In a method for operating a system, a first vibration is imparted to a component of the system and the first vibration of the component is detected by a sensor. The sensor generates a sensor signal for transmission to a control device, which analyzes the sensor signal and determines whether a buildup is present on the component based upon the analysis of the sensor signal. A second vibration is imparted to the component to remove the buildup when the buildup has been detected.