Maintaining cleanliness in a food production or food factory environment is not just something to consider as a good practice. It is a legal necessity for businesses operating in this industry which is governed by so many health and safety regulations. Cleaning your equipment and machinery on a regular basis will not only help you to maintain compliance but will also support your overall efficiency and operation. Here are some of our top factory cleaning tips for keeping food factory equipment and machinery clean and safe for use.
Develop a Strict Cleaning Schedule
One of the most effective tips for how to clean food factory equipment is to create and strictly follow a cleaning schedule. This schedule should include daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks, which will be dependent on how often you use each piece of machinery and the type of food that you process in your workplace. Regular cleaning will help to prevent the build-up of food, bacteria, and other debris, which can lead to major health and safety concerns. Putting a checklist in place for factory cleaning will help to keep all of your team aligned when it comes to making sure your workplace is clean and tidy at all times.
Use the Correct Cleaning Products
When looking at the question of how to clean food factory equipment, it is crucial that you use cleaning agents that are suitable for food production equipment. Not all cleaning products that you can purchase today are food-safe, and using the incorrect product can result in contamination or damage to your machinery. Make sure you look at what type of residue your cleaning product is designed to remove, whether that’s fat, protein, or carbohydrate. Check that the cleaning agent is suitable for the material of your machinery as well so that you work to extend the life of your machinery as much as possible. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety data sheets (SDS) to ensure you get the best results and don’t potentially put your machinery out of warranty.
Pressure Washing in Food Factories
As often as possible, you want to also add cleaning your floors and surfaces to your cleaning checklist. Pressure washing for the food industry is one of the best ways to thoroughly clean your floors and ensure no dirt and debris start to build up over time. There are many benefits of pressure washing, and this process can help save your team time and energy compared to manual cleaning methods. Industrial factory cleaning services will be able to support you with this task, or you may want to consider investing in a pressure washer for your business if you are carrying out this job on a regular basis.
Take Apart Machinery Where Necessary
Some parts of food processing machinery can only be cleaned properly if they are fully disassembled. When you look at how to keep food factory equipment clean, this is a step that employees often overlook in order to save time and energy. You’ll want to make sure that you take out internal components of your machinery where food particles may become trapped. Staff responsible for cleaning in your workplace should be trained on how to safely disassemble and reassemble the machinery to ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage to your machinery. Always power down machinery before attempting to disassemble it to avoid any safety risks for your team.
Establish Hygiene Protocols in Your Factory
Factory cleaning services help you to stay on top of cleaning within your workplace, but you also need to think about your everyday practices for health and hygiene. Employee hygiene is just as important as equipment cleanliness, and you should support your staff by offering them personal protective equipment (PPE). Hairnets, aprons, gloves, and safety footwear can all help to make your workplace a safer place to spend time. Handwashing must be strictly enforced when looking at how to keep food factory machinery clean, and you should make handwashing stations easily accessible throughout your factory. Ensure ongoing training takes place for your team so they are aware of your expectations for hygiene protocols.
Ensure Adequate Drying Time
After cleaning and sanitising your factory, equipment must be thoroughly dried. Moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which is why you should never skip this step, even if you are in a rush. Use compressed air or drying cabinets if needed, and ensure equipment is left to dry in a way that prevents re-contamination.
Clean equipment and machinery within a food factory is essential for you to remain in compliance with industry standards and also offer the best service possible to your clients. By following the above tips, you can work to make your workplace a safer and healthier place for employees and customers alike. Contact us for more information about how we can support you with food factory cleaning.