Boost Vending Machine Performance

Written By Dawn-Marie Stevens

Keeping your vending machine clean isn’t just about looks—it helps everything run smoothly, keeps the snacks fresh, and people are more likely to use them. Whether you’ve got one machine or a whole fleet, a little routine cleaning goes a long way. Here’s a list of the top 5 tips to help you out.

1.     Deep Clean the Exterior & Interior

Clean looking machines get more vends than a dirty one.  Wipe down the machine’s exterior with a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt and fingerprints. For the interior, remove all products and clean the shelves, product coils, and dispensing area to prevent dust and debris buildup.

2.     Payment System Cleaning

Cleaning the Coin Slot & Mechanism:

  • Power off the machine before cleaning.

  • Use a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris from the coin slot and internal mechanism.

  • Dampen a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and gently wipe the coin slot and surrounding area.

  • If coins are getting stuck, inspect for buildup and clean with a small brush or cotton swab.

 Cleaning the Bill Acceptor:

  • Turn off the machine and open the bill acceptor access panel.

  • Remove any stuck bills carefully.

  • Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the bill path.

  • Avoid using excess liquid to prevent damage to sensors.

  • Let it dry completely before turning the machine back on.

Cleaning the Card Reader:

  • Use a soft microfiber cloth and an alcohol-based electronic cleaner to wipe down the card slot and surrounding area.

  • For deep cleaning, use a card reader cleaning card (available online, check out some on Amazon) to remove dirt from inside the reader.

  • Ensure the reader is dry before testing transactions. Clean looking machines get more vends than a dirty one.  Wipe down the machine’s exterior with a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt and fingerprints. For the interior, remove all products and clean the shelves, product coils, and dispensing area to prevent dust and debris buildup.

3.     Inspect & Clean Vents & Refrigeration System

Dust and dirt can clog vents and cooling units, reducing efficiency. For optimal performance inspect and clean the vents and cooling system every 3 months, vacuum or wipe down the ventilation areas to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating. Check out this refrigeration maintenance video

How to Clean & Inspect:

  • Unplug the machine before cleaning.

  • Vacuum or wipe down vents and fan openings to remove dust. You can clean the condenser coil using compressed air or a simple cleaning brush. 

  • Check the cooling unit for ice buildup or leaks.

  • Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the machine away from walls.

4.     Inspect & Test Dispensing Mechanisms

Ensure coils, motors, and sensors are working properly to prevent jams. Clean dispensing trays and lubricate moving parts as needed. Check out this helpful video on vend motors troubleshooting tips.

5.     Test and Update Software & Security

For smart vending machines, check for software updates to improve performance and security. Also, inspect locks and security mechanisms to protect against tampering or theft.

CARD READER UPDATES: Not sure you have the latest Nayax updates contact us and we can make it happen!

Add a ‘Just Cleaned’ sticker to your machine when done:

  • FRESH & CLEAN! We’ve just cleaned and sanitized this vending machine. Enjoy with confidence! 

  • JUST CLEANED & SANITIZED! Your health is our priority! This machine has been thoroughly disinfected.

Spring cleaning your vending machine ensures better performance, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. Stay ahead with regular maintenance!

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Dawn-Marie Stevens