How important is it that you have the right cleaning tool for the job?

October 2019

Have you been made aware from an Auditor, staff member or even a product recall that you have a problem that has been potentially traced back to a cleaning tool? 

If this triggers a memory – best to drill into this further before it looms larger. 

We often find the wrong cleaning tools are used for an application where a better tool is available that is easier and quicker to use, more durable and poses less risk as a foreign matter hazard. 

• I was in a customer`s facility recently and observed a fine dust sweeper used on a rough surfaced floor in a wet area – it was basically useless at removing soil from the floor and was developing severe bristle damage due to more downward force needed to achieve anything.

Oh come on – rubbish – a broom is a broom – is there a bit more behind this? 

Quite a few factors influence the correct tool for the job such as: 

• Floor or machinery surface – is it smooth or rough non-slip?  This has a huge input on the type of tool used
• What soils are being removed – fine powders or larger particles?
• Food safety or customer Audits – does this restrict the use of a certain tool you have been using?
• Environment restrictions – is the area a wet or dry processing area, does it require non-linting cleaning tools?
• Time to clean – what production window have you got to clean?
• Chemical – is the correct chemical being used designed for the soils being removed? Or can I get a far better clean without chemical or using far less?

How can you be sure that your cleaning equipment or process is returning the best overall outcome? 

1. You could ask your long serving staff – ever heard of the saying “if you do what you always have done, you will always get what you have always got”?  This might apply here!
2. You could ask from similar Food manufacturing industry associates – this could possibly be instructive, or they may not know the best application for your situation.
3. You might engage an industry expert for advice – it is important to make sure they have experience in the holistic cleaning procedure for your industry, not just one part of it.

Cleaning is a necessary evil, often done at the end of shift when staff are tired/drained and, if was not done to a necessary standard, the company you work for would be going backwards and in the end your job could be in jeopardy.  

In our experience you will get your best solution by getting in touch with an experienced industry expert, to get some sound advice on where you could potentially improve – and to ensure your staff have the correct tools at hand? 

Simply contact us by filling in the form below: 

We will also send you an auditing and care document to assist with the ongoing care of your cleaning equipment.