Strainers are great for a wide range of different applications, from small batch runs all the way up to those intensive 24/7/365 production environments. But keeping your strainers sanitary always involves knowing how to properly clean them – which, of course, is a process that requires you to keep a few key things in mind.
Cleaning Your Strainers: The Importance of Visual Inspections
By far, one of the most important steps that you can take to help keep your strainers clean and sanitary involves inspecting them not only visually, but on a regular basis. You need to know what your strainers look like when they’re in proper working order so that you can quickly identify those situations when a deep clean may be necessary.
Be on the lookout for not only issues like dents but also loose, wavy or torn mesh and other signs of damage. Always check for issues like scratches and cracks as well BEFORE you use your strainers for a particular application.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
Because of the unique way that strainers are designed, there may be times when certain types of dust, dirt or other debris are difficult to remove on your own. When you find yourself in that type of situation, always make sure you have the right, pointy tools by your side.
For the vast majority of these situations, you’ll probably be using either a strainer cleaning machine or a strainer cleaning brush. If yours is a business that relies on the former, make sure that all employees know exactly how to clean your strainers properly and safely using these items.
If You’re Going to Use Fire, Proceed With Caution
Depending on how you’ve just used your strainer (or the length of time that was allowed to pass since its last thorough cleaning), you may find certain lingering particles difficult to remove on your own. In that situation, know that all hope is not lost – oftentimes placing your strainer directly over a burner flame will be more than enough to get the job done.
Doing this will either singe the particles to the point where they’re easier to remove, or it can eliminate them altogether. When doing so, however, you need to proceed with extreme caution.
Always make sure you tie your hair back and secure any loose clothing items or jewelry that you may be working with. Make sure you’re wearing the proper eye protection and always, beyond the shadow of a doubt, check to make sure that you have essential safety equipment like a fire extinguisher BEFORE you begin this process.
Don’t let the flame touch the strainer directly – hold it a few inches away and let the heat work its magic. If necessary, slowly move the strainer closer in a careful fashion and watch those old particles fade away.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- As soon as possible after you use your strainer, always be sure to soak it in a sink filled with warm water. You can add vinegar or baking soda to this solution, but it isn’t necessary.
- You should also keep the right tools by your side to help address particles in those hard-to-reach places. A toothpick or a toothbrush will work wonders.
- If necessary, you can use an open flame to keep your strainers clean and sanitary. If you choose to go this route, always practice proper safety steps before, during and after the process.
If you’d like to find out more information about how to keep your strainers clean, sanitary and operating at peak efficiency for the foreseeable future, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact SaniClean Strainers today.