Efficient Cleaning with Warm Water

Abstract

A prototype chlorinated alkaline cleaner (Diversey-Wyandotte PX 1704) functioned satisfactorily in recirculating water with temperatures as low as 30°C (85°F), whereas typical cleaner formulations currently in use require that water be at least at 60°C (140°F). On-farm experiments for periods up to 1 year with both hard (342 ppm) and softened water gave results similar to those of control periods before water temperature reduction. At each milk delivery to the University of Wisconsin Dairy, collected samples were evaluated for Standard Plate Count and for coliform and psychrotroph populations. Routine inspections with partial disassembly of the equipment showed no evidence of insanitary conditions, accumulation of deposits or conditions which would cause bacteria counts to increase. Evidence shows the importance of this cleaner in that dairy farmers can reduce use of hot water and thus markedly reduce expenditures for energy without sacrificing product quality.