How do you spot clean a dairy plant?

Sometimes the problem isn’t the whole plant, it’s one filthy fitting letting the rest down. Spot cleaning targets high-risk areas prior to running a full system wash. 

Note: IF manual spot cleaning in a vat, it must be undertaken with serious caution when removing the spot deposits. Be aware of the safety cautions when entering a vat and that it is not OSH approved. Such as turn off power, wear PPE, take vat door off, have a safety person standing outside vat, never enter the vat without confined space training and equipment, use approved Agmax alkali and acid chemicals.

What do you need to spot clean?

• Agmax Alkali and Agmax Acid (suitable for manual cleaning and sanitising)

• Hot water

• Bucket or spray bottle

• Designated dairy cleaning brushes or cloths

• Gloves, safety gear and PPE

How do you spot clean, step by step?

1. Identify the problem area

• Use your inspection notes or grade test results to pinpoint where the issue might be.

• Typical hot spots include: jetters, rubberware, inlet seals, receiver bowls, vat lines, milk filter housing, sensor probes, vat door seals, stirrer paddles, walls and floors. 

• Note: The milk line that runs from the milk filter to the vat is often overlooked for spot problems. Make sure you check that this line is spotlessly clean with no deposits. 

2. Prepare your cleaning solution

• Mix Agmax Alkali as directed on the label.

• Use hot water. You want effective cleaning.

3. Dismantle if needed

• Take apart any fittings or parts you’re targeting.

• The more exposed the surface, the better your clean will be.

4. Scrub thoroughly

• Use a clean brush or cloth that’s only used for dairy equipment.

• Scrub all milk-contact surfaces until visibly clean.

• Focus on joins, threads, seals, and dead ends where gunk hides.

5. Sanitise

• Apply a sanitising solution of Agmax Acid to the cleaned area.

• Recirculate for at least 8 minutes. 

6. Rinse with cold compliant fresh water.

• Once spot washed with alkali and then acid

• Flush or wipe with cold, clean water until all chemical is removed.

• Don’t leave any residue behind.

• Let the line drain fully before milking. 

When should you spot clean?

• After a grade result points to one area

• After replacing parts

• If visual inspection shows residue or biofilm

• Between scheduled full washes

Pro Tips

• Don’t use the same brush for different areas, especially not the vat and the receiver.

• Store brushes clean and dry. Do not leave them soaking in a bucket.

• If a spot needs cleaning more than once a week, you’ve got a deeper issue to fix!