How do you build a dairy plant wash routine?

You've got the chemistry. You've got the factors. Now it's time to bring it all together in a cleaning routine that works. One that's effective, efficient, and won't waste your water, detergent or sanity.

There's no one-size-fits-all plan, but there are non-negotiables. All Agmax customers get a cleaning routine tailored to their farm, plant, vat and their way of working.

Here's how to build a cleaning routine that punches above its weight. 

What should your wash routine look like every milking?

Consistency is king. Slack off, and the bugs move in.

Every milking, you should:

• Start with a cold compliant fresh water rinse (20L per cluster)

• Follow with your hot detergent wash (10L per cluster, recirculated)

• Wash with cold acid after every alkali wash

• Final rinse with cold compliant fresh water (5-10L per cluster)

Weekly minimums:

• 3x hot alkali washes (best done in the morning)

• All other morning washes hot acid

• Night cleans: Cold acid wash and a fresh water flush

On water exclusion? Use 5 ml chlorine per 100L water.

This routine keeps your gear clean, milk safe, and your grades out of the danger zone.

Should you wash hot in the morning or at night?

Time of day makes a difference.

Morning washes are best for hot water washes. Think alkali.

Night washes still need to clean, not just rinse. Use acid with a cold-water wash for a sanitising effect.

How often should you run acid and alkali?

They do different jobs. You need both.

Acid:

• Removes mineral deposits (like iron, manganese, calcium, silica) 

• Sanitises the surface 

• Can be used hot or cold 

Alkali: 

• Targets fat and protein (milk soil)

• Needs hot water (above 85°C minimum)

• Usually contains caustic soda and chlorine - short but powerful sanitising effect

Never use alkali cold. It's a waste.

Best combo:

• Morning= Hot alkali wash

• Night = Cold acid wash

• Always follow alkali with a cold acid wash to remove residue

How much water does each rinse need?

Yes, your water matters.

• Use cold, compliant fresh water for your rinse 

• Recirculate detergent solutions for 8 minutes to get proper contact time.

• Don't forget the acid wash after alkali - it neutralises residue and boosts your sanitising

power.

Skip-a-step? Prepare for a grade.

Pro tip: Preheat the plant to reduce temp loss. Dump the first 50-100L of water before recirculating. Keeps your detergent mix hotter, longer.

What does a full wash routine look like, step by step?

Here's a no-BS version of what a solid routine looks like:

That’s it. Easy to remember. Hard to mess up. Gets results.