakage
The spiral or spindle may snap under certain conditions and are not covered under the warranty.
❆ Incorrect water to syrup ratio. Too much water will cause the mix to overfreeze, putting the spirals (and gear motors) under duress.
❆ Running the slush tanks at too low a level for prolonged periods. The slush tanks should be at least half full at all times, preferably closer to full.
❆ Not using 'Night Mode' overnight. Night mode slowly defrosts the slush mix to a chilled liquid overnight while the spirals continue rotating. This avoids icebergs forming which can break the spirals when the machine is switched on again the next morning.
❆ Using 'cheap' slush can cause the mix to over-freeze putting the spirals (and gear motors) under duress.
Handle breakage
The handle may snap under certain conditions and are not covered under the warranty.
❆ Placing too much duress on the handle while pouring the slush drink. Operating the handle requires just 1 or 2 fingers to operate.
❆ This issue can happen if the slush mix is too low in the slush tanks. The user forcing the tap down too far to pour the slush. Ensure the tanks are always at least half full
Clicking or knocking noise
This is perfectly normal, especially when the machine is brand new. As the thermometer constantly adjusts, it will click, particularly during freeze up or freeze down time. The noise will lessen over time as your machine beds in.
How to keep your slush machine running trouble free for years. Top 4 tips
1. Placement - Ensure you have good airflow all around your slush machine - 15cm at each side and at the rear. This will allow for good airflow and effective freezing.
2. Hygiene - Clean your slush machine every week, lubricate the rubber seals and clear the condenser of dust.
3. Slush Mix - Ensure the syrup to water ratio is correct and the tanks are always at least half full.
4. Night Time - Put your slush machine on night mode overnight. Our slush machines are extremely efficient and designed to rotate 24 hours a day. This mode turns your machine into a fridge and stops ice chunks forming if the machine is simply turned off, which are then likely to break your spirals when turned on again.