Error Code
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Meiko M-iClean – Error 972: Language Memory Fault
On your MEIKO UM, UM+, US unit, error code 972 indicates a…
Meiko M-iClean - Stripes or Smears on Clean Ware
Caution / Monitor Closely
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures.
We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs.
We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts.
This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.
TLDR
On your UM, UM+, US unit, stripes or smears on clean ware typically indicate an issue with detergent or rinse aid. This could be due to incorrect chemical types, improper concentration, or a dispenser malfunction. Verify the correct commercial-grade chemicals are used and check their dosage settings.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Check Detergent Type and Quality: Ensure appropriate commercial dishwasher detergent is being used, suitable for your water hardness and ware type. Inferior or incorrect detergents can leave residues.
- Verify Detergent Concentration: Inspect the detergent dosing pump and tubing for blockages or airlocks. Confirm the detergent concentration is set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and your water conditions.
- Inspect Rinse Aid Type and Quality: Confirm you are using a professional-grade rinse aid designed for commercial dishwashers. Low-quality or domestic rinse aids are ineffective.
- Check Rinse Aid Concentration: Examine the rinse aid dosing pump and lines. Adjust the rinse aid concentration as per the MEIKO manual; too little or too much can cause streaking or filming.
- Water Quality Assessment: High mineral content (hard water) can lead to spotting and streaking. Consider if a water softener or reverse osmosis system is necessary or needs maintenance.
- Temperature Verification: Ensure the wash and rinse temperatures are within the MEIKO specifications (typically wash >140°F/60°C and rinse >180°F/82°C). Low temperatures hinder chemical effectiveness.
- Nozzle and Spray Arm Check: Remove and clean spray arms and nozzles. Blocked nozzles can lead to uneven spray patterns, poor rinsing, and chemical residue.
- Filter and Drain Inspection: Clean the machine’s internal filters and check the drain for any obstructions that might impede proper water circulation and draining.
- Machine Cleaning Cycle: Perform a thorough machine cleaning cycle to remove any accumulated scale or grease inside the wash chamber.
Common Questions:
Q: What causes stripes or smears on my dishes after washing?
A: Stripes or smears often result from improper detergent or rinse aid concentration, using the wrong type of chemicals, or issues with water quality and temperature settings in your MEIKO dishwasher.
Q: Can using too much rinse aid cause smears?
A: Yes, excessive rinse aid can lead to foaming, smearing, and a greasy feel on dishes, just as too little can cause spotting. Proper calibration according to the MEIKO manual is crucial.
Q: How often should I check my chemical concentrations for optimal wash quality?
A: It’s best practice to periodically check and calibrate chemical concentrations, especially if you notice a change in wash quality, after refilling chemical containers, or during routine preventive maintenance.
When to call a technician
Consider calling a certified technician if:
- The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
- You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
- You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
- Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
- You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.