Rational Active Clean:
how automatic cleaning works
Manually cleaning the combi oven during service is a thing of the past. Active Clean runs automatically, with original tablets and while preserving the manufacturer warranty. Here you learn how the system works and what determines the costs.
By JMGT Commercial Kitchen Equipment · Authorised Rational Dealer · 27 May 2026
Summary
Active Clean is Rational's automatic cleaning system. Four programmes (Light, Medium, Strong and Care for descaling) cover all degrees of soiling. Works only with original tablets – which JMGT supplies.
The four programmes
- Light (green tablets)
Daily light cleaning after service. Short cycle.
- Medium (yellow tablets)
Weekly standard cleaning under normal loading.
- Strong (red tablets)
Intensive cleaning after grilling or heavy soiling.
- Care (white tablets)
Descaling the steam generator with hard water. Not needed with a well-functioning water softener.
What determines cleaning costs
Cleaning costs are not a fixed amount. Four factors determine what you spend per month:
- Which programme you use – Light is cheaper than Strong.
- How many cycles per week – depends on usage intensity.
- Whether you need Care tablets – depends on water hardness.
- Whether you have a softener – this reduces both consumption and wear.
JMGT supplies all Rational Active Clean tablets from stock. Call or write for the current price list and ordering options.
Why only original tablets
Active Clean tablets are calibrated to the pumps, seals and nozzles in the Rational. Other agents attack these components and can cause long-term damage not covered by warranty.
The oven also recognises the tablet type. An incorrect agent is refused – the cleaning cycle will not start.
Frequently asked questions
How often does my Rational combi oven need to be cleaned?
With daily use, run a quick clean via Active Clean Light after every service. Weekly a deep clean via Active Clean Medium or Strong. With intensive grilling, deep clean more frequently. Not cleaning causes grease build-up and damage to the steam generator.
What is the difference between Active Clean tablets?
Light (green tablets): for daily light cleaning after service. Medium (yellow): standard cleaning under normal loading. Strong (red): intensive cleaning after grilling or heavy soiling. Care tablets: for descaling the steam generator with hard water.
Can I use other cleaning agents?
No. Only original Rational Active Clean tablets are approved under the manufacturer warranty. Other agents damage seals, stainless steel and pumps. The oven recognises the tablet type and refuses the programme if the wrong agent is used.
What determines cleaning costs?
Four factors: which Active Clean programme you use (Light, Medium or Strong), the number of cycles per week, whether you need Care tablets (depending on water hardness) and the tablet price itself. JMGT supplies all Rational tablets – call or write for the current price list.
How long does an Active Clean cycle take?
Light is a short cycle, ideal for an overnight run. Medium is a longer cycle, suitable for the weekly deep clean. Strong is the longest cycle, for heavy soiling. Schedule the deep cycles after the last service – the oven is dry and ready by morning.
Does Active Clean work on older Rational models?
Active Clean was introduced in 2010. Rational SelfCookingCenter from 2007 has the comparable CleanJet. Older models (CombiMaster from 1996) are cleaned manually. For modern iCombi Pro and Classic, Active Clean is integrated as standard.
Order tablets or get advice
Request a quote for your regular tablet deliveries or get in touch for advice on the right cycle for your usage type.
Sources
- Rational Active Clean – Product information – Rational AG
- Original cleaning agents and manufacturer warranty – Rational